Who we are!
Our mission
To provide clients and their pets with high quality, fair, and compassionate services in a supportive work environment
Core values of Sooke Veterinary Hospital
Animal Welfare, Compassion, Community, Charity, Integrity
To provide clients and their pets with high quality, fair, and compassionate services in a supportive work environment
Core values of Sooke Veterinary Hospital
Animal Welfare, Compassion, Community, Charity, Integrity
Veterinarians
Dr. Deborah Lambert
Dr. Deborah Lambert started down the path to veterinarian with her love of biology. After completing her BSc. at Uvic, she set her sights on Veterinary Medicine and studied at the University of Edinburgh. In 2011, she joined the team at SVH and fast became a part of the family. Her emphasis is on honest, complete communication with clients, and she has a quiet love for dermatology cases because of the challenge they represent.
In 2013, she purchased Sooke Veterinary Hospital from Dr Schaffer and in 2021, welcomed Dr. Di Ponio on as a co-owner.
She lives in Sooke with her husband and three cats, Levi, Corsair and Wolfgang, as well as her sons, Myles and Marcus.
Dr. Lauren DiPonio
Dr. Lauren Di Ponio has imagined being a veterinarian as far back as she can remember. In 2008, after completing a BSc and MSc at UBC, she took the leap across the Pacific Ocean, relocating to New Zealand to commence her studies in veterinary medicine. She graduated in 2012 and returned home to British Columbia to start practicing as a small animal veterinarian. Her interests lie in preventative medicine, nutrition, and dentistry. She is currently a co-owner of Sooke Veterinary Hospital, although we are heartbroken that she will be leaving in June 2023, moving to Ontario.
She lives in Colwood with her husband, Dante, a fellow Canadian she met while in New Zealand, their two young sons, Tyrus and Maddux, and their Jack Russell cross, Luna.
Dr. Lauren Di Ponio has imagined being a veterinarian as far back as she can remember. In 2008, after completing a BSc and MSc at UBC, she took the leap across the Pacific Ocean, relocating to New Zealand to commence her studies in veterinary medicine. She graduated in 2012 and returned home to British Columbia to start practicing as a small animal veterinarian. Her interests lie in preventative medicine, nutrition, and dentistry. She is currently a co-owner of Sooke Veterinary Hospital, although we are heartbroken that she will be leaving in June 2023, moving to Ontario.
She lives in Colwood with her husband, Dante, a fellow Canadian she met while in New Zealand, their two young sons, Tyrus and Maddux, and their Jack Russell cross, Luna.
Dr. Michelle Lareau
Dr Michelle Lareau will be joining the Sooke Vet hospital team as an Associate Veterinarian in May 2023. After first volunteering with, then working for the Regina Humane Society, she realized that I wanted helping animals to be her full time job, and so pursued a career in veterinary medicine. She graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2011 and moved to beautiful BC shortly afterwards. She has a soft spot for geriatric pets and a passion for stress-free handling and internal medicine, plus has additional experience in acupuncture for pets. She says her main intention is to listen carefully to and communicate clearly with every client, so that they can create a health plan, together.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time near the ocean or Sooke River, camping, traveling, live music, working in my yard, with my house plants, or on crocheting and macrame projects. She lives in Sooke with her handsome Basset hound Jake and her 12 year old cat Olive.
Dr Michelle Lareau will be joining the Sooke Vet hospital team as an Associate Veterinarian in May 2023. After first volunteering with, then working for the Regina Humane Society, she realized that I wanted helping animals to be her full time job, and so pursued a career in veterinary medicine. She graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2011 and moved to beautiful BC shortly afterwards. She has a soft spot for geriatric pets and a passion for stress-free handling and internal medicine, plus has additional experience in acupuncture for pets. She says her main intention is to listen carefully to and communicate clearly with every client, so that they can create a health plan, together.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time near the ocean or Sooke River, camping, traveling, live music, working in my yard, with my house plants, or on crocheting and macrame projects. She lives in Sooke with her handsome Basset hound Jake and her 12 year old cat Olive.
Support staff
Kelly M
Kelly M has been with Sooke Veterinary Hospital for over 20 years. Being a Veterinary Assistant is in her blood. Always knowing she wanted to work with animals, she began her career straight out of high school. Kelly, along with her husband Matt and her three young children, lives on a hobby farm in Metchosin. She finds each day at work exciting and loves speaking with, educating and helping our clients and plans to do it for another 15 years!
Kelly M has been with Sooke Veterinary Hospital for over 20 years. Being a Veterinary Assistant is in her blood. Always knowing she wanted to work with animals, she began her career straight out of high school. Kelly, along with her husband Matt and her three young children, lives on a hobby farm in Metchosin. She finds each day at work exciting and loves speaking with, educating and helping our clients and plans to do it for another 15 years!
Kelly S
Kelly S. has lived her life in Sooke and came to Sooke Veterinary Hospital at special request in 2006. We consider ourselves incredibly lucky to have her here! With her compassionate and loving nature, she can soothe even the most anxious pets. Her wide smile is well known around the community, as is her sunny disposition and eagerness to assist.
Kelly, her husband, and her two children live on beautiful acreage, where they care for their two dogs, two cats, two horses, chickens, and guinea pigs. In her spare time, Kelly likes to ride her horses, connect with friends, and spend time at various sporting events for her kids, like riding lessons, soccer, and baseball.
Kelly S. has lived her life in Sooke and came to Sooke Veterinary Hospital at special request in 2006. We consider ourselves incredibly lucky to have her here! With her compassionate and loving nature, she can soothe even the most anxious pets. Her wide smile is well known around the community, as is her sunny disposition and eagerness to assist.
Kelly, her husband, and her two children live on beautiful acreage, where they care for their two dogs, two cats, two horses, chickens, and guinea pigs. In her spare time, Kelly likes to ride her horses, connect with friends, and spend time at various sporting events for her kids, like riding lessons, soccer, and baseball.
Marsha
Originally from a small town in Nova Scotia, Marsha has been in the Veterinary field since 2005 and joined us in 2015. Growing up with many animals, she knew she was going to spend her life trying to help them and live with them. Marsha has two husky mixed rescued dogs, Bobby and Thelma, as well as assorted creatures from llamas to guinea pigs. Gary the Serval is always a special mention!
Marsha enjoys hiking, world traveling and bear watching.
Originally from a small town in Nova Scotia, Marsha has been in the Veterinary field since 2005 and joined us in 2015. Growing up with many animals, she knew she was going to spend her life trying to help them and live with them. Marsha has two husky mixed rescued dogs, Bobby and Thelma, as well as assorted creatures from llamas to guinea pigs. Gary the Serval is always a special mention!
Marsha enjoys hiking, world traveling and bear watching.
Kristen
Kristen joined the Sooke Vet family in 2017 and has made a huge impact in the time since! Not only does she bring a fantastic sense of humour and a contagious laugh, but she also offers a wide skill set as a Veterinary Technician. Kristen is currently finishing her Veterinary Technician education and will be graduating with a certificate in December 2021! We couldn't be more proud of her. Her passion for animal health is inspiring and, paired with her education, it makes her an incredible technician.
When she isn't studying, Kristen enjoys adventuring with her beautiful pup, Cali, and snuggling with her cute kitty, Vinny.
Kristen joined the Sooke Vet family in 2017 and has made a huge impact in the time since! Not only does she bring a fantastic sense of humour and a contagious laugh, but she also offers a wide skill set as a Veterinary Technician. Kristen is currently finishing her Veterinary Technician education and will be graduating with a certificate in December 2021! We couldn't be more proud of her. Her passion for animal health is inspiring and, paired with her education, it makes her an incredible technician.
When she isn't studying, Kristen enjoys adventuring with her beautiful pup, Cali, and snuggling with her cute kitty, Vinny.
Caitlynn
Caitlynn joined the Sooke vet family in 2016. To say that this woman has a passion for animal health is a huge understatement! She is constantly striving to learn more and improve her skills. Not only does she work at Sooke Vet but she also works as a Wildlife Rehabber, runs her own business, and is a full time student at Uvic. Although Caitlynn is always on the go, she still manages to be a constant ray of sunshine in our lives and is always around for a helping hand or an ear to listen.
In her spare time, Caitlynn enjoys spends her time with her dogs Cooper and Ripley, cat Jolene, and often many foster pets! She also loves hiking, gardening and crafting.
Caitlynn joined the Sooke vet family in 2016. To say that this woman has a passion for animal health is a huge understatement! She is constantly striving to learn more and improve her skills. Not only does she work at Sooke Vet but she also works as a Wildlife Rehabber, runs her own business, and is a full time student at Uvic. Although Caitlynn is always on the go, she still manages to be a constant ray of sunshine in our lives and is always around for a helping hand or an ear to listen.
In her spare time, Caitlynn enjoys spends her time with her dogs Cooper and Ripley, cat Jolene, and often many foster pets! She also loves hiking, gardening and crafting.
Justine
Justine joined us in 2018 and quickly became a valuable member of the team! She's passionate about helping animals and was quick to learn new tasks. Her warm, gentle, and loving personality, paired with her witty and vibrant demeanour makes us love having her here! Justine's love for animals started at a young age, when she convinced her mother to own one of almost every domestic animal. This is still the case with her two dogs, two cats, and two rats.
When she is not hard at work, Justine enjoys time with her husband and two kids, hiking, and listening to LOUD music!
Justine joined us in 2018 and quickly became a valuable member of the team! She's passionate about helping animals and was quick to learn new tasks. Her warm, gentle, and loving personality, paired with her witty and vibrant demeanour makes us love having her here! Justine's love for animals started at a young age, when she convinced her mother to own one of almost every domestic animal. This is still the case with her two dogs, two cats, and two rats.
When she is not hard at work, Justine enjoys time with her husband and two kids, hiking, and listening to LOUD music!
Chloe
Chloe joined our team in 2018 while still in high school in Sooke. We have been so lucky to watch her grow into an amazing animal handler and an overall beautiful person. Her incredible sense of humour keeps us on our toes and ensures we are always laughing. She is also passionate about learning and amazingly dedicated!
In her spare time, Chloe enjoys spending time with her friends and her dog, Moose.
Chloe joined our team in 2018 while still in high school in Sooke. We have been so lucky to watch her grow into an amazing animal handler and an overall beautiful person. Her incredible sense of humour keeps us on our toes and ensures we are always laughing. She is also passionate about learning and amazingly dedicated!
In her spare time, Chloe enjoys spending time with her friends and her dog, Moose.
Denyse
Denyse and her family have been a part of Sooke for over 30 years. She has had the opportunity to get to know many of the youth in Sooke from her volunteer and paid work, and now is honoured to get to know and support the furry family members of our clients. You may also see Denyse frequenting a few of the beautiful Sooke trails with her 3 dogs.
Denyse and her family have been a part of Sooke for over 30 years. She has had the opportunity to get to know many of the youth in Sooke from her volunteer and paid work, and now is honoured to get to know and support the furry family members of our clients. You may also see Denyse frequenting a few of the beautiful Sooke trails with her 3 dogs.
Itza
Itza packed up her life in Montreal in 2020 and moved to the Island to join our team as a veterinary technician. She has worked as a technician for over 15 years and is highly experienced and knowledgable, plus she is a perfect fit with the team; laid back, hard working, and supportive. She also is tri-lingual, speaking English, French, and Spanish fluently!
Itza is enjoying exploring her new home on our beautiful island and is settling in with her two dogs, Trooper and Frida, her two cats, Maddox and Zeus, and her bunny, Chuck.
Itza packed up her life in Montreal in 2020 and moved to the Island to join our team as a veterinary technician. She has worked as a technician for over 15 years and is highly experienced and knowledgable, plus she is a perfect fit with the team; laid back, hard working, and supportive. She also is tri-lingual, speaking English, French, and Spanish fluently!
Itza is enjoying exploring her new home on our beautiful island and is settling in with her two dogs, Trooper and Frida, her two cats, Maddox and Zeus, and her bunny, Chuck.
Kayla
As Practice manager, Kayla brings with her a lifelong passion for animals and people. She is committed to supporting Sooke Veterinary hospital and contributing to its high level of patient and client care. Kayla graduated from the Veterinary Assistant program at Granville college and began her career at a small animal practice in Tsawwassen, B.C before making the transition into Veterinary Dermatology. Over the last several years, Kayla has taken a special interest in bookkeeping and Human Resources.
She joined our practice in the summer of 2022 after moving to the island from Squamish, B.C. Kayla currently lives in Shawnigan Lake with her husband Luke, their daughter Willow and their rambunctious giant schnauzer Floki. They will be welcoming another baby girl in the fall of 2022!
Outside of work you can find Kayla and her family exploring our beautiful island or out on the lake kayaking.
As Practice manager, Kayla brings with her a lifelong passion for animals and people. She is committed to supporting Sooke Veterinary hospital and contributing to its high level of patient and client care. Kayla graduated from the Veterinary Assistant program at Granville college and began her career at a small animal practice in Tsawwassen, B.C before making the transition into Veterinary Dermatology. Over the last several years, Kayla has taken a special interest in bookkeeping and Human Resources.
She joined our practice in the summer of 2022 after moving to the island from Squamish, B.C. Kayla currently lives in Shawnigan Lake with her husband Luke, their daughter Willow and their rambunctious giant schnauzer Floki. They will be welcoming another baby girl in the fall of 2022!
Outside of work you can find Kayla and her family exploring our beautiful island or out on the lake kayaking.
Tory
Tory jumped into Veterinary Medicine in August 2022 and has been building her skills and knowledge exponentially since. She’s in love with Sooke Vet as a work place, says her bosses “are amazing” and gets along famously with her colleagues. You might not see her up front yet, but she’s busy in the treatment area, cleaning, prepping, filling prescriptions and more. We’re pretty sure she doesn’t sit down! When not at Sooke Vet, she’s out fishing or dirt biking, or hanging with her critters
Tory jumped into Veterinary Medicine in August 2022 and has been building her skills and knowledge exponentially since. She’s in love with Sooke Vet as a work place, says her bosses “are amazing” and gets along famously with her colleagues. You might not see her up front yet, but she’s busy in the treatment area, cleaning, prepping, filling prescriptions and more. We’re pretty sure she doesn’t sit down! When not at Sooke Vet, she’s out fishing or dirt biking, or hanging with her critters
Taylor
Taylor has felt the call of the Veterinary field and came to Sooke Vet keen to get started on a Veterinary Technician’s program. We’re proud to say she’s gotten accepted and is now hard at work between shifts studying the extensive information! Although quiet, she’s a keen learner and fast to assist with anything. You’ll be seeing her getting your appointments started as our Exam Room Assistant, but she’s also diving into patient care in the back too!
Taylor has felt the call of the Veterinary field and came to Sooke Vet keen to get started on a Veterinary Technician’s program. We’re proud to say she’s gotten accepted and is now hard at work between shifts studying the extensive information! Although quiet, she’s a keen learner and fast to assist with anything. You’ll be seeing her getting your appointments started as our Exam Room Assistant, but she’s also diving into patient care in the back too!