Joybound People & Pets Welcomes Dr. Michael Ziccardi to Board of Directors 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Accomplished veterinarian and One Health Institute leader brings decades of animal health, emergency response, and community collaboration experience to Board. 

Walnut Creek, CA — November 12, 2026 — Joybound People & Pets is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Ziccardi, DVM, MPVM, PhD, Hon ACZM to its Board of Directors. A nationally recognized veterinarian, educator, and leader in animal health and emergency response, Dr. Ziccardi brings extensive experience in veterinary medicine, epidemiology, wildlife health, and disaster preparedness to Joybound’s mission of strengthening the human-animal bond. 

Dr. Ziccardi currently serves as Director of the California Veterinary Emergency Team (CVET) at UC Davis and previously served as Executive Director of the One Health Institute and Co-Director of the Accessible Veterinary Care (AVC) program at that university. He is also Director of the Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center (WHC), Head of Global Programs for the Oiled Wildlife Care Network (OWCN), Co-Director of the California Raptor Center, and Health Science Clinical Professor in the Department of Medicine & Epidemiology at the UC Davis Weill School of Veterinary Medicine. 

Dr. Ziccardi earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, a master’s degree in preventive veterinary medicine, and a doctorate in epidemiology from UC Davis. Since 1996, he has served as an oil spill response veterinarian and oiled wildlife response director during more than 75 incidents nationally and internationally, making significant contributions to veterinary research, education, wildlife conservation, and emergency response. 

“Dr. Ziccardi brings an extraordinary combination of veterinary expertise, emergency response leadership, and a deep understanding of the connection between animal, human, community, and environmental health,” said Susan Lee Vick, President and Chief Executive Officer of Joybound People & Pets. “In California, where wildfires, earthquakes, and other natural disasters pose ongoing challenges, expertise to protect animals and support families during emergencies is more important than ever. Michael’s experience and commitment to One Health principles will be invaluable as Joybound expands its disaster preparedness and response efforts, strengthening resources that help pets, people, communities, and the environment thrive. We are delighted to welcome him to the Board.” 

Dr. Ziccardi joins Joybound’s Board at a time of continuing growth, including the development of The Liberty Center, a new facility that will expand veterinary behavioral services, crisis boarding, disaster-response capabilities, and pet boarding and daycare. His expertise will help inform Joybound’s ongoing commitment to the wellness of pets, people, and the communities they share. 

The Liberty Center also reflects Joybound’s One Health approach, recognizing that the wellbeing of people, pets, communities, and the world they share is deeply connected. When it opens in early 2028, the Center will represent one of the most comprehensive investments in supporting the human-animal bond in the Bay Area.   

For media inquiries, interview opportunities with Joybound Leadership, images, or additional information about The Liberty Center, please contact Chelsea Blackburn.