Nova Scotia Veterinarian

Meet our Tartan Tails Family

Say hello to our team of leading Veterinarians, Vet Technicians and Vet Support staff

Our Dartmouth Vet Clinic Team

  • A woman wearing veterinary scrubs and a stethoscope around her neck, smiling at the camera, with 'Tartan Tails Veterinary Hospital' logo on her shirt.

    Dr. Kyla Wuhr

    Position: Director of Veterinary Services

    Furry family members: 1 kitten (Simon), but on the lookout for another kitten to join our fam jam

    Qualifications & Education: Graduated from UPEI in 2001 with a BSc and AVC in 2005 with a DVM

    Favourite and most fulfilling about working in veterinary medicine: “Being able to help families when their pet needs life saving surgery such as foreign body removal or a pyometra spay and the pet gets to go home and live a long and happy life!”

  • A smiling man in a dark gray veterinary uniform with 'Tartan Tails Veterinary Hospital' embroidered on it, standing against a plain white background.

    Dr. Mike Ackerley

    Position: Veterinarian

    Furry family members: 2 senior cats (Lumpy & Gizmo)

    Qualifications & Education: Completed Bachelor of Animal Science at NSAC (now Dal AC) in 2005 and then subsequently graduated with Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Atlantic Veterinary in 2009

    Favourite and most fulfilling about working in veterinary medicine: “Being a voice for animals that cannot speak for themselves. I have a special interest in veterinary dentistry, and preventative veterinary medicine.”

  • A smiling man wearing black glasses and a black veterinarian scrubs with a logo and name tag, standing against a plain white background.

    Dr. Mike West

    Position: Veterinary Education Program Director, Clinical Veterinarian at Tartan Tails Veterinary Hospital

    Furry family members: 1 dog (Ghizmo) and 1 cat (Spitty)

    Qualifications & education: DVM graduated 1994, Small Animal Veterinarian in UK and Canada

    Favourite and most fulfilling about working in veterinary medicine: Solving problems!

  • A smiling woman in teal veterinary scrubs sitting at a desk.

    Rosie

    Position: Veterinary Administration and Communications

    Furry family members: 1 cat (Georgie) and 1 rabbit (Henry)

    Qualifications & Education: Worked as a pharmacy assistant prior to the veterinary field

    Favourite and most fulfilling about working in veterinary medicine: “I find it extremely rewarding to be able to help advocate for the animals in need of veterinary care because they are not able to voice their own needs.”

  • A woman dressed in blue veterinary scrubs with a stethoscope around her neck, wearing a floral headscarf, smiling, with tattooed arm visible, standing against a plain white background.

    Lauren Ings-MacDonald

    Position: Registered Veterinary Technician

    Furry family members: 1 dog (Clementine) and 2 cats (Royal & Cinderella)

    Qualifications & Education: Graduated Dalhousie Veterinary Technology Program in 2019 and worked in general practice for 4 years. “I spent my summers going on farm calls with my Grandfather DVM Albert Ings which fostered a love of animals and veterinary medicine.”

    Favourite and most fulfilling about working in veterinary medicine: “As much as I love the animals and find a huge amount of fulfillment and joy in being able to work with and care for them, my true love is the medicine itself. Being able to constantly learn and evolve my skills.”

  • A woman dressed in veterinary scrubs standing against a plain white background, smiling and looking at the camera.

    Michelle Doane

    Position: Lead Registered Veterinary Technician

    Furry family members: 2 dogs (Archer and Landie, an SPCA Alumni)

    Qualifications & Education: Graduated from Dalhousie University in 2016 with a BSc, then graduated from Dalhousie University Agricultural campus in 2019 with a degree in Veterinary Technology. Passed the VTNE a few months later

    Favourite and most fulfilling about working in veterinary medicine: “Developing bonds with pet owners and being a source of support and education for them is very rewarding. Also working closely with the veterinarians and other staff members to provide comprehensive care is very fulfilling as an RVT. Each team member’s contributions are vital to the successful outcomes, and the collaborative environment is a great source of professional growth and camaraderie. Every day brings new cases and challenges, keeping the work dynamic and engaging.”

  • A young woman in a red medical uniform with black accents, smiling, standing against a plain white background.

    Amy Choi

    Position: Veterinary Assistant

    Furry family members: No pets at this time... yet

    Qualifications & Education: The Nova Scotia SPCA College of Animal Welfare

    Favourite and most fulfilling about working in veterinary medicine: “As a VA, it is a great joy to help animals and care about their wellbeing to make both animals and owners happy.”

  • A young woman with short, orange hair wearing a red Veterinary Hospital uniform with the logo 'Tartan Tails Veterinary Hospital' on the chest, smiling at the camera against a plain white background.

    Jennah Bear

    Position: Veterinary Assistant

    Furry family members: 2 cats (Daisy-Mae and Zero)

    Qualifications & Education: Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and the Nova Scotia SPCA College of Animal Welfare

    Favourite and most fulfilling about working in veterinary medicine: “Knowing that the job you are doing is helping to keep families and their fur-babies together!”

  • A woman with short brown hair, glasses, and a big smile wearing a red veterinary uniform with the logo of Tartan Tails Veterinary Hospital.

    Kristen Kelly

    Position: Veterinary Assistant

    Furry family members: No pets right now... yet

    Qualifications & Education: Bachelor of Arts from Mount Saint Vincent University and the Nova Scotia SPCA College of Animal Welfare

    Favourite and most fulfilling about working in veterinary medicine: “I like that by providing my support to the veterinarians and veterinary technicians it allows them to provide their best service to their patients and the patients’ families. And of course, I love cuddling with all the puppies and kitties.”

  • A woman in veterinary scrubs with a pet hospital logo, smiling and looking at the camera, against a plain background.

    Laura Hobbs

    Position: Veterinary Services Liaison

    Furry family members: 1 dog (Murtagh), 2 cats (Huxley and Franny-Lou), and 5 hens (Bizzy, CC, Lulu, Muffin and Gemmy)

    Qualifications & Education: Graduated from the Veterinary Administrative Assistant program from Eastern College in 2006. She brings almost 2 decades of experience into her current role.

    Favourite and most fulfilling about working in veterinary medicine: “I find fulfillment in supporting our team through developing processes that improve the pet and client experience across our Nova Scotian communities. It's not just about helping pets to me, because pets come with people, and they matter too!”

  • A woman wearing glasses and a teal veterinary scrubs top with the logo and name 'Tartan Tails Veterinary Hospital'. She has long wavy dark hair, a necklace, and is standing against a plain white background.

    Julia Leslie

    Description Position: Veterinary Administration and Communications 

    Furry family members: 1 cat (Dani), 1 dog (Kensie Lou), and 1 bunny (Gibson) 

    Qualifications & Education: The Nova Scotia SPCA College of Animal Welfare. “My first experience working in the veterinary field began during a co-op job at Hope For Wildlife. I was hired that summer and continued working there until it was time for me to go back to school. I had to decide at that moment whether to pursue a career in veterinary medicine as a vet assistant or to go college to become a red seal welder. I always listened to my parents' advice to trust my instincts, and I did! Following high school, I was accepted to the SPCA College of Animal Welfare, where I started my journey toward becoming a veterinary assistant by gaining practical experience in the classroom, on rotations, and on field trips I thank the SPCA College Of Animal Welfare for helping me pursue my dreams of working in veterinary medicine.”  

    Favourite and most fulfilling about working in veterinary medicine: “I consider it highly fulfilling to assist in advocating for animals requiring veterinary attention, as they are unable to express their own needs. I also find it rewarding being able to Help and educate owners in stressful situations.” goes here

Our Cape Breton Vet Clinic Team

  • A smiling man in medical scrubs with a stethoscope around his neck.

    Dr. Byron Buick

    Position: Veterinarian

    Furry family members: 2 dogs (Rosie and Mr. Todd), 1 bearded dragon, 1 cat (Bobby), 3 African Grey Parrots, 1 Cockatoo, 1 Senegal Parrot, 1 love bird, 1 pigeon, 2 parakeet and 2 hamsters

    Qualifications & Education: Bachelor of Science and Biology, Bachelor of Land Use and Environmental Sciences and DVM

    Favourite and most fulfilling about working in veterinary medicine: “Helping the animals and the pet parents.”

  • A smiling man wearing gray veterinary scrubs with a logo and text that reads 'Tartan Tails Veterinary Hospital' on the chest, standing against a white background.

    Dr. Donald Buchanan

    Position: Veterinarian

    Furry family members: 2 dogs (Harper & Penney) and 2 cats (Pat & Walter)

    Qualifications & Education: BSc 2010 from the Nova Scotia Agricultural College and DVM 2014 Atlantic Veterinary College

    Favourite and most fulfilling about working in veterinary medicine: “I like to help families help their animals.”

  • A woman in veterinary scrubs, smiling, wearing a colorful surgical cap with animal designs, standing against a plain white background.

    Dr. Kim Murphy

    Position: Veterinarian 

    Furry family members: 1 dog (Bailey) 

    Qualifications & Education: Pre-veterinary studies at the Dalhousie Faculty of Agriculture in Truro, NS. Then completed a DVM degree at the Atlantic Veterinary College in Charlottetown, PE in 2018. 

    Favourite and most fulfilling about working in veterinary medicine: Most fulfilling part of working in vet med is providing access to quality care for all community members in my hometown.   

  • A smiling woman wearing pink veterinary scrubs with the logo 'Tartan Tail Veterinary Hospital' on the shirt.

    Dawn McPhee

    Position: Registered Veterinary Technologist and Senior Support Staff

    Furry family members: 4 SPCA alumni dogs (Annie, Carol, Kobe, and Julian) and 2 SPCA alumni cats (Mabel and Leaf)

    Qualifications & Education: Graduated with Animal Health Technology Diploma in 2000 from NSAC (now Dal Ag) in Truro. Worked as an RVT for over 25 years.

    Favourite and most fulfilling about working in veterinary medicine: “Most fulfilling is helping an animal that is sick or injured get back to health and rejoin its family.”

  • A smiling woman wearing glasses and a red veterinary uniform with the Tartan Tails Veterinary Hospital logo, standing against a white background.

    Chandini Chandramohan

    Position: Lead Veterinary Assistant

    Furry family members: 2 cats (Nova and Cutie Pie)

    Qualifications & education: Bachelor of Ayurveda Medicine and Surgery

    Favourite and most fulfilling about working in veterinary medicine: “Helping pets have a better life and to be their voice.”

  • A woman wearing a red veterinary uniform with the logo of Tartan Tails Veterinary Hospital, standing against a white background.

    Vandana Radhakrishnan Vanaja

    Position: Administrative Coordinator

    Furry family members: None at this time... yet

    Qualifications & Education: Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science & Engineering, PBD in Business Management

    Favourite and most fulfilling about working in veterinary medicine: “Working in veterinary medicine is deeply fulfilling because it combines a commitment to service with a profound impact on the well-being of animals and their families. The opportunity to improve the quality of life for pets, support their owners through challenging times, and contribute to the overall health of the community is incredibly rewarding. Each day presents new challenges and chances to make a positive difference, which aligns perfectly with my passion for service-oriented work.”

  • A smiling woman in blue medical scrubs and glasses standing against a white background.

    Courtney Thomas

    Position: Registered Veterinary Technician

    Furry family members: 1 cat (Carl) and 2 dogs (Callie and Abby)

    Qualifications & Education: Graduated from the Veterinary Technician program at Oulton college in 2017

    Favourite and most fulfilling about working in veterinary medicine: “⁠For me, the dental health aspect of Veterinary medicine is very rewarding. For a lot of these animals, a dental cleaning can change their lives for the better. Animals are great at hiding pain so it is our job to spot the signs. Knowing that these animals are going to feel so much relief after a good dentistry is such a great feeling. And who doesn’t love fresh, clean dog breath!”

  • A man with a beard and tattoos wearing blue medical scrubs with a logo and name tag, standing against a white background.

    Chris Wilkinson

    Position: Veterinary Assistant

    Furry family members: 2 dogs (Oonagh and Trebol), 2 cats (Ginger and Pickles) and 1 Ball Python (Lloyd)

    Qualifications & Education: Zoology Degree, Renewable Resource Management Diploma, 10 years in Vet Med including 5 years at a Wildlife Park in Yukon

    Favourite and most fulfilling about working in veterinary medicine: “Knowing that you are helping both pets in need, and also the owners who are struggling to find veterinary care.”

Our Pictou County Vet Clinic Team

  • A woman in veterinary attire, wearing a dark gray scrub top with 'Tartan Tails Veterinary Hospital' logo, smiling, and wearing a colorful headband with red floral pattern.

    Dr. Hollie Knoll

    Position: Veterinarian

    Furry family members: 3 cats (Baby Mr. Snuggles, Sugar Dragon and Etc – AKA Echo), 3 dogs (Achoo, Grim and Laszlo) and 1 snake (Hot Chocolate)

    Qualifications & Education: I received my (Hons) in Biology from the University of Calgary, received my MSc in Zoology from the University of Calgary and received my DVM from the University of Calgary.

    Favourite and most fulfilling about working in veterinary medicine: Learning new techniques that allow me to improve the quality of life of my patients.

  • A smiling woman wearing glasses, blue scrubs with a veterinary hospital logo, and a stethoscope around her neck.

    Jessica Murphy

    Position: Lead Registered Veterinary Technician

    Furry family members: 2 cats (Indy and Dory) and always a multitude of fosters (anywhere from newborns kittens or puppies, baby guinea pigs and any cats or dogs requiring more socialization).

    Qualifications & Education: Worked as an RVT for 15 years, starting out in a mixed animal practice including large, small and exotic animals, then transitioned to a small and exotic practice that specialized in Orthopedics

    Favourite and most fulfilling about working in veterinary medicine: “What I enjoy most about Veterinary medicine is making a difference in animals’ lives, whether that difference is big or small, it is so rewarding to see an animal get the best care it possibly can.”

  • A smiling young woman with brown hair tied back, wearing a blue veterinary uniform with the logo and text 'Tartan Tails Veterinary Hospital,' standing against a plain white wall.

    Jesse Feuer

    Position: Registered Veterinary Technician 

    Furry family members: 2 cats (Perogie and Tuna Casserole)

    Qualifications & Education: Graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Zoology and a Veterinary Technician diploma. She has been working as a Registered Veterinary Technician since 2022. She has experience in small and shelter animal medicine, surgery, and emergency care.  

    Favourite and most fulfilling about working in veterinary medicine: “Working in an ever-evolving industry where I get to continue learning and improving my skills is very fulfilling.” 

  • A smiling female veterinarian wearing a blue uniform with a stethoscope around her neck and a pink paw-shaped charm. The uniform has the logo and name of Tardan Tails Veterinary Hospital.

    Bree Huggan

    Position: Registered Veterinary Technician 

    Furry family members: 3 cats (Marston, Kili, and Uncle), 2 mice (Tofu and Ube), and 1 dog (Nayuta)  

    Qualifications & Education: Graduated with a Bachelor Degree with Honours in Psychology, and a Diploma in Veterinary Technology  

    Favourite and most fulfilling about working in veterinary medicine: My favorite thing about working in veterinary medicine is cats! They're so unique, and lots of fun to work with. Plus, I love getting the chance to work with other smaller species such as pocket pets or reptiles. 

  • A woman wearing glasses and a red veterinary uniform with the logo of Tartan Tails Veterinary Hospital.

    Donna McLeod

    Bio coming soon.

  • Silhouette of a person with arms crossed against a bright background.

    Loriann Forrest

    Position: Receptionist 

    Furry family members: 1 dog (Buddy the Best Boy) and 1 cat (Charlie Chatty Chicken Brown Meow) 

    Qualifications & Education: Graduated NSCC Secretarial diploma 1988 and Graduated NSCC Business diploma 1990. Started working at a small animal clinic in 1995. Then moved to a mixed animal practice (large and small animal) in 2001. Very fortunate to continue my career with the SPCA and accept a reception position with North Nova Tartan Tails in September 2024. 2025 marks my 30th year in animal health and medicine. 

    Favourite and most fulfilling about working in veterinary medicine: The enrichment I receive each time I help a family keep their furry companions healthy.