Meet the Veterinarians & Team of Steeples Veterinary Clinic in Cranbrook! We’re pleased to provide exceptional vet care for your pets!
Please call us at 250-489-3451 to speak to one of our caring veterinary staff members!
I always wanted to be a veterinarian – ever since I was just a little kid with cats and dogs and chickens and horses on a farm. I was blessed with many opportunities to help me get there.
Now I am part of an amazing veterinary team of talented doctors, technicians, nurses, assistants and client care specialists. As a team we have the same goal to do the best for our patients. We complement each other and bring out the best in each other.
With all the patient visits over the many years of being a veterinarian, I realize that I love building relationships with people and their animals. I want every person to feel that they are a part of the plan and that we’re finding the best treatment together. It can be like working on a puzzle together or being a detective – and that’s very fulfilling.
We are all part of the human story. Animals make being human just a little bit more wonderful!
Dr. Pat Rice completed his Bachelor of Animal Science degree at University of Idaho in 1969, his Master of Science in Ruminant Nutrition from Oregon State in 1971 and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Washington State University in May of 1975. Pat opened Steeples Veterinary Clinic in 1977 and sold the practice to Dr. Ruth Sawatsky in 2008. Pat’s current focus is on small animal orthopedic surgery, trauma (emergency) procedures, and horse and cattle work. An experienced outdoorsman, Pat enjoys hiking and exploring the rugged Kootenay backcountry.
Becoming a veterinarian has been my lifelong dream, and I love my career. Being able to care for your animals is truly a privilege, and one of my favourite aspects of the job is getting to know a patient from their first vaccines to their last days.
I love building bonds with clients and patients, and hope that you will feel safe with me in charge of their care. Special interests of mine include surgery, dentistry and fear free medicine, but I enjoy the variety that each day brings. This is a career where the education and wonder never stops!
If I’m not in the clinic, you will probably find me outdoors enjoying the Kimberley life with my two dogs Waffle and Noodle. I love riding horses, hiking, skiing and exploring.
I became a veterinarian because I love working with animals and their families! I also enjoy problem solving and continued learning, which is a huge part of the job. I consider myself a true mixed animal veterinarian; I will happily see all your pets and farm animals! Working with cattle and performing small animal surgery are my particular passions. I am one of three veterinarians at Steeples that currently performs TPLOs. This surgical procedure (for dogs with a cranial cruciate ligament tear) is one of the most rewarding, as it returns excellent function to a leg that would otherwise be unstable and painful for the duration of a dog’s life.
My goal with every patient visit is to understand your goals, your pet’s needs, and to make a plan that is as beneficial and comprehensive as possible. I believe that it is important to understand each pet’s job/role in their family and what makes their human-animal bond unique.
I moved from Edson Alberta to Cranbrook 2 years ago and am happy to now call the East Kootenays home. When not at work, you can find me hiking, biking, camping, paddling, snowboarding…anything outside really! My family consists of my wife, my two dogs Takoda and Mayuk, and the real boss of the house, Saroo the cat.
I didn’t always know I wanted to be a veterinarian, it wasn’t till I was around 18 or so that I realized it would be a perfect fit for me. My animals growing up had quite extensive veterinary visits (at steeples) and that’s when I saw how fulfilling being a vet could be.
My goal with every patient visit is to build a relationship with the client where trust is a major component. I hope when clients come in they feel we are making the plan together, and that they are heard every step of the way.
I’m very excited to be back in the Kootenays and starting work at the clinic that took such good care of my childhood animals!
I grew up spending summers on my grandparents dairy farm and loved working with animals big and small. As I got older and had the opportunity to volunteer in clinics I experienced first hand the diversity of veterinary medicine, and fell in love with the profession. Everyday is unique, with endless opportunities to learn and grow. I love being able to be a part of the impact our veterinary community has on our patients and their people.
I am very passionate about the concept of One Health and how human, animal and environmental wellbeing are interlinked. I enjoy outreach work, and making a positive impact in the community I live and work in.
I strive to make every interaction with my patients to be as positive and stress free as possible. I love collaborating with clients to ensure I meet each pet’s individual needs and provide the best care that works for everyone involved. I enjoy learning the unique personalities of each of my patients, and how those personalities shape the relationship with their people and our veterinary team.
My family is made up of myself and my adorable (but a little crazy) 2 year old Brittany Spaniel, Fern.
I became a veterinarian due to it being the perfect blend of my two lifelong passions – animals and biology! I fell in love with the veterinary profession for all the ways it’s challenging, intellectual, rewarding and dynamic. Every day brings its lessons, triumphs and hardships and I can’t wait to dedicate my life to playing even the smallest role in the lives of happy and healthy animals and the owners that love them.
I am super excited about building my skills in all fields of veterinary medicine with all animals big and small! However, I am particularly passionate about internal medicine and preventative healthcare.
My main goal with every patient visit is for my patients to leave me healthier or at least more comfortable and safe than when they arrived. I also strive to build an open channel of communication with my clients – having them leave with more knowledge on how to help their furry friends as well as creating and nourishing a trusting relationship as we build a plan and work towards the same goal.
Having ventured out to Canada from Europe (I’m half Belgian and half English!) I’ve left behind my wonderful family and friends but am looking forward to making a new network of amazing friends over here in the beautiful Kootenays!
All you can do is your best!
I have always loved to be around all kinds of animals. I was fortunate that one day in 2003 mentioned to one of the staff members of Steeples if you are ever out my way I would love to join you on cattle. Two days later, I was called to ask for my resume. That is how my dream began. My goal with every patient visit is to give the care and respect that I would want. To treat the patient like they are mine. Assist all staff to help make each day better. Being a “local”, my family lives in Kimberley. I have a wonderful husband Lonni, and two fantastic kids, Caleb and Matthew. I am fortunate to have many fur babies as well. Rufus and Tia are my horses, three great dogs, Dino Ali, and little Libby Lou, and my cat Kitkat. My motto: Be happy for this moment, this moment is your life!
I became a part of the veterinary team by sheer chance. Having a business administration background and working late nights at my previous job pushed me to try something new. This new journey became my new career, and my new life. I loved the fast paced, busy, and ever-changing nature of the industry and quickly became so entrenched into it. I love the fact that I can be part of an organization that positively impacts people to this degree. My goal with every client visit is to ensure that your experience, from beginning to end, is filled with smiles, compassion, and care. My family, and my world, is my dog, Neville.
I became a Registered Veterinary Technologist because I love animals! I wanted a career where every day would be a different adventure! I wanted to be in an environment where I could constantly grow and learn new things about how I can care and advocate for animals.
I am passionate about advocating for the best pain control for our special family members who cannot speak for themselves. I am also interested in client education. I love the feeling of having clients leave feeling empowered with the knowledge to help their pet live their best life.
My goal for every patient visit is to end with the family feeling more confident with the knowledge to keep their animal happy and healthy.
My family is my partner Jeremy, our dog Bailey; a Bernese/boxer mix, my dog Astro; a chihuahua; and two cats Robbie and Rosie.
My mantra is “Be the change you want to see in the world”
I became a member of the veterinary team because of my love for animals. My goal with every patient who comes into the clinic is to make both owner and pet feel at ease even though it can be a stressful experience coming when visiting a veterinary clinic. I have 1 older brother and 3 younger sister. I am the very proud Aunty of soon to be 4 nephews and many fur nieces and nephews. Growing up my siblings and I shared many different pets from a raccoon my mother accidentally coerced into the house to chipmunks that lived under the deck. Currently me and my husband Ashish don’t have any pet yet, but we plan to.
I have always had a passion for animals and animal care and wanted a career that was both fulfilling and challenging. My goal with every patient visit is to treat them as I would my own pets. I want to create an environment in which the patient and client can feel safe.
My Mantra: Be kind, you never know what someone else is going through.
I wanted a job that would enjoy that didn’t take years and years to finish the schooling. When I learned about becoming a tech, I fell in love with the idea of having so much variety. From different species to medical cases to collecting lab samples, no day would be the same. I also liked the idea of surrounding myself with other people who share the same passion as I do for animals. My goal with every visit is to give the time, care, and patience needed for each patient. Also to educate clients so they have the knowledge to understand their pet’s needs. I’m fortunate to raise my two daughters in the same neighborhood as I grew up in. We have two dogs, one senior and one pup who keep me busy with behavior/training and rehab exercises. My motto: Be Kind.
I became a part of the veterinary team for the love of animals! My goal is to keep and maintain a clean and safe environment for the animals and the people.
My Mantra: There is no time like the present!
I became a part of the Steeples Veterinary Team because I thoroughly love to help people and provide a great service to not only them, but to their animals.
I have always been an animal lover from a very young age and enjoy being around them. They are great comfort in times of need and always show unconditional love.
At the end of the day when the last client has left, I hope they are leaving with a great and overall positive experience from our clinic. I want them to feel a sense of compassion from the staff at Steeples Veterinary Clinic and look forward to their next visit. I am truly passionate about my position at a fear free clinic, and I hope that our clients feel and see that.
I was born and raised in the Elk Valley. My hometown is Fernie BC and still consists of some of my family there. I enjoyed every minute of growing up there. Since meeting my husband in 2012, we moved to Fort Steele and have grown our family to include our two children Owen and Savanna. We also have two horses and two dogs. We enjoy the area a lot and have made some wonderful friends since being here.
Something that I try to live by and have instilled in my children is always treat others the way you want to be treated, help others when you can and be kind.
I became a part of the veterinary team because I grew up on a ranch, and every day of my life involved being able to be around many different animals. I wanted to be apart of a place I could continue that passion, further my education, and to be able to help any critter and person in any way I can. My goal with every patient visit is to always create a supportive and welcoming atmosphere for both owners and their pets. My family consists of my lovely rescue dog Moose, and my two horses Gala and Cassian.
I became a Registered Veterinary Technician because of my love for animals and the desire to help them. It was a way to do so as a career and full time job. My goal with each patient visit is to treat each patient as an individual animal. These patients are family members to our clients and they are to be treated with kindness and respect. I want the experience to be a reliable and comfortable one. I live with my family and my pets include a cat and a beta fish.
My mantra: There is more to life than making it go faster. Be your best self.
I worked at the SPCA before working at Steeples and was interested in furthering my education to provide care to people and their animals. I have always wanted to work with animals ever since I can remember, so what better way to fulfil that dream than working in a veterinary clinic? My goal with every patient that visits is to give the best care and respect as if they are my own, and to help the doctor’s day run smoothly and efficiently to ensure that our clients fur-babies leave better than when they came to us. I family is made up of Major (5.5 year old German Shepherd), Havoc (1 year old Australian Shepherd), Dax (6 year old Lynx Point Siamese), and Buddy (14 year old Quarter Horse). I have 2 lovely daughters, Isabelle and Rosalynn, and my husband Chris. My philosophy: If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.
It has been a lifelong dream of mine to become a veterinarian, and to eventually open a clinic of my own. The passion for veterinary medicine has stayed at the forefront of my life since I was 4 years old.
Animals of all shapes and sizes have always held a special place in my heart. I have always been drawn to their serene, yet lively energy, as well as their effortlessness to live in the present, and live each day to the fullest. The empathy that each animal shares, and each of their unique personalities and quirks, have taught me lessons I can’t repay. I hope to repay them in the future care of animals and their owners.
For as long as I can remember, any who are close to me and know me have called me the “Animal Whisperer”. I definitely took this to heart when I was younger, and have consistently researched and studied animal behaviour and body language. I have also gained a passion and a soft spot for reactive animals. The more difficult they appear, the more I want to invest time, energy, and education into them.
I hope to gain even more skills and passions while working at Steeples, and be able to utilize them with each creature I help.
With each patient visit, I hope to ease their stress/anxiety and discomfort as much as possible – no one likes to see the doctor. I hope to educate and raise awareness for patient’s families surrounding certain issues or illnesses. With each patient visit, it is always ideal that the patient and their family leave the clinic in a better shape than when they came in.
I come from a family of 6; my two parents, and three older sisters. My partner, Shea, and I live with my 6 year old Border Collie/Black Lab, Cali. And of course, I can’t forget about my family cat, Taz, and our family dog, Denby.
To share Weakness is to make yourself Vulnerable; to make yourself Vulnerable is to show Strength.
Working at the animal shelter for three years made me realize how much I enjoy working with and helping animals and one day, maybe furthering my education in this field. My goal with every visit is to help out the most I can in making happier and healthier patients as well as treating these animals as if they were mine. My family is made up with two dogs: Bailey, the perfect rescue mutt from the local SPCA, and her newly acquired sister Finley. As well as many family human family members that I am very fortunate to live around. My motto: Never let emotion overpower intelligence.
Ever since I was young, I’ve had a passion for animals and I have always wanted to help with them. I knew I would be happiest working with and helping animals with people who share the same passion as me. My goal is to treat every patient as if it were my own pet and see them leave with their owners happy and smiling. I want to make the animals feel safe and healthy. I love with my three dogs (Hank, Nova, and Archie), two horses (Wabash and Gabe), two cats (Dennis and Julie) and plenty of chickens. My Philosophy: Everything happens for a reason.
I became a veterinary technician because I wanted to devote the work part of my life to a career that was both mentally stimulating and fulfilling for the soul. Now I get to learn new things every day and take home exciting stories and experiences. My goal is for every patient to receive the best medical care I can provide. I enjoy upgrading my education in veterinary medicine to keep up with all the advances in the vet industry and to learn new techniques from other vets/techs so that I can apply them to my work place. I share my home with my partner (John), my son (Reese) and my dog (Zoey). My mantra: Strive for balance in all aspects of your life.
I wanted to become a part of the Steeples Veterinary Clinic team after having worked at a vet clinic in the past. I fell absolutely in love with the job, more so than any other job I’ve ever had. I love animals and consider myself to be a people person, so an environment where I get to work and help with both is a perfect fit for me.
Working at Steeples Veterinary Clinic has inspired me to continue my education in the vet med field. I am currently completing a Veterinary Assistant course and after that plan to continue my education by applying for a vet tech program.
My goal for every patient visit is to leave the owners as well as their amazing pets with the feeling that they have a safe place to come. A place where they are listened to, supported, and cared for 110%. Vet clinics can be stressful for all parties of the family, but I want to make every patient and customer feel as secure with us as possible.
My own little family consists of myself, my wonderful boyfriend Tristan, our Pitbull cross Loki, and the newest member of our family, Spoon, a Bernese cross. Both our pups we love with our whole hearts and more.
A mantra I try to live by is “have courage and be kind” from Cinderella. This saying has stuck with me since seeing the movie as a young kid. I try and reflect on it as often as possible while moving through life.
I became part of a veterinary team for the opportunity to help pets and their humans. With every patient visit I hope to facilitate care that I would want for my own pets. My family is made up myself, my partner and our two dogs Ash and Goose.
My mantra: embrace compassion.
Animals have always been a part of my life. I grew up in a home that bred and showed dogs (we also had cats, birds, and fish). At 16, I started as kennel help at a local animal hospital and the rest is history. I have, over the years, tried to leave vet med and it has always called me back. It’s in my blood, heart, and soul. I didn’t choose veterinary medicine, it chose me.
I want every patient to trust me. I do my very best to befriend each one and show them that they don’t need to be frightened. Whether that means talking to them (even if they’re deaf I talk), petting them or feeding them treats. I want each one to know I’m their friend and I’m there to help.
My husband Cory and I have “Feather” our cat and an Australian Shepherd named “Axel”. We hope to have another dog in the near future. We have 3 kiddos as well (2 girls and 1 boy).
I believe in karma, and I also believe that you get back what you put into the universe.
I wanted to become a part of the veterinary team because animals bring so many people happiness. They are loving, compassionate, and a friend to many people. I believe this makes humans more compassionate and positive individuals, who are happier in general. My goal with every patient visit is to treat the animals as if they were my own. I have two dogs, Molly and Harley, and a cat named Swiper. I also have a Shagya Arabian Horse named Blue. My motto: I am giving and receiving all that is good and all that I desire.”
As a technician, you get to utilize hands on skills, every day is different, and you get to meet lots of new people. I never wanted to be stuck working behind a desk or doing the same thing every day. My goal for every visit is that the patient and client have the most positive experience we can offer. My family is made up of my parents and my twin sister back home, but no pets yet!
My Mantra: “If you are not excited about it, it’s not the right path.”
I became a technician because I love working with animals and people. A technician is the perfect fit between both. My goal with every patient is to see them go home happy! My family is me and my two cats for now. One cat came over from the Netherlands with me and I got the other one in Canada!
I had dreamed of working in the veterinary field all my life, with a goal of helping animals. Along the way, I became involved in the animal rescue world, eventually working at the BCSPCA. With a desire to learn all there is to know about animal health, there is no better place to do that than in a veterinary clinic with amazing doctors and staff. I’m excited to carry this knowledge to an animal sanctuary of my own one day.
My goal is to make every visitor, both human and animal, feel safe and cared for at all times. I strive to handle your furry friends in ways that minimize fear and stress to the best of my abilities.
My family is made up of my boyfriend and our 7 fur kids; 3 dogs, 3 cats, and 1 rabbit.
My Mantra: Love all who are living.
I wanted to be apart of the Steeples team because I’ve always had a passion for helping animals, as well as people. I always brought my pets to Steeples, past pets and current pets. It just made sense to join the team! Some of my passions and skills involve good client communication and fear free visits for all patients. My goal for every patient is to have them leaving healthier than when they walked in. As well as keeping appointments as positive and fear free as I can as I mentioned above. I have a large pet family. With two dogs: Bubba and Cooper, three cats: Ajax, Ollie and Felix and one rabbit named Benji. All of which happen to be male, and all rescues / foster fails…
My mantra that I live by and that is also tattooed is “always be kinder than you feel”. I think that is very important.
I became a technician in 1980 to help improve the life of animals. My goal every day is to help our team realize our goals of adding value to the lives of people by improving the health of their animals. Outside of work, I run a cattle ranch with my husband, as well as enjoying gardening. We have cows, horses, dogs, and cats.
3410 Victor Rd,
Cranbrook, BC
V1C 7B7
Monday-Friday: 7:30am – 5:30pm
Saturday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday: Closed
Please note, doctors arrive one hour after opening hours.
