Dr Stephen Ganton - I was raised in Kelowna, and started working as a high school student at Fairfield Animal Hospital when it was owned by Dr. Alan Gill. I attended University of Victoria and then WCVM (Western College of Veterinary Medicine) while working summers at Fairfield Animal Hospital as a kennel assistant. After graduation, I joined Fairfield as an associate. In 1998, I bought the practice from Dr. Gill. I have always had a special interest in emergency medicine, and have been a member of the VECCS (Veterinary Emergency Critical Care Society) since 2000. It was my dream to transform Fairfield Animal Hospital into the 24 hour emergency facility for the Okanagan Valley. In my free time I enjoy running triathlons, which includes completing in two Iron Mans. My family includes my Lab named Westin who is my running partner, my Bassett Hound named Watson, two cats, Charlotte and Oliver Twist, and I recently rescued Mastiff cross named Coco.

Dr Jennifer Watt - I was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. When I was a teenager, I watched a family dog go through a difficult time with epilepsy, and decided I wanted to dedicate my career to helping pets and their owners. After graduation I worked for the Winnipeg Emergency Clinic, gaining experience with emergency veterinary medicine. After some time, I moved on to working for the Winnipeg Humane Society. There I developed a broad range of small animal medical and surgical experience. I enjoy working with owners to make the best choices for their pets, based on their individual families and circumstances. I love hearing clients’ stories about their pets, and how much joy they bring to their lives! I live in a household with three generations of family members! It’s hectic, but it works! Throughout the years, I have rescued many animals and given them a great home. I believe that karma exists, and that anything is possible if you work hard and don’t give up.

Dr Kai Ng graduated from the Atlantic Veterinary College in 2008. Afterward he spent a year doing an internship at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. His veterinary interests include internal medicine and radiology. He lives on his hobby farm with his various horses, cats and dogs and his lovely wife Dr. Deanna Jenner and children Mei- Lei and William.

Dr Laurel Casey - I was born and raised in a small town in Nova Scotia, and always had a passion for animals. My dad told me once that he knew I would become a veterinarian when I grew up because I would play with and talk to every animal I saw - I would even kiss the bugs in our yard goodbye before coming back inside the house! After vet school, I worked in Nova Scotia briefly before traveling abroad to Australia and New Zealand. Upon arriving back in Canada, my husband and I decided to pack our bags and drive across Canada to Kelowna, BC to enjoy the sunshine. We live happily with our loveable Golden Retrievers Bodie and Boone, and my draft horse named Lyla. My goal with every patient visit is to educate owners on what is going on with their pet, so that they can make the best decisions about their care. I always try to treat others the way I would like to be treated, whether that be clients, patients, or the wonderful staff I work with!

Dr Franzi Ruder - I’ve had a deep love for animals ever since I was a young child, growing up in a small town near Leipzip, Germany. I have always enjoyed the idea of being able to help an animal live a long and healthy life alongside their owner. For many of us, animals are a very important part of our families and need to be treated so. Also, no two days are alike in the vet clinic, and this gives me joy! I began my career as a veterinarian in Regina, where my husband has Saskatchewan roots. After an exciting year of travelling through Europe with my husband and young son, Lennon, our family decided to make the move west to the beautiful Okanagan! My family now includes my daughter Ellie, and a very adorable and “toddler tolerant” kitty named Princess Patches. My goal during every patient interaction is to provide the best medical care for the animal, starting with a thorough examination followed by diagnostic and treatment planning, while maintaining good rapport with both the patient and the owner. I am always reminding myself of how it feels to be the owner of an animal in need of care, and try to combine smart medical decision making with a compassionate attitude toward the family. Ultimately, I want to improve the quality and length of all the pets’ lives that I see.

Dr Cassie Henry - I grew up on a ranch in Vernon, so animals have always been a major part of my life. The ranch was established in 1919, and over the years we have had horses, cattle, birds, guinea pigs, dogs, and cats! I have always had a strong interest in medicine; I considered becoming a human doctor as a teenager, but my love for animals drew me towards veterinary medicine instead. I believe that good communication with owners about their animal’s health is extremely important. I always want to answer any and all concerns clients may have, and explain all the options they have for preventative care, treatment, as well as general health screening. Above all, I want pets to feel safe and enjoy their visit to the clinic. During my days off, I enjoy hiking, gardening, crocheting, cooking and spending time with my family (fur babies at the ranch included!)

Dr Laura Verhelst - My family adopted our first pet, Ginger, when I was 13 years old. She was a beautiful and gentle dog and she made a lasting impression on our whole family. Because of Ginger, I learned how the human-animal bond can enrich someone's life. By the time I was applying for University there was no doubt in my mind that becoming a veterinarian was what I was meant to do. First and foremost, my goal with every patient visit is to make my patient (and clients) comfortable.This means going slow, and using minimal or no restraint if possible. Cats and dogs are often examined on the floor or on a comfy towel on the table. It is my goal to make sure everyone feels welcome, listened to, and taken care of when they leave the clinic. I share my house with three adorable boys. The first is my human partner, Adam. Reggie, my big goofy fluffy tabby cat, is my personal favorite because he is a sassy senior. Jerome, the sleek black panther, is a true gentleman, and is Adam's favorite kitty, and we recently adopted a three-legged Siamese mix named Terry! “There's some good in this world, Mr. Frodo...and it's worth fighting for” - Samwise Gamgee

Dr Anna Huber -I always wanted a career that would let me make a positive difference in the lives around me, both animal and human. I love the challenge and variety that exists working in veterinary medicine - every day is a new adventure! I want every vet visit to result in the pet and their owner feeling better than before they saw me. Everything from a simple vaccine visit to an end of life discussion should ease or prevent suffering, minimize fear and stress, and help owners make the best decisions for themselves and their animals. Compassion comes first. I believe we must approach our patients, their owners, and ourselves with compassion, always. This is my guiding principle in all situations and decisions I am faced with as a veterinarian, from the most simple and routine, to the most complex and challenging. I have three very fluffy fur kids at home - my naughty American Eskimo/Border Collie cross named Mulder, and my two longhaired cats Frankie and Ted. Yes, I spend a lot of time vacuuming (sigh).

Dr Jeff Brisebois - I grew up in Drayton Valley, Alberta, and attended the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. I have always had a passion for medicine, and improving the health of the animals in our lives. I am fascinated by how the human-animal bond connects people with more than just cats and dogs, but also smaller mammals, birds, and reptiles. I am also fascinated by how the anatomy and physiology differs so vastly between these species, and yet how similar the medical and surgical techniques can be for them. My goal is to make sure every patient visit is welcoming, in hopes to design the best diagnostic and treatment plan that fits both the patient and the owner’s goals and expectations. This includes strong communication and thoughtful planning to ensure both the patient and the client’s needs are met. I believe that every animal, from furry to feathery to scaly deserves access to good health care and longevity of life. My family includes my lovely wife, two daughters, and two Norwegian Elkhounds, Will and Katie.

Shannon - Practice Manager/Registered Veterinary Technician - Shannon graduated from Thompson Rivers University as a Veterinary Technician but has worked in many different aspects of the veterinary world including: marine and wildlife medicine, emergency medicine, teaching and now hospital administration. She has a soft spot for squishy faced dogs!

Kristina- Registered Veterinary Technician - Kristina was born and raised here in Kelowna. She moved to Calgary to attend NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology) for the Animal Health Technologist program. She completed her practicum at Fairfield Animal Hospital and started working with us immediately following her graduation. Kristina enjoys living in Kelowna with her cats Geno, Meeshie, and Vinny.

Amanda- Animal Health Technologist - Amanda was born and raised in Regina, Saskatchewan. She moved to the Okanagan in 2007 and fell in love with Kelowna! She completed her Veterinary Office Assistant program in 2010. She and her husband Shayne have a Beagle named Smokes, a Silky Terrier named Fry, and three handsome ginger kitties named Keymoh, Eddy, and Bo. She enjoys the fast pace of emergency medicine. In her spare time Amanda enjoys camping, hiking, snowboarding, canoeing, and all outdoor activities.

Hannah - Registered Veterinary Technician - Hannah grew up in Camrose, Alberta before moving to Kelowna for high school. She started volunteering at a vet clinic at age 13 and went straight to tech school after graduation. She started working at Fairfield between and first and second year at Thompson Rivers University and came back after graduation in 2016. Hannah has a cat named Cinder and a dog named Oakley whom she adopted from the program at TRU. She enjoys hiking and camping during her spare time.

Joyce - Registered Veterinary Technician

Michelle H - Registered Veterinary Technician - Michelle has always had a way with animals. Growing up on a farm in Golden, B.C. gave her the opportunity to live with and care for various types of animals. Michelle graduated from the Animal Health Technology program in 2011 and moved to Kelowna in 2012. Shortly after starting at Fairfield she adopted an abandoned street kitty, named Sassy, who was brought in for head trauma. Sassy has since fully recovered and Michelle is a very proud cat mommy!

Kristen - Registered Veterinary Technician - Kristen grew up in Corner Brook Newfoundland and started working in vet medicine at 17. She graduated from tech school in 2013 and moved to Kelowna directly after. Kristen lives with her two dogs Tigs and Zooey, kitten named Arwyn, three rats and a skink named Remington. She has a passion for working with fearful and aggressive dogs (especially the Nordic breeds!) and exotics. Most of her spare time is spent in the forest with her dogs or snowboarding at Big White.

Wendy D - Animal Health Technologist - Wendy was born and raised in the Cariboo region. Wendy and her husband Mike moved to Vernon in 2010. Wendy commutes daily to work with our team. Wendy previously worked at a busy mixed practice in Williams Lake. She has two grown daughters and a young Great Dane cross, that she spends time with whenever she can. Wendy is one of our overnight nurses for the busy emergency portion of our practice.

Rissa - Registered Veterinary Technician - Rissa is originally from Victoria BC, and moved to Alberta in 2008 for college. Having a passion for horses from a very young age she decided to study Equine Science at Old's College, as well as spend a year in West Virginia at Meredith Manor International Equine College, where she received certifications in equine massage therapy, training, and teaching. Rissa worked as a professional horse trainer for 5 years in Edmonton, then in the summer of 2014 decided to continue her education and apply to NAIT in Edmonton to become an Registered Veterinary Technologist. After graduating last spring in 2017 Rissa decided to move to the Okanagan! In her spare time she enjoys going hiking with her Boarder Collie Cj, camping and snowboarding.

Anne - Registered Veterinary Technician - Anne was raised in Whiterock BC. Anne always had dogs and cats in her childhood home. Growing up, she spent much of her time riding and competing three day event horses. In 1997 Anne decided to pursue a career as a veterinary technician, getting her education at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops. Since graduating, she has found a passion for emergency medicine, enjoying the fast paced variety it offers. Anne, her husband and two children live on a small hobby farm, where they breed and show top quality dressage horses. Like most people in Veterinary medicine, Anne has a menagerie of small animals who share her home. With work, a young family, horses, small animals and the farm, life is never boring!

Jessica B - Registered Veterinary Technician

Brittney - Registered Veterinary Technician - Brittney wanted to work with animals from a very young age. She attended the Algonquin college in Ottawa Ontario for Veterinary Technology, where she graduated in 2013. Brittany started with Fairfield in mid 2015 and is loving it! In her spare time she enjoys traveling, camping and the beaches of the Okanagan! At home she lives with a sassy, adorable Pomeranian named Foxy, who she brings along on all her outdoor adventures!

Savanna - Veterinary Technology Student

Natalie - Reception - Natalie was born and raised in Kelowna, and graduated from the Centre for Arts and Technology's Veterinary Hospital Assistant program. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking and exploring the outdoors, and also lazy days inside spent reading, alongside her cat Buddha.

Nikki - Reception - Nikki started working for The Interior Pet Health Group in 2016 after completing her Veterinary Hospital Assistant Course. Before then, she had completed an Asc. Science Degree from UBCO. Nikki was a Research Analyst at Disney Interactive for 7 years before deciding to pursue her dream of working with animals. In her free time she loves kitty snuggles, reading, and time spent outdoors.

Michelle S - Reception

Laura - Reception

Wendy M - Reception

Linda - Reception

Brandon - Reception

Kayla - Reception - Kayla moved from Ontario to Kelowna in 2010. She started working at Fairfield in 2011 after completing the Veterinary Assistant program at the Center for Arts and Technology. Kayla loves to spend her free time camping with her husband Josh, daughter Ruby, and their Border Collie Chloe!

Brenda B - Reception - Brenda was born and raised in Kamloops, she moved to Kelowna in 2007 where she met her husband. Brenda completed the Veterinary Office Assistant program at Granville Business College in 2009, and has been working at Fairfield since 2011. When she’s not working Brenda loves spending time with her husband, daughter and her dogs.

Breanna - Kennel Technician

Nick - Kennel Technician - Nick grew up on a farm in South East Kelowna, where he garnered over 1000 hours of animal husbandry experience caring for their horses. He is currently working towards his Engineering degree at UBCO, and in his spare time he enjoys spending time with his three dogs Ozzie, Woody, and Frank.