Veterinarians
Dr. Jeff Dand - Owner/Operator as of 2017
Dr. Jeff Dand graduated from the Atlantic Veterinary College in 1997, after which he spent a year in Florida, focussing on medicine and behaviour, one of his key interests to this day. He then moved to Calgary, where he worked in emergency medicine before opening his first private practice. With a focus on quality care and compassion, he has since expanded to four clinics in both Calgary and Victoria, as well as the world-class Springbank Pet Resort. Dr. Dand has always been passionate about creating a stress-free environment for pets, and after 20 years of clinical practice, is happy that he can now pursue this approach to veterinary care with our teams.
Now living in Victoria, where he and his family enjoy the wonderful climate and community to be found here, he is excited to begin practicing at our clinics. His two rescue dogs, Coco and Rocco love exploring the beaches and parks around town, and their cat Bandit holds down the fort at home as the resident leader of the group. Dr. Dand and his wife have been honoured to work with so many wonderful pets and owners in the clinics over the years and are now hoping to expand their commitment to the pet-loving community in Victoria and be of service in a larger context.
Now living in Victoria, where he and his family enjoy the wonderful climate and community to be found here, he is excited to begin practicing at our clinics. His two rescue dogs, Coco and Rocco love exploring the beaches and parks around town, and their cat Bandit holds down the fort at home as the resident leader of the group. Dr. Dand and his wife have been honoured to work with so many wonderful pets and owners in the clinics over the years and are now hoping to expand their commitment to the pet-loving community in Victoria and be of service in a larger context.
Dr. Kevin Hunt
Dr. Kevin Hunt graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon in 2013. After graduation, Kevin worked in a small animal clinic in Airdrie, Alberta for 4 years. He returned to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine where he taught small animal dentistry and elective surgery to third and fourth year students. Prior to coming to James Bay Veterinary Clinic he spent 2 years at a feline only practice.
Kevin's top areas of professional interest are dentistry and feline medicine. Outside of the clinic he enjoys SCUBA diving and taking his dog for a hop by the ocean.
Dr. Jenni Bartlett
Dr. Jenni Bartlett is a 2019 graduate from The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh, where she also was born and lived before moving over to Toronto in 2011. She has always had a love for animals and has been volunteering/working in vet clinics since she was 12 years old. Since graduating vet school, she worked at small animal practices in Toronto before moving over to the island in November.
Jenni has interests in internal medicine, nutrition, and soft tissue surgery. She has two rabbits, Olive and Bandit, who keep her very busy at home! Outside of the clinic, Jenni enjoys playing guitar, trying new food spots, and travelling.
Jenni has interests in internal medicine, nutrition, and soft tissue surgery. She has two rabbits, Olive and Bandit, who keep her very busy at home! Outside of the clinic, Jenni enjoys playing guitar, trying new food spots, and travelling.
Dr. Rachel Turecki
Dr. Turecki is originally from Vancouver, BC. Ever since she was little she knew she wanted to be a Veterinarian (cliche, right?). Rachel felt a certain bond with animals that she couldn’t quite explain and knew she wanted to be involved with their health and well being. In high school, Rachel developed a love for science, which only strengthened her determination of becoming a veterinarian. After school, Rachel took time off to travel and this is where she met her amazing husband.
Dr. Turecki attended the Ross School of Vet Medicine in the Caribbean and completed her veterinary degree at the age of 31. As part of this program, students complete their final clinical year at an affiliated school, Rachel chose to attend WCVM in Saskatoon. From there, she chose to join the amazing team at James Bay Veterinary clinic.
Rachel has learned so much throughout her years as a student, meeting mentors along the way that inspired and motivated her, but she knows she has so much more to learn and she looks forward to the next adventure ahead.
Dr. Turecki attended the Ross School of Vet Medicine in the Caribbean and completed her veterinary degree at the age of 31. As part of this program, students complete their final clinical year at an affiliated school, Rachel chose to attend WCVM in Saskatoon. From there, she chose to join the amazing team at James Bay Veterinary clinic.
Rachel has learned so much throughout her years as a student, meeting mentors along the way that inspired and motivated her, but she knows she has so much more to learn and she looks forward to the next adventure ahead.
Management
Courtney Guss
Meet Courtney, our Veterinary Practice Manager at James Bay Veterinary clinic. Courtney started her journey into the vet industry in 2017 while she was living in North Vancouver, a couple of years later she decided to return to her home in Victoria. Courtney's love for animals began in childhood, she always surrounded herself with a plethora of different pets including horses. She has had it all -Parrots, ferrets, hedgehogs, fish; you name it!
Courtney studied natural sciences at the University of Victoria and paramedic medicine at the Justice Institute of British Columbia. She also recently added certificates in firefighting and hazmat to her skill set. Her educational focus has always been providing care and helping people in urgent situations. As a devoted Practice Manager, she is committed to delivering top-tier patient and client care.
Beyond her professional life, Courtney enjoys taking her motorcycles to the track and spending quality time with her partner; Jordan and their two pets: Henry, a miniature long-haired dachshund, and Ramsey, a British Longhaired cat.
Courtney studied natural sciences at the University of Victoria and paramedic medicine at the Justice Institute of British Columbia. She also recently added certificates in firefighting and hazmat to her skill set. Her educational focus has always been providing care and helping people in urgent situations. As a devoted Practice Manager, she is committed to delivering top-tier patient and client care.
Beyond her professional life, Courtney enjoys taking her motorcycles to the track and spending quality time with her partner; Jordan and their two pets: Henry, a miniature long-haired dachshund, and Ramsey, a British Longhaired cat.
Registered Veterinary Technologists
Ej
Bio coming soon!
Rachel
Bio coming soon!
Grace - Veterinary Technologist Student
Grace is pictured here with her best friend Murphy. Born with a passion and love for animals, and now living her dream of having a career dedicated to improving the lives of pets all over Victoria. Grace spends her free time with friends and loved ones, hiking local trails, and pursuing my other passions, like art and cooking. Her favourite part of being a Veterinary Assistant is helping to create happy and healthy lives for our furry friends.
Support Staff
Kayt
Kayt has been a James Bay local for over twenty years. A life-long animal lover, she joined our team in 2019 and quickly became a fixture in the clinic for many of our clients. You’ve most likely seen her around town, walking one of James Bay’s numerous Black Russian Terriers, her (big!) puppy, Mishka, with her husband. Back home is Lore, a Maine Coon helping raise up Mishka, and a little school of fish. Kayt is passionate about help you and your pet get the best, most compassionate care possible, and looks forward to seeing you and your pets in the clinic.
Kayt has been a James Bay local for over twenty years. A life-long animal lover, she joined our team in 2019 and quickly became a fixture in the clinic for many of our clients. You’ve most likely seen her around town, walking one of James Bay’s numerous Black Russian Terriers, her (big!) puppy, Mishka, with her husband. Back home is Lore, a Maine Coon helping raise up Mishka, and a little school of fish. Kayt is passionate about help you and your pet get the best, most compassionate care possible, and looks forward to seeing you and your pets in the clinic.
Bev
Bev moved to Canada from the city of Brighton in the South East of England 23 years ago with her husband and daughter. They lived in Calgary, Alberta for 16 years and moved to Victoria 7 years ago. Bev loves living and working in James Bay, getting to know herfluffy neighbours and taking advantage of the parks and ocean side walks.
Dayna
Dayna is new to the veterinary industry, most of her career has been in optical. She grew up in Powell River moved to Victoria in 1992. Dayna is a James Bay local who loves camping, eating, and practicing mixology with friends and loved ones. Living and working in James Bay gives her and her family an opportunity to meet all the animals and people around the neighbourhood.
Lori
Lori is new to the veterinary industry. She moved to Victoria from Toronto, where she studied and worked in fashion marketing. She grew up on a farm in rural Saskatchewan where she worked with all kinds of farm animals. Her family home always had pet dogs, cats and two sheep. She has been a doggie foster parent. At James Bay Vet Clinic, Lori works as a vet assistant and coordinates surgeries. She will be there to support you and your pet through their big day.
Lori enjoys having a busy life. Her own home is ruled by Gilbert and Maeve, her mischievous but very sweet cats.
Lori is new to the veterinary industry. She moved to Victoria from Toronto, where she studied and worked in fashion marketing. She grew up on a farm in rural Saskatchewan where she worked with all kinds of farm animals. Her family home always had pet dogs, cats and two sheep. She has been a doggie foster parent. At James Bay Vet Clinic, Lori works as a vet assistant and coordinates surgeries. She will be there to support you and your pet through their big day.
Lori enjoys having a busy life. Her own home is ruled by Gilbert and Maeve, her mischievous but very sweet cats.
Miriam
Born and raised in Southern California, Miriam moved to Victoria in 2020 to start a new life in Canada. She graduated from Sprott Shaw College’s Veterinary Assisting program in October 2021 and immediately joined the James Bay Vet team. She is primarily interested in animal behavior and rehabilitation. She can often be found carrying our client’s pets from room to room for snuggles.
When she is not at the clinic, you can find her searching for Victoria’s best local restaurants and hidden gems. She also loves exploring new places with her two beloved shadows, Blue and Keelo.
When she is not at the clinic, you can find her searching for Victoria’s best local restaurants and hidden gems. She also loves exploring new places with her two beloved shadows, Blue and Keelo.
Dariel
Raised by two veterinarians in Alberta, Dariel has spent her whole life around animals and the veterinary world. She is relatively newly employed in the industry, but has spent plenty of time in clinics and on her family’s cattle ranch helping animals large and small.
Outside work, Dariel enjoys playing sports and spending time outdoors. If not exploring the great outdoors, she loves to be curled up on the couch with a book and her adorable cat, Roma.
Avery
Avery brings a unique blend of diverse experiences to our team, having pursued a Bachelor's degree in Classical Music and explored various career paths before finding her passion in animal care. With a long and varied work history in customer service, Avery has discovered her calling as a veterinary assistant at our clinic, where she demonstrates exceptional dedication and compassion towards animals and their owners. Her hardworking nature, coupled with a genuine love for animals, makes her an invaluable member of our team. Outside of work, Avery's kindness extends to rescuing and fostering rats, showcasing her commitment to animal welfare beyond the clinic walls.
Sadie
Working her first job in a vet clinic at 15 years old Sadie has always known that working with animals was a passion of hers. Continuing to grow and gain knowledge educationally and hands on she spends her personal and professional life surrounded by animals. She is always looking for more opportunities to learn new skills and information to provide the best care and live for animals.
Having all kinds of pets over the years such as rodents, arachnids, reptiles, and sea life. She now spends her time with her partner who have a cat and dog and like going on all kinds of adventures with them. Hiking, camping, paddleboarding, snowshoeing, doesn't matter how dirty they get, as long as they are having fun.
Having all kinds of pets over the years such as rodents, arachnids, reptiles, and sea life. She now spends her time with her partner who have a cat and dog and like going on all kinds of adventures with them. Hiking, camping, paddleboarding, snowshoeing, doesn't matter how dirty they get, as long as they are having fun.
Lucy
Lucy is a recent addition to our team that moved to Victoria, BC, a year ago. With a lifelong love for animals, Lucy brings great enthusiasm to her role. In her spare time, she volunteers with snake rehabilitation, showcasing her dedication to a wide range of animals. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Law and Environmental Science and has recently returned to school to pursue her true passion for animal healthcare. Lucy enjoys biking, good food, and visiting the stunning beaches of British Columbia.
Britta
Britta was born and raised on Vancouver Island. With a deep love and connection for animals, she began her journey as a veterinary assistant and receptionist at a compassionate practice. She then explored her other greatest passion, graduating from Camosun College's visual arts program and Vancouver Film School’s animation and concept design program. Throughout this time, she acquired a diverse experience in business management. She most recently transitioned from professional dog grooming into joining the James Bay Team. Britta is passionate in expanding her knowledge in the industry of our furry loved ones.
In her personal life, Britta can be found creating for her personal art business, playing video games, watching films, and exploring the island with her partner. Her dream is to have a beloved furry friend of her own.
In her personal life, Britta can be found creating for her personal art business, playing video games, watching films, and exploring the island with her partner. Her dream is to have a beloved furry friend of her own.