Staff

Dr. Byron Hamlund

Veterinarian

Dr Hamlund grew up in Victoria where he worked a variety of jobs before returning to college to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. After graduating from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2010, he returned to Vancouver Island where he worked as an associate in Courtenay. Seeking a change of pace, he worked as a relief vet before purchasing the Dogwood Veterinary Hospital in October 2016. Dr. Hamlund enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine but finds dentistry, internal medicine and building relationships with clients and their pets to be the most fulfilling. Dr. Hamlund likes to spend his time away from work with his family which includes 3 dogs and 2 cats. They enjoy camping and enjoying all that the valley has to offer.

Dr. Richelle Kendall

Veterinarian

Dr Richelle Kendall grew up in Vernon, but is happy to call Campbell River home. Richelle enjoys all aspects of veterinary practice, from first puppy/kitten appointments, to managing the complex medical needs of geriatric patients. Her interests include dermatology, dentistry, surgery and internal medicine. Richelle has developed a passion for forming meaningful long-term relationships with clients and pets, always striving to provide compassionate medical care. She brings over 13 years experience in companion animal medicine, having worked at various practices in Campbell River and the Comox Valley.

In her spare time, Richelle enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking and mountain biking with her husband and two sons. She can often be found exploring local trails with her Pit Bull X Boxer , Shirely. When her busy schedule permits, she also enjoys reading, sketching, and snuggling her two cats, Sylvie and Esther.

Dr. Zita Doeschner

Veterinarian

Dr. Zita Doeschner was born, raised and educated in Germany. Upon her graduation from Hannover’s University of Veterinary Medicine in 2001, Zita, along with her husband, relocated to Whitehorse. Zita and her family have called the west coast home since 2004.

Zita has a soft spot for senior pets and a special interest in end-of-life care. Zita enjoys the challenges of internal medicine and dermatology. She is known for her caring, gentle and compassionate approach to veterinary care and for meeting the individual needs of her patients. When she is not busy chauffeuring her teenagers around, Zita spends her time away from work enjoying all the delights of the outdoors; hiking, biking, backcountry camping and skiing.

Erika

Practice Manager / Registered Veterinary Technologist

Erika and her husband moved to the Campbell River area from Ontario in 2013, and have adored every minute of it. In 2008, Erika graduated with distinction from the 3-year veterinary technology program offered by St. Lawrence College in Kingston, Ontario.

Since her graduation, Erika has worked in small animal, mixed animal and emergency medicine. Erika’s passion for animal care and her strong belief in the human-animal bond led her to be involved in various aspects of animal care. While she loves the day-to-day role of being a RVT in veterinary medicine, she has also developed a passion for practice management. Erika thoroughly enjoys ensuring that the DVH team and hospital are constantly evolving to meet the needs of our patients and clients.

Sarah

Office Manager

Sarah has lived in Campbell River since 1986. Sarah began her career in the veterinary field shortly after in 1988. Sarah then spent the next 21 years in the veterinary field, beginning as kennel assistance, then a veterinary receptionist and finally moving on to become the veterinary hospital office manager.

Sarah changed careers from working in the veterinary field to become a small business owner in Campbell River, and then worked as a receptionist/manager at a local spa before coming full circle to her true passion and calling in life, joining the Dogwood Veterinary Hospital.

Sarah has owned a vast array of different species as her pets; from reptiles, birds, chickens, pocket pets, cats, dogs and horses to name a few. Currently, Sarah has 3 dogs, Emerson, Berry and Popcorn. Sarah also has several aquariums which are home to a large variety of saltwater and freshwater fish.

Maggi

Registered Veterinary Technician

Maggi always knew she wanted to have a career working with animals but it was after she volunteered with a local veterinary clinic that she decided on becoming a veterinary technician. A Campbell Riverite through and through, Maggi has always called Campbell River home, having only moved once, in 2013 to Kamloops to attend Thompson Rivers University’s Veterinary Technician course. After graduation, she quickly made plans to return to the Island. Since then, Maggie has been working in small animal medicine.

When not working Maggi spends her time sticking close to home, playing video games, watching movies, reading and painting as well as appreciating the splendours of Campbell River with her dog Kiki, who thoroughly enjoys walks at the spit!

Jennifer

Registered Veterinary Technician

Jennifer has been a RVT for over 20 years. She graduated from Fairview College in Alberta in the early 2000’s. Jennifer began her career working in large animal medicine. She has gained an array of diverse skills from pivoting her focus on exotics to companion animals. It is through this evolution that she has developed her career passions; geriatrics, physiotherapy and dentistry. Jenn has lived and worked in Campbell River for the past 12 years.

Outside of work she dedicates her time to her rescue; See Spot Smile Dalmatian Rescue. Her rescue aids in re-homing, fostering and providing invaluable education and support for Dalmatians nationwide.

Jennifer has two Dalmatians with whom she regularly participates in dog sporting events such as; agility, tracking, and obedience. Her dogs also enjoy paddleboarding, hiking and running along side the bike.

Jordyn

Registered Veterinary Technician

Jordyn grew up on Quadra Island where she looked after everything from donkeys to chickens on her family’s hobby farm.  This is where she first realized her passion for veterinary medicine.  Jordyn graduated from Thompson Rivers University in 2017 and immediately passed the national licensing examination to become a Registered Veterinary Technician. She began her career working in small animal medicine in both a private practice and shelter setting. Jordyn is thrilled to be working again in companion animal care as she loves the variety of pets and their people that she meets at the clinic.

When not at work Jordyn an be found hiking with her Border Collie Kit, reading or playing the guitar.

Raya

Veterinary Technician

For as long as she can remember, Raya has had a great love for animals. Every lost dog would be brought home, where it would be kept safe until the owner could be found. Any cat awaiting attention on a sidewalk received an ample amount of affection. So, it comes as no surprise that she has been working in the veterinary field since 2008!

Raya loves the outdoors and spends much of her time in Vancouver Island’s beautiful wilderness; camping, hiking and fishing with her husband Scott and son William. Raya and Scott plan on purchasing property where they can eventually house a variety of animals, big and small. They currently live-in town with a dog and two cats.

Nikki

Veterinary Technician

Nikki was born and raised in Toronto but drove West to Campbell River with her husband, their two children, and pets in the Summer of 2014. Nikki has had a love for animals from an early age and decided that working with animals was going to be her career. Fittingly, she has been a Veterinary Technician for the past 25 years.

Her full household of fur babies includes 3 dogs (Hank, Gertie and Stu), 3 cats (Mabel, Liam and Sawyer), and two guinea pigs named Norm and Cliff. Even with her hands full, Nikki is always ready to go on an adventure and explore what the Island has to offer.  She has a passion for healthy living, and loves to put on her running shoes and train for her next race.

Laura

Veterinary Assistant

Laura started her adventure in the Veterinary field in Campbell River in 2009 when she obtained her “Animal Care Aide Certificate” through North Island College. In 2015, she got her Low Stress Handling Silver Certificate through Dr Sophia Yin. Laura is passionate about animal behaviour and strives to create a low stress atmosphere for all of our patients. An animal lover of all kinds she and her 3 children share their life with a variety of barnyard critters as well as a handful of dogs, cats and pocket pets.

McKenzie

Veterinary Assistant

Starting early in her endeavours Mckenzie volunteered at a veterinary clinic during high school. There she developed a fondness for the animal care industry. She then pursued and obtained employment in Victoria as a Veterinary Assisntant. McKenzie is laying down the framework and working towrds her goal of becoming a Veterinary Technician. Having grown up in Mill Bay , living in Victoria and recently relocating to Quadra Island, McKenzie is well versed in the outdoor enjoyments our beautiful area has to offer. When not working McKenzie fills her days with doggie hikes, gardening and camping.

Rebecca

Veterinary Assistant

Rebecca started working within the veterinary field in 2020, after completing the Animal Care Aide course offered at NIC. While she has not always been sure of which career patch she wanted to follow; Rebecca has decided that becoming a veterinary technician is her ultimate goal. Together with DVH she will endeavour to obtain her training via distance education. Rebecca’s family includes her daughter Piper, dog Minerva and her cat Phoebe. Rebecca was born in Campbell River and after a few years out of province returned home to the island. Rebecca is passionate about animal nursing and ensures every patient is cared for like she would her own. Rebecca spends her time outside of work with her daughter, reading and collecting books and ensuring her active pup gets all the playtime she needs!

Sierra

Veterinary Assistant

Sierra joined DVH in the summer of 2022 as a receptionist with the goal of becoming at veterinarian.  She is now working as a veterinary assistant where she is gaining indispensable hands-on experience to further her goal. Sierra volunteers with M.A.R.S and has even travelled to Costa Rice to participate in a student program where she aided local veterinarians perform treatments and to gain an understanding about wildlife rehabilitation.

Sierra relishes spending time exploring the area with her two dogs Fergie and Maisie.

Amy-Jane

Receptionist

Amy-Jane has always called Campbell River home. She grew up loving animals having family pets and forming friendships with her neighbours’ farm animals. Because of this it was natural for her to grow up wanting to work in the animal care field. Amy-Jane is one of DVH’s friendly skilled receptionists and she is working towards fulfilling her future endeavour of enrolling in the animal care aide course.

Amy-Jane spends her time away from work appreciating early morning walks with her dog Tucker. Amy-Jane also has two cats, Kisska and KitKat, who love to cuddle while she’s at home reading or playing the piano.

Mackenna

Receptionist

Mackenna is no stranger to the veterinary industry and the ins and outs of a veterinary hospital. She is a second-generation Veterinary Receptionist and was born and raised in Campbell River. When she is not at work providing exceptional customer service to the clients of DVH, she spends her time enjoying walks with her family and plays video games while her 3 cats cheer her on!

Jessie

Receptionist

Jessie and her family of 4 moved to Campbell River early 2022 from the Okanagan. After taking the summer to explore all the delights of the Island, taking time to settle into their new home and the kids into their new schools, Jessie found herself looking into getting back into the work force. With her past experience in hospital administration and a history of fostering puppies for the BCSPCA Jessie knew she wanted find employment that would encompass both. When Jessie is not at working keeping the appointments on schedule, she keeps herself busy by refinishing furntiure, spending time with her two huskies on the sea walk, and doing puzzles with her family. When the sun is out so is she; kayaking and paddle boarding the beautiful waters surrounding Campbell River.