Our Team

Rita Peters, CVPM

Rita has an extensive background in business management and accounting. She is also a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager and a graduate of Purdue University's Veterinary Management Institute.

Her main focus is on financial management and strategic planning. She is responsible for hospital and professional development. Rita also develops and monitors medical protocols and hospital systems.

She is always willing to incorporate new ideas and concepts to make the hospital better and provide clients and their pets the best veterinary care possible.

Rita shares her home with "Beatle" and "Badger" the Border Terriers and "Hecktor" the Cairn Terrier.

"We pride ourselves on being current and knowledgable and yet we are a very compassionate and caring group of people. Royal York Animal Hospital fosters the individual which allows our entire staff to grow as a team with a common bond."

Helen Duncan, CVPM 

Helen oversees day to day hospital operations. She develops and monitors patient care and client service programs. She manages the hospital maintenance and staff training. She is also the hospital's Privacy Officer.

Helen is a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager and a graduate of Purdue University Veterinary Management Institute. She is available to discuss any of your comments or concerns in regards to our care or services.

Helen owns a rescued Rhodesian Ridgeback named "Kenan".

Helen says "I enjoy working at Royal York Animal Hospital for many reasons, but am extremely proud to work with a team of people who are focused on always improving our care to both the pets and our clients."

Veterinary Medical Receptionists

Our friendly and knowledgable veterinary medical reception staff have extensive training in client relations and customer service. They do their best to handle each client and pet individually and efficiently. Their knowledge of our hospital’s  medical services, nutrition, boarding, grooming and products is unsurpassed. They always do their best to make you and your pet feel welcome.

Merle

Merle's background includes human health care and veterinary health care. Merle enjoys working with animals because she enjoys helping them and giving them a voice.

She says "Royal York Animal Hospital is the best place I have ever worked, it is professional and caring."

Emilie

Emilie studied and has a certificate in Veterinary Medical Office Administration.

She says about Royal York Animal Hospital..."The minute I walked in, I fell in love. The environment is comforting and the people are so generous and always lend a hand where needed. This is a great place to work!  I look forward to a bright future here!"

Emilie takes pride in her middle-aged Shih Tzu/Poodle cross, "Miracle".  When asked about the unique name she says "Well, I always said it would be a miracle if I got a dog!"

Jessica

You may recognize Jessica if you have boarded your pet at Royal York Animal
Hospital where she has been an Animal Care Attendant since September 2008.  With her
excellent customer service skills and love for animals, she makes a great addition
to the front desk team.  Jessica attended Humber College for Police Foundations and
Child and Youth Work.

Jessica has also been an outstanding foster parent to a number of orphaned kittens
in our adoption program. "I look forward to all of the challenges that lie ahead!"
says Jessica.

She shares her home with her two furry cats, Coco and Trevor.

Our Veterinary Care Co-ordinator's role is to organize your pet's visit at our hospital whether it is for a routine procedure, a medical problem or a surgical procedure.

They understand your concerns and their combined client service skills, medical knowledge, and animal husbandry skills allow them to act as your liaison with our doctors, technicians and front office personnel.

Their primary responsibility is to help make your visit as stress free and informative as possible.

One of our VCC's will begin your pet's appointment and will often return at the end to discuss the doctors recommendations more fully and answer any questions. If your pet is hospitalized they will help provide nursing care and co-ordinate medical updates and discussions.

Melanie

Melanie's position has evolved at Royal York Animal Hospital.  During her employment she has gained experience in reception, treatment and in our boarding kennels.  As a pet and client advocate she was a natural for her current position as liason between administrative and medical staff.

Melanie attended Centennial College and graduated with a certificate in Massage Therapy.  She has continued her education in the veterinary field correspondence from Cedar Valley College and has completed General Veterinary Hospital and Administration I & II and Pharmacy and Pharmacology.

She loves to work at RYAH because "there is a fierce loyalty from the staff to provide the best care possible for our patients".

Alyssa

Alyssa has a special interest in client service and has worked as a receptionist at Royal York Animal Hospital for a number of years.  Her expanding medical knowledge base and empathy for both clients and patients ensure clients a pleasant and informative visit to our hospital.

She has completed veterinary reception, pharmacology and radiology courses at Cedar Valley College and is continuing her studies by correspondance.

Alyssa points out that..."there is a great work ethic here and everyone works as a team. I love meeting all of the great pets and their people and being able to provide them with the best service I can."

Alyssa enjoys time with her Pug cross "Milo" her cat "Persephone".

Judy

Judy is a graduate of the Veterinary Technician program at St. Lawrence College in Kingston. Judy's many responsibilities include pharmacy and inventory management.  She regulates and oversees our technical training procedures. Judy also holds a certificate as a Pet Dental Technician.

Judy finds that "the clients are compassionate about the well-being of the pets and are willing to help us help them. The environment here is cohesive and fun."

Judy shares her home with a cat named "Felix".

Kim

Kim is a graduate from the Veterinary Technician program at Seneca College in King City,  Toronto. Kim is also responsible for maintaining our pet food inventory and keeping the staff up to date on nutritional advances and diets.  She is also very knowledgable in the field of puppy/dog behaviour & obedience attending seminars and workshops regularly.  Kim keeps the staff current in this area through regular discussions at staff meeting. 

Kim reports she "enjoys working here because of the high quality of care offered and the staff members are friendly and helpful. We are also lucky to have great clientele."

Kim shares her home with two Staffordshire Terriers named "Jake" and "Jasmine", a Whippet Cross "Zip" and also a cat named "Tiger".

Maureen

Maureen attended the University of Guelph.  Later she became a Registered Veterinary Technician. Maureen has many years of clinical practise in small animal general medicine that is complimented by her experience in emergency medicine and as an opthalmic technician.

"I very much enjoy working as part of a team.  RYAH is a unique blend of being a large, modern veterinary facility and having a long-term dedicated staff."

Maureen shares her home and heart with her  Labradors "Clifford" and "Moose".

Lindsay

Lindsay is a graduate of the Veterinary Technician program at Seneca College in King City. Lindsay has a keen interest in dentistry and plans to further her education in this area. 

Lindsay states that "when I first walked into Royal York Animal Hospital everyone made me feel welcome. The client service is top of the line and makes a great impression. I look forward to my future here."

Cheryl

Cheryl's past experience on RYAH's front desk and her keen interest in client service and medical procedures and protocols have made her a great fit for her current position.  She has a keen interest in ensuring that our patients' visits are seamless from beginning to end.

She has completed a Veterinary Reception Certificate and is currently working on her Veterinary Assistant certificate, by correspondance through Cedar Valley College.

Cheryl truly loves "the caring nature of the staff, everyone here truly love and care about animals. When I started here I felt like I found my 'other family', ones after my own heart. I also think it is great to be able to share these feelings with clients, it really gives a sense of comfort. I want everyone to know there really is a difference here."

She shares her life with a Bichon Frise named "Keely", a Bouvier Cross named "Buddy" and "Arrow" the miracle cat.

Denise

Denise is graduate of the Veterinary Technician program at Seneca College in King City. She is very involved in our hospital's pet loss and bereavment education for staff and clients. She, along with others, strives to  implement and keep us updated on all current information and services so we may help our clients before, during and after this sad time.

Denise shares her home with a Siamese cat named "Sushi" and a Staffordshire Bull Terrier named "Pepper".

Deanna

Deanna is a graduate of the Veterinary Technician program at St. Lawrence College in Kingston. Deanna also has a keen interest in pet dentistry and enjoys educating clients about the importance of home dental care.

"The atmostphere here is positive and fulfilling, the staff is great and the clients are compassionate and respect our capabilities."

Deanna enjoys spending time with her Brittany Spaniel "Cassia".

Michelle

Michelle provides a unique service for our client.  Some of the services she provides are:

* In-home nursing care for elderly, palliative, diabetic or chronically ill pets

* Pick-up and delivery service of your pet to our hospital for veterinary or grooming appointments

* Delivery of prescription medications

* Transportation of your pet to the Emergency/Referral veterinary hospital

* Many "one of's".....Michelle can accomodate many individual pet needs.  Please ask!

Michelle has over twenty years experience in Animal Care as an Officer and acting supervisor for the Toronto Animal Services and was the former liason between the Toronto Animal Services-West and the Etobicoke Humane Society.  She is a graduate of Sheridan College for Animal Care and Seneca College for the Ontario Management Development Program.  Michelle has attended numerous pet behaviour and continuing educations seminars in the veterinary field and has many years experience breeding and showing purebred dogs.

"Royal York Animal Hospital is by far the most professionally run clinic I have ever dealt with, yet still manages to provide a personal touch every step of the way."

Currently, Michelle is co-guardian of six beautiful cats.

Laura-Lee

Laura-Lee is responsible for our boarding cats and dogs.  Her duties  include: walking the dogs, feeding, and general animal care and of course "play time"!

Laura-Lee also provides that extra special touch for those animals in boarding by giving them individual attention and brushing.

Lucy

Judy

Judy has a background wildlife rehabilitation including a certificate from The International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council.

When asked why she enjoys working here she said, "It's a wonderful team here at the Royal York Animal Hospital and I am thrilled to become part of it."

She lives with her two adorable cats named "Frida" and "Emily".

Mike 

Professional Pet Groomers

We provide grooming of all breeds of DOGS and CATS, by our professional groomer, seven days a week.  Our groomer is professionally trained and experienced.  She is also an integral part of our hospital which allows for grooming, medical and boarding staff to all be familiar with pet's individual needs and coordinate their care. 

Lily

Lily is a professionally trained groomer who has been grooming since 1995. She grooms all breeds of dogs and cats. Lily really enjoys grooming all breeds, but has a specialty for bichons, and creating a "puppy face" for all breeds.

Lily says "Royal York Animal Hospital is like a big family and everyone is so nice."

Edit 

Edit is a professionally trained pet groomer. She shares her home with a bulldog named "Koocie" 

Karina

Karina graduated from the Massachussets Grooming School. She enjoys grooming all breeds of dogs. She likes to make sure that the dog leaves beautiful and happy.

When she started here at Royal York Animal Hospital she was impressed with the organization. 'Everybody here is very nice and very professional. I am very happy to be here!'

She shares her home with a Lhasa-poo cross named Max.

Grooming Assistants

Andrew 

Jose