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.
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.
Jared attended Michigan State University obtaining his Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science as well during this time, met his wife ~ Lauren. His continued interest of dairy saw him working on two additional farms during his University days graduating in May 2017 as a DVM with emphasis in dairy medicine. Jared also has a strong interest in reproduction, embryo transfer and in-vitro fertilization which will be a strong asset for our clients of Abbotsford Veterinary Clinic.
During his free time, Jared enjoys hiking and camping with his wife Lauren, the family dog Faith and opportunities to be outdoors hanging out with friends and family. While he will miss hunting Michigan deer in the fall with his dad and brother, Jared is excited to explore the hunting and fishing opportunities that BC offers.
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.
Lauren welcomes working with a range of food animals including dairy and beef, small ruminants, swine and poultry. Her free time sees her hiking, camping and bow hunting for white-tail along with her husband Jared and their English Setter, Faith. Lauren also enjoys horseback trail riding both of which are abundant in BC.
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.
James graduated from the University of Glasgow School of Veterinary Medicine in 2014. He went on to work as a mixed animal veterinarian in the North of England for a year, and then focused on dairy practice in Cheshire (England) for 3 years before coming to Abbotsford Veterinary Clinic.
James moved to Abbotsford with his fiancé, Ainsley, who is also a veterinarian and is from Edmonton. Outside of work he enjoys hiking and watching rugby. He is keen to explore what natural BC has to offer as possible, and is excited to serve our dairy clients and their herds.
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.
Rich brings a broad range of dairy industry involvement and specialty dairy experience to serve our clients in many capacities. An experienced production medicine innovator and practitioner, Rich is also the team leader for the embryo transfer and IVF embryo production business. When possible, Rich travels internationally in support of embryo markets as a consultant for dairy herd management and herd genetics.
In his capacity as a Holstein breeder, he is also an official dairy judge for Holstein Canada, has judged both locally and internationally, and teaches judging to 4H and WCC dairy youth programs.
Rich and Marian, together with their four daughters and growing families share their passion of dairy cows.
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.
Michael graduated from another AVC (Atlantic Veterinary College) in PEI in 2014 and spent six weeks at Cornell University participating in the Summer Dairy Institute, an internationally renowned course for intensive dairy production medicine training. Michael's professional interests include: reproductive management, udder health, record analysis, employee training and client communication.
He and his wife, Jessica, are thoroughly enjoying life as a newly married couple in British Columbia. In their spare time they enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and camping with their 115 pound Bernese Mountain dog, Kyro. Michael is anxiously waiting to start Salmon fishing in BC. Although his scorecard has plenty of room for improvement, Michael loves to golf and is enjoying the many courses of the Fraser Valley.