Dr. Tanya Sparling

Dr. Tanya Sparling owns Amherst Veterinary Hospital and Tantramar Veterinary Hospital. She joined AVH after graduating from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2009, and purchased the practice in 2012. Tanya grew up in the Amherst area and had a desire to return to her roots along with her husband and daughter. Upon meeting Tanya, you will immediately realize her compassion and deep concern for the well-being of her patients and clients.

Dr. Carolyn Hollis

Dr. Carolyn Hollis began her career at the Amherst Veterinary Hospital after graduating from the Atlantic Veterinary College in Charlottetown, P.E.I. She has a very calm and methodical approach to her work and, as our most senior Veterinarian, Dr. Hollis is very supportive and helpful in all aspects of the hospital. Her knowledge and experience are extraordinary assets for patients and staff. Along with her husband, Dennis, and two children Mallory and Evan, they provide a loving home to many pets.

Dr. Emily Youé

Dr. Emily Youe first began at our Hospital while completing her externship in 2010. Upon graduation from the Ontario Veterinary College, she accepted a full-time position with us in 2011. Emily’s mom is an Amherstonian and she has many family members and friends in this area. Since joining our team, Emily and her husband James have had two beautiful children, Kingston and Esmé. Her family also includes two dogs (Rosie and Kisses) and three cats (Mr. Mustard, Hillbilly and Tobias). Emily has developed a keen interest in orthopaedic surgery and enjoys her time in the surgery suite with Dr. Ernie Prowse. Emily is a dedicated and empathetic veterinarian and we are so pleased to have her on our team.

Dr. Ernie Prowse

Dr. Prowse has always had an interest in orthopedics and since graduation has devoted a great deal of time and training in this field of veterinary medicine. He has been certified by the Ohio State University for hip replacement surgery, Slocum Enterprises in Eugene, Oregon for TPLO knee surgery and Penn HIP radiography for hip dysplasia free certification from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Prowse finds the mechanics of orthopedics and motion very interesting. From 2004-2011 he worked with Dr.Rushton in Halifax where they completed over 2000 TPLO procedures. On January 1st 2012 he joined our team and has been busy with orthopedic referrals from all three maritime provinces.

Dr. Prowse lives in Truro, Nova Scotia and is married to Pam. Together they have a son Bradley and a daughter Lindsay. He established Central Nova Animal Hospital in Truro in 1987. After selling this Hospital to his Associates he concentrated on orthopedics full time. For the past twelve years Dr. Prowse has volunteered time as Chairperson for the Atlantic Provinces Veterinary Conference.

Dr. Bonnie Harrison

Barbara Cook

Barb became a member of the Amherst Veterinary Hospital in the capacity as bookkeeper and assistant to the Veterinarians some years ago. At that time, the Hospital was primarily a large animal clinic and because of that, Barb has evolved and has experienced many changes. A valued member of the staff, Barb is very competent as our financial officer. She has a love of all animals large and small and has fostered many animals over the years. Barb not only has a wealth of knowledge but always has a smile for everyone.

Angelina Dembour

We were so happy to have Angie join our AVH team at the end of 2014. Angie originally hails from across the Atlantic ocean - she was born in Bornheim, Germany - and moved to Nova Scotia in 2003. Angie graduated in 2011 as an RVT. Always willing to help out, she can often be heard cracking a joke or laughing with a client. Angie currently enjoys her down time in Tidnish with her husband and her small herd of animal friends.

Emily Maclean RVT

Emily joined our staff in 2007 as a Veterinary Assistant and is now a Registered Veterinary Technician. She is kind and helpful with a special knack for getting inappetent animals to eat. She loves her job and each day it shows in her strong technical skills and thirst for more information. Outside of work she loves staying active and spending time with friends and family, especially her niece Vivian and nephew Jax.

Julie MacDonnell RVT

Julie has been with the Amherst Veterinary Hospital since September 2009. She grew up in Springhill and currently lives in that area with her husband and their pets. Julie has worked in the veterinary business since her graduation as a Veterinary Assistant since 2004. Along with assisting our Veterinarians in all aspects of the profession, Julie also is supervisor of our laboratory and maintains inventory control. She has a quiet and positive presence in our Hospital and loves to work with animals. Julie hit the books and recently achieved her RVT status along with Emily MacLean. GOOD JOB JULIE!!

Kim Giffin

As a graduate Veterinary Assistant and later a Veterinary Technician, Kim has been with us since 2003. Over these years, Kim has developed many techniques and skills to the benefit of her patients and colleagues. She is a busy Mom to her sons, Karter and Vaughn, as well as her pets. Kim has adopted many animals over the years and has fostered some as well. She is involved in all aspects of the hospital along with assisting Dr.Prowse during his orthopaedic surgeries. Kim’s great attitude and her love for all animals are valued assets at the hospital.

Melissa Proctor

Melissa joined our team in September 2010. Upon receiving an animal science degree from the Nova Scotia Agricultural College, Melissa moved to Kamloops, British Columbia. There she successfully completed the Veterinary Technician program at Thompson Rivers University. Melissa is full of energy and often can be found having a conversation with our patients, which they love. We feel fortunate she came back to Amherst to join our team. Outside of work, Melissa’s other job is parenting two year-old Jacob with her husband Trevor.

Natasha Mackintosh

Natasha’s love of animals began at an early age with many family pets including dogs, cats and horses. Fortunately for us, she brought that love of animals to AVH in 2009. She is meticulous in her work and loves to help with management and organization tasks. She is involved in bettering the field she works in as a volunteer with the Animal Care Committee at Oulton’s College. Although she loves her work, her heart belongs to Gainz (her super handsome French bulldog).

Sarah Greeno

The AVH family welcomed Sarah into the fold in December 2014. We were very happy to bring aboard this lovely lady. She is a farm girl at heart so she can do just about anything and not be grossed out. Sarah is a 2012 graduate of Oulton College from the Registered Veterinary Technician program. Her dedication and skill set are a testament to her conviction in career choice.

Sarah is a recent newlywed. In September 2014 she married her sweetheart and works on the family farm as well as here at AVH. She is a very busy girl! Many of you will recognize Sarah as she is an Amherst native.

Vanessa Reed

One of our newer Veterinary Technicians is Vanessa. As the top student in her graduating class of 2011, Vanessa takes her profession very seriously and loves working with our patients. She can always be found lending a helping hand and making sure all of our little ones are comfortable and warm. Vanessa grew up in Saint John, N.B. and currently lives in Sackville, N.B. with her husband and three pets.

Renee Fitzpatrick

Renee first joined our team as a high school volunteer in 2012. Soon after, she was hired to help with client services and kennel care. This experience confirmed for her that she wanted to pursue education in animal healthcare. She graduated from Oulton College's Veterinary Technician program in 2016, and obtained her Registered Veterinary Technician status. Renee has lived in Amherst since she was born, and plans to continue living in the town she loves with her husband. She loves what she does, and her compassion for people and animals is evident in her daily work with us.

Vanessa Poirier

Vanessa joined our team as an RVT in June 2015. Her quiet and gentle demeanour helps calm our patients and clients in stressful situations, while her laid back and humorous personality make it so she fits right in at AVH. She has two rescue cats - Archibald and Mr. Gatsby - and in her free time enjoys camping, attending concerts, cooking and visiting new and interesting places.

Kiera Fullerton

Kiera has been part of the AVH team since November 2015. She attended college to become a Veterinary Assistant. Her love for animals shines through with everything she does. She has responsibilities throughout the hospital ranging from client care to kennel duties. Outside of AVH her hobbies include walking her dog Shyla and spending time with family and friends. Her future plans are to move close to work (because she loves us!) and to work towards obtaining her RVT status.

Mary Lusby

Mary is usually the first person to greet you at our Hospital. We are proud to say she has done so for many years. Her knowledge, as well as her helpful and happy personally, are an integral part of the hospital and keeps the reception area running smooth. She has a gentle, caring way with our patients and compassion for our clients and we feel very fortunate to have her. Mary is married to Ross and together they have four children and three grandchildren. She considers the crew at AVH her (adopted) family too!

Tish

In 2003, Tish joined our reception team after working for some years in the retail industry. She is always willing to do her utmost to a assist our clients and is the one to see regarding fitting your pet with collars or harnesses. Tish has a wonderful attitude and gentle way with all animals. She and her husband have recently rescued greyhounds and are providing a wonderful life for these lucky dogs.

Laura

Roberta Smith

Roberta grew up in Springhill. After venturing west for a bit, she made her way back home to be near her family. Roberta joined the AVH team in June 2016. We are fortunate to have her here at night keeping the hospital spic and span and lending a helping hand to the technicians. She is passionate about spending time cuddling and talking to the animals, to help them feel as comfortable as possible during their overnight stays.