Veterinarians
Dr. Jeff Dand- Owner
Jeff graduated from the Atlantic Veterinary College in 1997 and then continued on to Florida to complete a veterinary internship. While in Florida, Jeff focused on canine behavior and dermatology as he had a special interest in these areas which he still does to this day. Jeff is an experienced veterinarian dedicated to helping animal lovers and their pets strengthen their relationship, health, and quality of life together. A vision fueled by his love for his three rescue pets, Rocco, a Lab mix, Coco a Great Pyrenees mix, and Bandit, a domestic longhair cat with 2 different colored eyes.
Throughout his career, Jeff observed key principles in animal care and discovered a passion for business that led to him building his own vet clinics and pet resorts. It’s Jeff’s sense of humor, contagious energy, and aptitude for business and behavior that has been key in the success of his clinics. Jeff is at the heart of helping each of our teams practice gold standard medicine and be a trusted cornerstone in our community!
Throughout his career, Jeff observed key principles in animal care and discovered a passion for business that led to him building his own vet clinics and pet resorts. It’s Jeff’s sense of humor, contagious energy, and aptitude for business and behavior that has been key in the success of his clinics. Jeff is at the heart of helping each of our teams practice gold standard medicine and be a trusted cornerstone in our community!
Dr. Danielle Fraser
Dr. Danielle Fraser graduated from the University of Calgary’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2017. She has honed her expertise across various areas of veterinary care, beginning her career in emergency medicine before transitioning to general practice in 2018.
Dr. Fraser is deeply passionate about the human-animal bond, recognizing the profound role pets play as family members in our lives. This belief drives her commitment to providing the highest standard of care, whether she is helping a family bring home a new puppy or kitten, or supporting the health and well-being of senior pets through long-term care. She takes pride in offering personalized care that enhances the lives of pets and their owners.
Dr. Fraser has developed a special interest in veterinary dentistry and the management of chronic diseases, both of which are essential for maintaining the quality of life of her patients.
Dr. Fraser has been a local in Kensington for 15 years and is thrilled to get the chance to have an impact in the pet lives of her friends and neighbours. In her spare time you can find her cuddling with her Basset Hound, Dalwhinnie, or playing with her young family.
Dr. Fraser is deeply passionate about the human-animal bond, recognizing the profound role pets play as family members in our lives. This belief drives her commitment to providing the highest standard of care, whether she is helping a family bring home a new puppy or kitten, or supporting the health and well-being of senior pets through long-term care. She takes pride in offering personalized care that enhances the lives of pets and their owners.
Dr. Fraser has developed a special interest in veterinary dentistry and the management of chronic diseases, both of which are essential for maintaining the quality of life of her patients.
Dr. Fraser has been a local in Kensington for 15 years and is thrilled to get the chance to have an impact in the pet lives of her friends and neighbours. In her spare time you can find her cuddling with her Basset Hound, Dalwhinnie, or playing with her young family.
Dr. Tara Pugh
Dr. Tara Pugh graduated from the University of Pretoria in 2014 and began her veterinary career working with wildlife. While the experience was incredibly rewarding, her passion for surgery led her back to small animal practice, where she could focus more deeply on surgical care and building long-term relationships with clients and their pets.
In 2019, Tara moved to Canada in search of new professional opportunities and a better quality of life. Since then, she has been practicing in Calgary and is proud to be a part of a veterinary community that shares her commitment to compassionate, high-quality care. Her special interests include soft tissue surgery, dentistry, and making veterinary visits as stress-free as possible for pets and their families.
At home, Tara shares her life with Martial, a lovable golden retriever who thrives in the snow, and Fysh, a shy but affectionate cat who adores his own people.
In 2019, Tara moved to Canada in search of new professional opportunities and a better quality of life. Since then, she has been practicing in Calgary and is proud to be a part of a veterinary community that shares her commitment to compassionate, high-quality care. Her special interests include soft tissue surgery, dentistry, and making veterinary visits as stress-free as possible for pets and their families.
At home, Tara shares her life with Martial, a lovable golden retriever who thrives in the snow, and Fysh, a shy but affectionate cat who adores his own people.
Management Team
Nicole Gigian, RVT- Director of Operations
Originally from Manitoba, Nicole moved to Alberta several years ago. She grew up loving all animals but had a special passion for horses. Following her passion, she received her diploma in the Animal Health Technology program in 2008. As a new RVT, she worked in a variety of different areas in the veterinary world including small animal, equine, emergency care, and bovine embryo transfer. Working in these different areas allowed her to gain vast knowledge and experience.
After moving to Alberta, she was hired on with Dand Veterinary Clinics as an RVT and helped Dr. Dand bring Springbank Pet Hospital from the ground up. Over the years she has helped with the opening of several of Dr. Dand's clinics including a few on Vancouver Island and soon realized her passion for management as well as the business side of Veterinary clinics. She now oversees the operations of all 6 Dand vet clinics in Alberta and BC is enjoying every moment of it.
She currently has three pets, Nim a little black cat, Phoebe a rescue white shepherd mix and Lainey a Border Terrier.
After moving to Alberta, she was hired on with Dand Veterinary Clinics as an RVT and helped Dr. Dand bring Springbank Pet Hospital from the ground up. Over the years she has helped with the opening of several of Dr. Dand's clinics including a few on Vancouver Island and soon realized her passion for management as well as the business side of Veterinary clinics. She now oversees the operations of all 6 Dand vet clinics in Alberta and BC is enjoying every moment of it.
She currently has three pets, Nim a little black cat, Phoebe a rescue white shepherd mix and Lainey a Border Terrier.
Valerie Hall - Director of Business Development
Valerie was born and raised on a large farm in central Alberta where she learned the value of a tenacious work ethic, honesty, ingenuity, and loyalty. Her home was the birthplace of her love and passion for animal care.
Valerie has been leading teams and managing patient success in the orthodontic profession for over 15 years. She is new to the vet industry and is excited to make a difference in Airdrie’s community, one pet’s life at a time. Valerie is at the heart of helping our team practice gold standard medicine so that we're a trusted cornerstone of our community!
Valerie, along with her husband and two daughters have a Cavalier King Charles puppy named Rocket that they all adore and is the love of their life. Valerie believes in people and dedicates a large portion of her time to 4-H, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth.
Valerie has been leading teams and managing patient success in the orthodontic profession for over 15 years. She is new to the vet industry and is excited to make a difference in Airdrie’s community, one pet’s life at a time. Valerie is at the heart of helping our team practice gold standard medicine so that we're a trusted cornerstone of our community!
Valerie, along with her husband and two daughters have a Cavalier King Charles puppy named Rocket that they all adore and is the love of their life. Valerie believes in people and dedicates a large portion of her time to 4-H, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth.
Bayli Pearson - Hospital Manager
Bayli brings 15 years of dedicated experience in dental care to her new journey in veterinary medicine. Her passion for exceptional patient care and creating positive experiences now extends to the well-being of your pets. Bayli is thrilled to join the veterinary field and is eager to contribute to your pets' best health.
Originally from a charming rural community in northern Alberta, she grew up showing cows at local fairs and now enjoys life with her English Springer Spaniel, Timber. With her warm, inviting approach, Bayli looks forward to serving the community and helping our team provide gold standard medicine.
Originally from a charming rural community in northern Alberta, she grew up showing cows at local fairs and now enjoys life with her English Springer Spaniel, Timber. With her warm, inviting approach, Bayli looks forward to serving the community and helping our team provide gold standard medicine.
Holly Robinson - Accounting Manager
Holly was born and raised in Calgary, and grew up surrounded by animals, having everything from cats and dogs, to frogs, turtles, hamsters and bearded dragons. She has always had a love for all creatures, furry, slimy or scaly, and decided to pursue a career in the veterinary field, graduating from Bow Valley College's Veterinary assistant program in 2012. Holly started with the Airdrie Animal Clinic in March 2012 as a client care specialist, and spent a number of years leading the reception team. Holly decided to further her education, and in 2021 graduated with honors from the Business Administration program at SAIT. Upon graduation Holly began assisting with the bookkeeping, as well as managing the Airdrie team. She has now turned her focus back to the financial operations of the business, and manages the accounting for all 6 Dand clinics. Holly resides in Airdrie with her husband, a ginger kitty named Simba and a golden retriever named Griswold.
Registered Veterinary Technologists
Lisa
Lisa grew up in Sherwood Park, AB and with never having had her own pet, was known as the neighbourhood petsitter! She got her first pet at the age of 19! After starting a job as an animal care attendant for the Edmonton Humane Society, she knew she wanted to pursue a career in the animal health industry. Lisa graduated from the Animal Health Technology program at NAIT in 2006. She worked at a small animal practice in Edmonton for 17 years (15 years as an RVT) before moving to Calgary to be closer to family. She has an interest in integrative medicine and looks forward to expanding her knowledge!
In her spare time, Lisa enjoys reading, working out, spending time with her family and visiting the cat cafe’s!
In her spare time, Lisa enjoys reading, working out, spending time with her family and visiting the cat cafe’s!
Sydney
Sydney has lived just outside of Calgary her entire life and graduated as part of the first blended AHT program at Lakeland College in 2023. Since then, she’s been working in general practice, where she brings a hands-on, compassionate approach to animal care. While she has a particular soft spot for big dogs, especially her beloved Irish Wolfhound, Ernie, Sydney is excited to meet and care for all types of patients. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, exploring the outdoors, and, of course, spoiling Ernie with all the love he can handle.
Technician Assistants and Client Care Specialists
Owen was born and raised in Alberta, and is currently completing his undergraduate degree in Chemistry at the University of Calgary, with aspirations to attend the Veterinary Medicine program at U of C in the near future.
Owen comes to us with a plethora of experience outside of this, having completed his Veterinary Technician Assistant Diploma with Olds College prior to completing highschool, and has volunteered both at our Springbank location and AARCs.
Outside of work and school, Owen spends his time with his furry companions Bentley, a Labradoodle who is almost 3, and Ruby a black Ragamuffin cat who is 8. He enjoys working out, playing his Les Paul, backpacking and hiking in the mountains, and hanging out with friends.
Owen comes to us with a plethora of experience outside of this, having completed his Veterinary Technician Assistant Diploma with Olds College prior to completing highschool, and has volunteered both at our Springbank location and AARCs.
Outside of work and school, Owen spends his time with his furry companions Bentley, a Labradoodle who is almost 3, and Ruby a black Ragamuffin cat who is 8. He enjoys working out, playing his Les Paul, backpacking and hiking in the mountains, and hanging out with friends.
Joshua
Josh was born in British Columbia and has lived all over North America from Winnipeg, Manitoba to Modesto, California. Growing up, he had a wide array of pets including dogs, cats, newts, and birds. He loves all animals (yes, even spiders!) but mostly his two cats, Circe and Jimi. In his spare time, Josh enjoys reading and hiking outdoors. Josh joined our team in 2022 as a client care specialist, and we just couldn't let him go!
Meagan
Meagan, born and raised a Calgarian, grew up with a special love for animals and always knew from a young age that she wanted to work with them. She recently graduated from Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, BC, with a Bachelor of Science, major in Biology and minor in Criminology, as well as a Certificate in Forensic Studies. Next, she is hoping to pursue veterinary medicine. Her passion for animal welfare has led her to volunteer with various animal rescue organizations in Calgary and BC, including humane societies and a farm sanctuary. Beyond her volunteer roles, Meagan worked in a small practice in Maple Ridge, BC, where she was able to get involved in all areas of the practice and loved every minute of it! In her free time, Meagan enjoys cooking/baking, painting, being out in the mountains, and curling up on the couch watching Netflix.
Becka
Becka comes from the small town of Revelstoke and spent time living in Vancouver from 2013 to 2018. She earned her Veterinary Technician Assistant diploma from Granville College in 2018. After graduation Becka returned to Revelstoke and joined the team at the local veterinary clinic as an assistant, where she honed her skills and deepened her knowledge over nearly six years. In Summer of 2024 she moved to Calgary with her fiancée and continues her dedication to veterinary medicine at Westmount Animal Clinic.
Outside of work, Becka enjoys camping, fishing, and exploring waterfalls with her fiancée. She also loves traveling and has visited Mexico, Australia and plans to add others to her list. On quieter days, she enjoys marathons of Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter and playing video games. Becka shares her home with a rescue cat named Nori Louise, and shares ownership of a rescue dog named Oliver Rupert with her sisters.
Outside of work, Becka enjoys camping, fishing, and exploring waterfalls with her fiancée. She also loves traveling and has visited Mexico, Australia and plans to add others to her list. On quieter days, she enjoys marathons of Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter and playing video games. Becka shares her home with a rescue cat named Nori Louise, and shares ownership of a rescue dog named Oliver Rupert with her sisters.
Rihanna
Rihanna grew up on an acreage in Fort St. John, BC where her love for animals and the outdoors first blossomed. After graduating from the Veterinary Technical Assistant program in Olds, she's now gaining hands-on experience in the veterinary field before returning to pursue her Veterinary Technician certification. With the goal of becoming a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Rihanna is dedicated to furthering her education and passion for animal care. When she's not working or studying, you can find her spending time with her dogs, reading, hitting the gym, or volunteering in her community
Kat
Kat, a baker by trade and proud Calgarian, is a devoted cat mom with a wealth of customer service experience. She’s thrilled to bring her expertise to the Westmount team and is eager to contribute her knowledge and enthusiasm.
When she's not working, Kat loves spending time with her cat, Daisy, and her partner, Dylan. The pair enjoy cooking and baking delicious meals for themselves and their friends. In her downtime, Kat is often found rewatching her favorite movies, reading, crocheting, or listening to Dylan share his latest insights on Magic the Gathering. She’s always on the lookout for new restaurant recommendations, so if you have any hidden gems, don't hesitate to share them next time you’re in!
When she's not working, Kat loves spending time with her cat, Daisy, and her partner, Dylan. The pair enjoy cooking and baking delicious meals for themselves and their friends. In her downtime, Kat is often found rewatching her favorite movies, reading, crocheting, or listening to Dylan share his latest insights on Magic the Gathering. She’s always on the lookout for new restaurant recommendations, so if you have any hidden gems, don't hesitate to share them next time you’re in!