Founded in 1958, Abbotsford Veterinary Clinic was the first large animal care facility in Abbotsford under the leadership of Dr. Trevor Clarkson, and colleagues Drs. Lon Goodale and Dave Lightfoot. Animal care excellence earned this team a trusted reputation creating the infrastructure of Abbotsford Veterinary Clinic.
In 1991, Dr. Rich Vanderwal, a dairy veterinarian as well as a dairy producer, became the principal leader of the Clinic. Dr. Vanderwal's vision and passion to provide a more comprehensive scope of food production animal care led him to create programs designed for herd health visits with the pro-active goal of improving overall cow health and performance, producer satisfaction and ultimately profitability.
Over the last number of years, Abbotsford Veterinary Clinic has developed into the trusted team of veterinary leaders that you see today. Our team has provided resources towards research and development initiatives that have proven instrumental for the industry. Their expertise includes innovative work in embryo transfer and optimal herd production management in Canada and globally.
With 35 years of veterinary animal care excellence, the team at Abbotsford Veterinary Clinic understands the complexity and intricacies of large animal care for conventional and organic farms large or small. As veterinary leaders, they are committed to delivering the highest standards of animal care supporting safe and sustainable food production.
Dave comes from rural NW Iowa, where he grew up working on his family's dairy farm. This experience fostered an interest in ag business and production animal medicine which he actively pursues today. These areas of interest led him to attain leadership roles in 4H, showing cows at the World Dairy Expo, and completing various research projects while studying at Dordt College.
Dave graduated from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, with honours, in May 2011 and has been working at the Abbotsford Veterinary Clinic since. His focus is on production animal medicine, particularly dairy medicine, dairy reproductive management, large animal surgery, and the welfare of animals through AVC's animal health and well-being initiatives. He enjoys working in beautiful BC and serving the large animal clients of Canada.
The geography of BC has a lot to offer as Dave enjoys hiking, camping, and exploring the countryside in his free time with his wife Heidi (Arends). If he's not working or traveling, you can find him fishing or doing anything that involves football.
Our committed team of specialists in client care and service, embryology and genetic marketing supports all that we do in the delivery of animal care excellence.
The embryology lab is where all embryos go for evaluation and processing.
Embryologists specialize in evaluating embryos and oocytes for viability and preparing embryos for transfer or freezing. In addition, we provide embryo biopsy for sex determination and embryo splitting.
Our team of Embryologists, Christine, Nicole and Vanessa, are committed to excellence in the delivery of consistent and reliable results. Our team is export certified permitting export qualified embryo storage and facilitating our ability to ship embryos around the world on behalf of our clients.
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Growing up in Western Michigan, Jared’s first interest in production animal medicine came from working on a neighbor’s dairy farm. He started off feeding calves and milking cows later becoming involved in fieldwork and equipment maintenance.
Lauren was born and raised in Southwest Michigan where her parents owned a blueberry farm. While blueberries were important to the family’s bottom line, Lauren had interests of her own to pursue. At an early age, Lauren became a member of 4-H which was a strong influence for her to become a veterinarian. She received her degree in Animal Science at Michigan State University and subsequently her DVM. Her desire to work in the dairy industry was confirmed through a summer in Wisconsin working on a 2-robot dairy farm.
James grew up on his family’s dairy farm in Northern Ireland. Working on the farm sparked a strong interest in Holstein genetics and showing. He spent many summers clipping cows for shows and attending Holstein club events. His experience in these areas led him to pursue a career as a production animal veterinarian where he has developed a keen interest in milking performance optimization and the role of cow comfort in herd productivity.
Steph received her DVM from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon in 2010. Growing up on a dairy farm in Smithers BC she wanted to continue working in the industry by obtaining a veterinary degree with an interest in dairy medicine.
Rich was raised on a dairy farm, and graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan with his doctor of Veterinary Medicine with distinction in 1977.
Michael comes to us from New Brunswick where he grew up on a mixed beef, sheep and produce farm. It was his early exposure to animals and farming that led him to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. Michael was active in his 4-H club showing beef cows and sheep, and thoroughly enjoyed public speaking.
Our embryo export/import department is co-managed by Denise McQuillin and Lorene Barnum.
Responding to our customers' needs with accuracy and purpose in a personable and friendly manner is very important to us. We will always strive towards delivering on our commitments to ensure your experience with Abbotsford Veterinary Clinic exceeds expectations.
