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 now a co-owner of Sooke Veterinary Hospital as well.
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 now a co-owner of Sooke Veterinary Hospital as well.
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. Ariana Lynn
Dr Ariana Lynn joined the Sooke Vet Family in 2020, having previously completed her veterinary degree in Budapest. Ariana’s dream has always been to work in small animal medicine in a small community just like Sooke! She is currently studying for her Canadian Board Exams so that she can work as a veterinarian here at Sooke Veterinary Hospital but you may see her in her student role in the meantime. Not only is Ariana an amazing, knowledgeable team member, she also brings with her a very big heart. To say that she is passionate and caring would be an understatement. She instantly fit in with the rest of the team and is always happy to help in any way, whether at work or in her (very minimal) spare time.
Ariana and her husband Mark have decided that Sooke is going to be their forever home, with their 3 dogs and 5 cats! Although she doesn’t have a lot of spare time, she still manages to get out and explore the area with her beautiful pups.
Dr Ariana Lynn joined the Sooke Vet Family in 2020, having previously completed her veterinary degree in Budapest. Ariana’s dream has always been to work in small animal medicine in a small community just like Sooke! She is currently studying for her Canadian Board Exams so that she can work as a veterinarian here at Sooke Veterinary Hospital but you may see her in her student role in the meantime. Not only is Ariana an amazing, knowledgeable team member, she also brings with her a very big heart. To say that she is passionate and caring would be an understatement. She instantly fit in with the rest of the team and is always happy to help in any way, whether at work or in her (very minimal) spare time.
Ariana and her husband Mark have decided that Sooke is going to be their forever home, with their 3 dogs and 5 cats! Although she doesn’t have a lot of spare time, she still manages to get out and explore the area with her beautiful pups.
Assistants
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.
Danica
Danica joined the team at Sooke Vet in 2018, bringing with her a strong knowledge of animal care and experience in the Veterinary field. Her ability to adapt to situations and multitask makes her a great assess to the team!
When she is not working, Danica enjoys hiking with her dog Bohdi, adventuring and camping with her two boys, and exploring all things nature. She's also a well-known member of the community and can often be found playing pool at the local Legion.
Danica joined the team at Sooke Vet in 2018, bringing with her a strong knowledge of animal care and experience in the Veterinary field. Her ability to adapt to situations and multitask makes her a great assess to the team!
When she is not working, Danica enjoys hiking with her dog Bohdi, adventuring and camping with her two boys, and exploring all things nature. She's also a well-known member of the community and can often be found playing pool at the local Legion.
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!
Ani
Ani joined our team in 2018 after working in the industry both in Australia and in Northern Canada. Her love for animals has been a life-long passion, and working in animal health is a dream come true. Ani brings a wide range of skills, is always up for a challenge, and is our resident "Jane of all trades."
In her spare time, Ani is often out exploring the area with her dog Jep and camping with friends.
Ani joined our team in 2018 after working in the industry both in Australia and in Northern Canada. Her love for animals has been a life-long passion, and working in animal health is a dream come true. Ani brings a wide range of skills, is always up for a challenge, and is our resident "Jane of all trades."
In her spare time, Ani is often out exploring the area with her dog Jep and camping with friends.
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
Known as a constant learner and lover of new challenges, Denyse found the receptionist position with her own veterinary care provider in her own community couldn’t be resisted. Denyse and her family have been Sooke residents since 1991. Denyse is passionate about family, activities with her dogs (hiking and sheep herding), and volunteering with child, youth, and family-focused organizations such as Help Fill A Dream Foundation.
Known as a constant learner and lover of new challenges, Denyse found the receptionist position with her own veterinary care provider in her own community couldn’t be resisted. Denyse and her family have been Sooke residents since 1991. Denyse is passionate about family, activities with her dogs (hiking and sheep herding), and volunteering with child, youth, and family-focused organizations such as Help Fill A Dream Foundation.
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.
Rhys
Rhys joined the Sooke Vet family in 2017, working between studying and going to school. Rhys has always had a passion for animals and science, so naturally working in the veterinary field has peaked his interest. He is a wonderful asset to our team, always willing to try new things and happy to help in all areas of the hospital.
When he is not studying, going to school, or working, Rhys enjoys gaming, playing/watching baseball, and video creation and editing.
Rhys joined the Sooke Vet family in 2017, working between studying and going to school. Rhys has always had a passion for animals and science, so naturally working in the veterinary field has peaked his interest. He is a wonderful asset to our team, always willing to try new things and happy to help in all areas of the hospital.
When he is not studying, going to school, or working, Rhys enjoys gaming, playing/watching baseball, and video creation and editing.
Mackenzie
Mackenzie came to Sooke vet in 2020 with a goal in mind; she will be a Veterinarian some day. She is eager to learn in all areas of veterinary medicine and is currently studying in the Veterinary program in New Zealand. Her drive and passion for animal health makes her an excellent asset to our team and her bubbly personality and witty humour make her fit right in with the Sooke vet family.
When Mackenzie isn’t working or studying, she spends most of her time on her family farm with her many animals, catering to all of their needs.
Mackenzie came to Sooke vet in 2020 with a goal in mind; she will be a Veterinarian some day. She is eager to learn in all areas of veterinary medicine and is currently studying in the Veterinary program in New Zealand. Her drive and passion for animal health makes her an excellent asset to our team and her bubbly personality and witty humour make her fit right in with the Sooke vet family.
When Mackenzie isn’t working or studying, she spends most of her time on her family farm with her many animals, catering to all of their needs.
Ashley
Ashley started volunteering at Sooke Vet in 2020 for a brief period and came back to join us in 2021. She has a passion for working with animals and plans on going to college to become a Veterinary Technician. She has become an eager helping hand, picking up skills in animal handling and care as she goes. Ashley brings a big smile and sunny disposition to the clinic that we truly appreciate.
When she is not working, Ashley spends her time reading books or hiking with her dog Oscar.
Ashley started volunteering at Sooke Vet in 2020 for a brief period and came back to join us in 2021. She has a passion for working with animals and plans on going to college to become a Veterinary Technician. She has become an eager helping hand, picking up skills in animal handling and care as she goes. Ashley brings a big smile and sunny disposition to the clinic that we truly appreciate.
When she is not working, Ashley spends her time reading books or hiking with her dog Oscar.