Originally from South African and trained in Canada, Dr. Justene is proud to call beautiful Salt Spring Island home. After practicing in Alberta, she and husband Christo, along with beloved cat Nala, made the move to the West Coast in 2012 when they purchased the clinic.

Dr. Justene is passionate about providing personalized, compassionate veterinary care . She prioritizes consent-based treatment and always respects the emotional experience of both patients and their families. No case is too challenging for her – she is committed to doing everything she can to help every animal who comes through the clinic’s doors, regardless of species. And if she doesn’t have the answer, she’ll find someone who does.

In addition to Western veterinary training, Dr. Justene is also trained in Veterinary Chinese Medicine, including Herbal Medicine, and is in the process of becoming certified in Veterinary Acupuncture. She has a special interest in dentistry and finds great satisfaction in improving the quality of life for her patients through oral health care.

Outside of veterinary medicine, Justene is an avid and talented tennis player, a passionate birdwatcher, skilled tracker, and trained safari guide. She’s also a gifted artist—her hand-painted cards are sent to clients who have lost a pet, as well as for the clinic’s annual holiday greetings.

Dr. Anna Taylor grew up in Northern California surrounded by nature, wildlife, and animals. She attended the University of California, Davis, where she completed both her undergraduate and veterinary degrees. Along the way she has had the privilege of working in marine mammal rehabilitation, research, and training, providing veterinary care to guide dogs, and offering low-cost spay/neuter and care to underserved communities.

During her time at UC Davis, she developed a strong interest in surgery, palliative care, and large animal medicine, especially small ruminants! Dr Anna enjoys the variety of mixed animal practice, and values building lasting relationships with clients and their animals through compassionate, collaborative care. She is a certified Level 1 Fear Free professional and strives to make every visit as stress-free as possible.

When she is not working, Dr Anna can usually be found hiking or freediving with her partner, Rob, and their sassy Border Collie mix, Edna!

Patrick was raised in Victoria, BC and pursued his passion for animal medicine by earning a degree in Bio-Veterinary Science from Dalhousie University in Truro, Nova Scotia. He furthered his education at the Atlantic Veterinary College in Charlottetown, PEI, where he attained his veterinary degree.

During his veterinary studies, Patrick met his wife, Hannah, who now works as a small animal veterinarian as well. Together, they share a home with their two adorable cats, Mac and Cheese. Beyond his veterinary career, Patrick finds joy in hiking, paddleboarding, bbq-ing, and camping. Each day he looks forward to delivering compassionate care to his cherished animal patients.