Williams Lake 4615 Cattle Dr. Williams Lake, BC, V2G 5E8 | 250-392-5510
Quesnel 1431-E Jade Road Quesnel, BC, V2J 4L2 | 250-747-3053
ABOUT ANIMAL CARE HOSPITALS OF WILLIAMS LAKE & QUESNEL
Our team at the Animal Care Hospitals Of Williams Lake and Quesnel takes our commitment to our patients, clients, and our animal community seriously. We work hard to earn our patients’ and clients’ trust and to provide the best veterinary care that we can for all creatures great and small. Contact us to learn more.
OUR VETERINARY TEAM
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DR. DOUG MAGNOWSKI
Born and raised on a ranch in the Cariboo, Dr. Magnowski graduated from the University of Saskatchewan Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 1987. He is passionate about veterinary medicine and providing the broadest scope of quality veterinary services possible for our region alongside his team of dedicated, caring veterinary health professionals. Dr. Magnowski began his career in Williams Lake in 1987. In 1995, he and his wife, Candice, established their own veterinary company which evolved into the Animal Care Hospital Of Williams Lake in 2000, then expanded to include the Animal Care Hospital of Quesnel in 2001. Dr. Magnowski has a special interest in all of the diverse aspects of veterinary medicine, especially surgery, herd health, and small and large animal reproduction. In his spare time, Dr. Magnowski enjoys spending time with his family, fishing, cooking, and trying to find the time to learn to play the guitar.
DR. JENNY THOMPSON
Dr. Thompson graduated from the University of Saskatchewan Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 1994, after completing her Bachelor of Science from UBC in 1989. During veterinary college and after graduation, Dr. Thompson worked at the Thompson Veterinary Clinic in Thompson, Manitoba. In 1995, Dr. Thompson moved to Williams Lake, where she worked for the Williams Lake Veterinary Hospital and the Central Cariboo Animal Hospital, as well as starting her own house-call practice. After continuing the house call practice for a further four years in Fraser Lake, Dr. Thompson joined the Animal Care Hospital of Williams Lake part-time in 2004 and began full-time in 2009. Dr. Thompson enjoys small animal medicine and surgery and works primarily with dogs and cats. Most of Dr. Thompson’s non-working time is spent with her husband, her three boys, and their two dogs and two cats.
DR. BIANCA SCHEIDT
Dr. Bianca Scheidt was born and raised in a small village in Germany and always enjoyed working with animals which led her to complete her apprenticeship as an Animal Health Technologist in 1997. In 2003, Dr. Scheidt graduated as a veterinarian from the University of Veterinary Medicine in Leipzig, Germany before moving to Quesnel to work as an animal health technologist and hospital manager at the Animal Care Hospital. In 2008, Dr. Scheidt completed her Canadian veterinarian qualifications and transitioned from being the senior animal health technologist/hospital manager to the primary veterinarian and hospital manager at the Animal Care Hospital of Quesnel along with rotations in our Williams Lake hospital. Since then, Dr. Scheidt never looked back and is enjoying her work with all different species (small and large, exotics and wildlife). Bianca loves challenging cases, surgery, educating clients, and teaching veterinary students and volunteers, and in 2019, she received her Canadian citizenship. In her spare time, Dr. Scheidt enjoys the outdoors and travelling the world with her husband, Bernie, and diverse sports depending on the season.
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DR. AMY JORDAN
Dr. Amy Jordan has enjoyed working with the wonderful team at the Animal Care Hospital since 2014. Originally from Ontario, Dr. Jordan, her husband and two children are happy in their Williams Lake home. Dr. Jordan completed her undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Western Ontario where she played on the Varsity Women’s Rugby team winning provincial and world championships. After graduating, she moved to Scotland to complete her veterinary degree at The University of Edinburgh and The Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies where she graduated with distinction in 2011 and became a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. After graduating, Dr. Jordan completed a one-year Equine Surgical Internship at the Caledon Equine Hospital in Ontario. Dr. Jordan worked alongside specialists in equine surgery, dentistry, and ophthalmology as well as gaining excellent experience with lameness, colic and medical cases. Since completing the internship, Dr. Jordan has been enjoying working with all kinds of animals in mixed animal practice - but still has a special interest in horses. Most of all, Dr. Jordan enjoys working together with clients to provide the best care possible for the animals they love.
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DR. DON DEITRICK
Originally from Michigan, Dr. Don Deitrick spent around 10 years serving his community as a firefighter and paramedic around the city of Kalamazoo, MI and surrounding area. During that period, he relished his time being a member of the hazardous materials and technical rescue teams. Dr. Deitrick completed his undergrad in biology, specifically wildlife management and eventually looked for a bigger challenge. He began volunteering at a local education farm, where he worked with draught horses, oxen, beef cows, sheep, goats, chickens and geese. He became very interested in farm animals and set upon to care for these wondrous beasts and support the people who care for them – that’s when the veterinary medicine spark ignited.
Dr. Deitrick completed his veterinary medicine studies in New Zealand at Massey University, largely for the added adventure, which it was. His wonderful partner is Canadian and without too much arm twisting, she convinced him to work in Canada. The two came to Williams Lake in 2022 to be close to the mountains (they had spent enough time living around the Great Lakes). Dr. Deitrick truly enjoys the variety of patients he gets to treat, especially the local wildlife he sees day to day and the added benefit has been working with the knowledgeable and supportive staff at the Animal Care Hospital, who’ve furthered his training and development into a proper, all-around vet.
DR. MORGAN JOHNSTON
Dr. Morgan Johnston was born and raised in Quesnel, and for as long as she can remember veterinary medicine has been her passion. In addition to animals, Dr. Johnston loves to travel and as a result her studies took her across the pond to Warsaw, Poland! There, Dr. Johnston enjoyed travelling to different countries and sharing laughs with her Irish housemates in between studying. Outside of the hospital, Dr. Johnston loves to spend as much time as she can in nature - hiking, camping, or spending time in the backyard with her chickens. Now, Dr. Johnston is thrilled to be back in her hometown and working to obtain her full Canadian license while working under direct supervision. Her dog, Piper, is also a world traveller with an international passport and accompanied Dr. Johnston to school in Poland, becoming the best patient on which to practice! Dr. Johnston understands how much you love your animals and will go above and beyond to get the best health outcome for your pet.
DR. KAITLYN WURZER
Dr. Kaitlyn Wurzer was raised on a small farm in New Hampshire where her passion for animal health began. An interest in health science and animals led her to complete a Bachelor of Science in Biology at St. Michael's College in Vermont where she also played Varsity Women's Ice Hockey. After graduating, she moved to BC to be close to family and pursue her veterinary degree. Dr. Wurzer graduated in 2023 from the University of Saskatchewan Western College of Veterinary Medicine and then joined the team at the Animal Care Hospital to begin her career in mixed animal practice. Her special interests include wellness and preventative care, equine dentistry, and bovine medicine. Outside of work, you can find Dr. Wurzer exploring BC's great outdoors, skiing, gardening, and spending time with family.
DR. ALEX NEUMANN
Dr. Neumann grew up in Saskatchewan and graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2017. Dr. Neumann completed her small animal rotating internship in Guelph, Ontario and moved to BC in 2018, where she worked for Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital. Dr. Neumann began locuming for our hospital in 2021 while also locuming for other hospitals and continues to cover ER shifts at Boundary Bay to keep her emergency skills honed!
DONNA-MARIE, HOSPITAL MANAGER
Donna-Marie is a retired administrator. After 35 years of working with the Lake City Ford/ Ron Ridley Rentals team, she happily retired in 2019. In 2020, Donna-Marie came out of retirement to help keep our hospitals running smoothly, and we’d be lost without her! When not here, Donna-Marie keeps busy raising, training, and competing with her Papillions and Belgian Shepherds.
KATHARINA, TECHNICIAN
Kat is originally from Germany! She moved to Canada and has been working at the Animal Care Hospital since 2005. She is a kick boxing national champion and has two dogs and two cats. Kat also runs an apiary called ‘Hawks Creek Honey,’ producing raw honey. Katharina is our fearless technician leader; she keeps our hospital afloat!
ZOE, RVT (REGISTERED VETERINARY TECHNOLOGIST)
Zoe moved to Williams Lake and started at the Animal Care Hospital after completing her Registered Veterinary Technologist program in 2013. Since then, she has married, became a mother of two, and has stuck with us! Zoe enjoys volunteering with Rotary and is a mentor with Big Bothers Big Sister. She has a passion for working with cats, exotics, and wildlife and spends most of her days doing as much anesthesia as possible!
INNA, TECHNICIAN
Inna is a veterinarian from Ukraine and joined our team in Nov 2022. Inna is passionate about patient care. Bandit’s best day was when Inna adopted him, and now the 2 of them love spending time exploring the beauty of our area together.
AMBER, RVT (REGISTERED VETERINARY TECHNOLOGIST)
Amber started at the Animal Care Hospital as a new grad in 2007. Originally from 100 Mile, Amber is now a mother of two boys and is currently serving as the Executive Director of the BCVTA (British Columbia Veterinary Technologist Association). We are blessed to have Amber supporting all of the RVTs across BC and back on our team!
SHACARA, RVT (REGISTERED VETERINARY TECHNOLOGIST)
Shacara grew up in the Lower Mainland, but she recently bought her family vacation spot that they've had since 1981. Shacara has been in the veterinary industry since 2003, graduated as an RVT from TRU in 2008, and has worked exclusively in a 24-hour emergency, critical care and specialty medicine since 2009. Now, Shacara instructs several courses for TRU's Open Learning Registered Veterinary Technician program, including the emergency/critical care nursing course that she re-wrote last year! Shacara has 2 black labs and 3 cats and enjoys hiking, kayaking, camping and anything in nature.
CARLA, VETERINARY ASSISTANT
Carla is originally from the Okanogan but lived in various places until she met her husband in Williams Lake. Carla has been a part of the Animal Care Hospital family since 2006! She likes working with horses & dogs and going out on farm visits. In her free time, Carla likes travelling and finding new adventures. Her favourite wild animals are the unforgettable elephant, charismatic tiger and the endearing polar bear.. Additionally, Carla says that her dogs Lex & Pepper often act like wild orangutans!
ANNIE, VETERINARY ASSISTANT
Annie was brought up in Horsefly. Another longtime team member, Annie has been a vet assistant with us since 2016 – straight from high school! Annie has a passion for working with spicy cats and can be counted on to keep her vets and technicians safe!
BRIANNA, VETERINARY ASSISTANT
Brianna was born and raised in Williams Lake! As a multi-time, roper & barrel race champion, Brianna is our resident horse professional since 2020. Brianna is a double dachshund mom, including a new addition to the family, Bean. Brianna enjoys working with dogs best, especially the cuddly ones!
LORENA, VETERINARY ASSISTANT
Lorena is from Venezuela and joined our team in 2022. An animal health professional since 2009, Lorena previously worked as a production technician on a genetic pig farm in Saskatchewan and is currently working towards becoming a Registered Veterinary Technologist! Lorena’s compassion for her patients is evident, and we are so lucky to have her on our team!
NICOLE, VETERINARY ASSISTANT
Nicole graduated from the Veterinary Office & Animal Care program at Douglas College in 2014 and joined our team in March 2020. Nicole has a passion for exotics and pocket pets, and she is currently working towards becoming a Registered Veterinary Technologist! In Nicole’s free time, she enjoys video editing, playing video games, and watching movies while cuddling her guinea pigs, bunnies, and her energetic son, Ethan.
TAMARA, VETERINARY ASSISTANT
Originally from Ontario, Tamara moved to Quesnel with her husband from the Sunshine Coast in 2022. She has worked in the Veterinary industry for over 5 years. Tamara is especially interested in hippology (including dentistry, hoof care & nutrition) and neurology. She enjoys art, baking, movies, horseback riding, outdoor adventures and spending time with her husband Lee. She has a Mastweiler (Zara), 4 cats (Moka, Odin, Shadow & Echo) and 2 horses (Aries & Deimos).
CHRISTINA, CERTIFIED VETERINARY ASSISTANT
Christina started her journey in veterinary medicine back in 2008, volunteering at a clinic in her hometown of Richmond, BC. After graduating from Granville College in 2013 as a certified vet assistant, she’s worked in a variety of vet practices, from emergency, to general practice and with exotics. Christina is a self-proclaimed rabbit nerd and a former educator for the House Rabbit Society - a North American group dedicated to the health and welfare of pet rabbits. She hopes to continue her education and obtain her Registered Veterinary Technologist's certification online, starting fall of 2024. When not at the hospital, you can find Christina spending time with her family, hiking, baking, or playing board games with friends.
MARTINA, RECEPTIONIST & VETERINARY ASSISTANT
Martina is originally from Germany, immigrating with her family in 2004 where they settled in the Okanagan, and then Martina moved to Quesnel in 2018. Martina has always had a passion for helping animals in need and had the chance to grow up on a farm in her teenage years. Martina has been in the veterinary industry since 2016 and joined our team as a receptionist & veterinary assistant in 2018. She has a keen interest in nutrition and homeopathic medicine. In her free time, Martina enjoys anything outdoors, including hiking with her dog, camping, horseback riding, making bath and body products, and arts & crafts. Martina is the proud mom to 3 cats, 1 dog, and 3 senior horses that she's had since 2004.
KELLY, RECEPTIONIST
She has lived in Williams Lake almost her entire life (Minus 6 months)! Kelly has a son, a daughter, and three grandkids!! Kelly grew up as a 4H kid - where she met Dr. Magnowski in 1976! Kelly’s 15-year-old pug x chihuahua is named Oaklee. Kelly has been working at the Animal Care Hospital since 2008!
LORETTA, RECEPTIONIST
Loretta is one of our lovely receptionists! She was born and raised in Williams Lake and became a member of our team in 2020. Loretta grew up as a 4-H kid, so of course, she loves almost all animals but especially dogs and cats. Loretta stands out as a team player and is always available when someone needs help!
JACKIE, RECEPTIONIST & SEAN, MAINTENANCE
Jackie relocated to Williams Lake in 1977 and has been here ever since! She has 2 children, 1 grandchild, a golden doodle & a 15-year-old cat! Jackie always takes extra time to make sure all of her clients are well taken care of, and no matter what, she will always find a way to help!
Sean is our Animal Care Hospital MVP! Sean has lived in Williams Lake his whole life, and his favority thing about working here is seeing all the different animals – especially the puppies! Sean says, “I would work here 7 days a week if I could because I LOVE my job!” Sean cares deeply for his coworkers and is a great help to everyone.
DEBBIE, RECEPTIONIST
Debbie has been part of our amazing reception team since 2022! Although Debbie is new to this type of work, she has decades of customer service experience. Debbie is a true animal lover (and you can tell every time a patient comes walking through the door!) Debbie always wears a smile and has a calm demeanour.
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BEATA, RECEPTIONIST
Beata is originally from Poland and Ukraine. Her love and passion for all animals came from being raised on a working farm in the Ukraine before coming to Canada. Beata has recently moved to the Cariboo with her family from the coast. She has worked with and for various animal organizations throughout her life. Her family consists of her husband and three amazing children, as well as 1 dog, 2 cats and a bearded dragon. Beata enjoys spending her spare time outdoors with her friends and family and taking impromptu road trips.