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.
She lives in Sooke with her husband and three cats, Levi, Wolfgang, and Jester as well as her sons, Myles and Marcus.
Dr. Michelle Lareau
Dr Michelle Lareau joined 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 she 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 joined 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 she 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. Drew Collins
Dr. Drew Collins grew up in Coquitlam BC and developed his lifelong goal to work with animals from watching his childhood hero, wildlife educator and conservationist Steve Irwin, aka “The Crocodile Hunter”. To achieve his dream, Drew moved to the Caribbean island of St. Kitts to attend Ross University. After receiving his DVM in 2019, he returned to BC, spending the last four years living in Kamloops and enjoying the beauty of the interior. He moved to Vancouver Island in March 2023 both to be closer to family and to join the compassionate and dedicated team at Sooke Veterinary Hospital. He is passionate about preventative medicine, effective communication, and strongly believes that owners are the most critical member of a pet’s healthcare team.
In his spare time Drew enjoys hiking, reading, dabbling in hobbies varying from photography to drumming, and enjoys nothing more than taking a catnap with his two feline friends Petrie and Phil.
Dr. Drew Collins grew up in Coquitlam BC and developed his lifelong goal to work with animals from watching his childhood hero, wildlife educator and conservationist Steve Irwin, aka “The Crocodile Hunter”. To achieve his dream, Drew moved to the Caribbean island of St. Kitts to attend Ross University. After receiving his DVM in 2019, he returned to BC, spending the last four years living in Kamloops and enjoying the beauty of the interior. He moved to Vancouver Island in March 2023 both to be closer to family and to join the compassionate and dedicated team at Sooke Veterinary Hospital. He is passionate about preventative medicine, effective communication, and strongly believes that owners are the most critical member of a pet’s healthcare team.
In his spare time Drew enjoys hiking, reading, dabbling in hobbies varying from photography to drumming, and enjoys nothing more than taking a catnap with his two feline friends Petrie and Phil.
Dr. Andrew Crookes
Dr. Andrew Crookes grew up in the Okanagan Valley, where he developed a passion for reptiles and amphibians, spending many summer days catching snakes and frogs. Driven by his love for animals, he obtained a BSc. from the University of Victoria and then finished his veterinary training at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 2023. Throughout his journey, one thing has remained constant for Andrew: his passion for reptiles, amphibians, and exotic animal medicine. He is committed to providing exceptional, community-focused care to his furry and scaly patients and is eager to join the Sooke Veterinary Hospital team in August 2023.
He is thrilled to return to the island, accompanied by his fiancée, their dog, two cats, and Eastern Box Turtle. When away from the clinic, Andrew enjoys spending time with his friends, family, and pets or hiking, surfing, or birdwatching.
Dr. Andrew Crookes grew up in the Okanagan Valley, where he developed a passion for reptiles and amphibians, spending many summer days catching snakes and frogs. Driven by his love for animals, he obtained a BSc. from the University of Victoria and then finished his veterinary training at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 2023. Throughout his journey, one thing has remained constant for Andrew: his passion for reptiles, amphibians, and exotic animal medicine. He is committed to providing exceptional, community-focused care to his furry and scaly patients and is eager to join the Sooke Veterinary Hospital team in August 2023.
He is thrilled to return to the island, accompanied by his fiancée, their dog, two cats, and Eastern Box Turtle. When away from the clinic, Andrew enjoys spending time with his friends, family, and pets or hiking, surfing, or birdwatching.
Support staff
Kelly M
Kelly M has been with Sooke Veterinary Hospital for over 20! years. Being a Veterinary Receptionist and 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 children, live 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 20 years!
Kelly M has been with Sooke Veterinary Hospital for over 20! years. Being a Veterinary Receptionist and 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 children, live 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 20 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 three dogs, two cats, two horses, and many chickens. In her spare time, Kelly likes to ride her horses, connect with friends, and spend time at various sporting events for her kids, like dance, 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 three dogs, two cats, two horses, and many chickens. In her spare time, Kelly likes to ride her horses, connect with friends, and spend time at various sporting events for her kids, like dance, 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 a soft spot for huskies and has had multiple rescued version, the current models being Thelma and Nancy! 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 a soft spot for huskies and has had multiple rescued version, the current models being Thelma and Nancy! Marsha enjoys hiking, world traveling, and bear watching.
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, three cats, and her snake (Ball Python)!
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, three cats, and her snake (Ball Python)!
When she is not hard at work, Justine enjoys time with her husband and two kids, hiking, and listening to LOUD music!
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 knowledgeable, 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 and her two cats, Maddox and Zeus.
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 knowledgeable, 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 and her two cats, Maddox and Zeus.
Ani
Ani joined our team in 2018 after working in the Vet Med Industry both in Australia and in Northern Canada. Her love for animals has been a life-long passion, and working in animal health care 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 new trails in the forest, wandering beaches in the area with her dog Jep and camping with friends.
Ani joined our team in 2018 after working in the Vet Med Industry both in Australia and in Northern Canada. Her love for animals has been a life-long passion, and working in animal health care 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 new trails in the forest, wandering beaches in the area with her dog Jep and camping with friends.
Lori
Lori has been in the veterinary field since 1997, so our paths crossed a few times before she came to join us in 2023 and became an amazing jack-of-all-trades exam room assistant. She's easy going and hard working, a perfect match for the team of caring professionals. She considers her career an expression of her lifelong connection with animals and it shows! When not at the clinic, she loves gardening and British mysteries, and makes the most beautiful cards you have seen as a hobby!
Lori has been in the veterinary field since 1997, so our paths crossed a few times before she came to join us in 2023 and became an amazing jack-of-all-trades exam room assistant. She's easy going and hard working, a perfect match for the team of caring professionals. She considers her career an expression of her lifelong connection with animals and it shows! When not at the clinic, she loves gardening and British mysteries, and makes the most beautiful cards you have seen as a hobby!
Dominique
We are excited to introduce Dominique, one of our newer team members who joined us in 2024. Originally from the mainland, Dominique moved here with a deep passion for the region's unique outdoor creatures. She holds a degree in Applied Animal Biology, specializing in Wild Animal Welfare and Conservation, and is eager to contribute her knowledge and skills to our team. Outside of her professional pursuits, Dominique is an avid skier and enjoys playing the piano, a hobby she once taught but she now plays purely for personal enjoyment. We’re thrilled to have her on board and look forward to the contributions she will make!
We are excited to introduce Dominique, one of our newer team members who joined us in 2024. Originally from the mainland, Dominique moved here with a deep passion for the region's unique outdoor creatures. She holds a degree in Applied Animal Biology, specializing in Wild Animal Welfare and Conservation, and is eager to contribute her knowledge and skills to our team. Outside of her professional pursuits, Dominique is an avid skier and enjoys playing the piano, a hobby she once taught but she now plays purely for personal enjoyment. We’re thrilled to have her on board and look forward to the contributions she will make!
Max
Max joined the Sooke Vet Team in 2024 after shadowing in 2023. He came to us with an eager attitude to learn all there is about animal health care and wellbeing. Max is working toward building his knowledge to hopefully attend Vet School in the next few years and we are looking forward to helping him achieve this goal. In his spare time Max has his hands full with his many pets, Kronk and Cilantro the Bunnies, Dash and Jack Jack the Budgies and his dogs and cats who complete his little at home zoo! Max is also known for keeping us happy and well fed with his love for baking!
Max joined the Sooke Vet Team in 2024 after shadowing in 2023. He came to us with an eager attitude to learn all there is about animal health care and wellbeing. Max is working toward building his knowledge to hopefully attend Vet School in the next few years and we are looking forward to helping him achieve this goal. In his spare time Max has his hands full with his many pets, Kronk and Cilantro the Bunnies, Dash and Jack Jack the Budgies and his dogs and cats who complete his little at home zoo! Max is also known for keeping us happy and well fed with his love for baking!