Veterinarians
Dr. Jeff Dand - Owner/Operator
Dr. Jeff Dand graduated from the Atlantic Veterinary College in 1997, after which he spent a year in Florida, focussing on medicine and behaviour, one of his key interests to this day. He then moved to Calgary, where he worked in emergency medicine before opening his first private practice. With a focus on quality care and compassion, he has since expanded to four clinics in both Calgary and Victoria, as well as the world-class Springbank Pet Resort. Dr. Dand has always been passionate about creating a stress-free environment for pets, and after 20 years of clinical practice, is happy that he can now pursue this approach to veterinary care with our teams.
Now living in Victoria, where he and his family enjoy the wonderful climate and community to be found here, he is excited to begin practicing at our clinics. His two rescue dogs, Coco and Rocco love exploring the beaches and parks around town, and their cat Bandit holds down the fort at home as the resident leader of the group. Dr. Dand and his wife have been honoured to work with so many wonderful pets and owners in the clinics over the years and are now hoping to expand their commitment to the pet-loving community in Victoria and be of service in a larger context.
Now living in Victoria, where he and his family enjoy the wonderful climate and community to be found here, he is excited to begin practicing at our clinics. His two rescue dogs, Coco and Rocco love exploring the beaches and parks around town, and their cat Bandit holds down the fort at home as the resident leader of the group. Dr. Dand and his wife have been honoured to work with so many wonderful pets and owners in the clinics over the years and are now hoping to expand their commitment to the pet-loving community in Victoria and be of service in a larger context.
Dr. Poch Mandocdoc
Dr. Poch Mandocdoc graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Philippines in 2001. After practicing for 6 years, he moved to Canada and later brought his wife and daughters to join him in Victoria.
Poch has been involved in providing quality pet care for the past 15 years in Greater Victoria. He has a keen interest in surgery, anesthesia, dentistry and nutrition. Poch also cares about delivering low-stress patient care.
Outside work, Poch enjoys walking along the beach or swimming in lakes with his family. He also loves cooking and making special dishes for them.
Poch has been involved in providing quality pet care for the past 15 years in Greater Victoria. He has a keen interest in surgery, anesthesia, dentistry and nutrition. Poch also cares about delivering low-stress patient care.
Outside work, Poch enjoys walking along the beach or swimming in lakes with his family. He also loves cooking and making special dishes for them.
Dr. Avery Chora
Dr. Avery Chora graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon in 2024.
Originally from Oliver, BC, she recently moved to Victoria, BC in search of warmer winters. In her spare time, she enjoys golfing, snowboarding, and getting outdoors for walks or hikes. When she’s not outdoors, she can be found curled up with a book and her two cats Cleo and Arthur.
Avery has a particular passion for feline medicine and preventative care, focusing on keeping pets healthy through early detection and wellness strategies. She is thrilled to join the amazing team at Fernwood Veterinary Clinic, where she looks forward to contributing to the well-being of the pet community.
Originally from Oliver, BC, she recently moved to Victoria, BC in search of warmer winters. In her spare time, she enjoys golfing, snowboarding, and getting outdoors for walks or hikes. When she’s not outdoors, she can be found curled up with a book and her two cats Cleo and Arthur.
Avery has a particular passion for feline medicine and preventative care, focusing on keeping pets healthy through early detection and wellness strategies. She is thrilled to join the amazing team at Fernwood Veterinary Clinic, where she looks forward to contributing to the well-being of the pet community.
Management Team
Courtney Guss
Courtney started her journey into the vet industry in 2017 while she was living in North Vancouver, a couple of years later she decided to return to her home in Victoria. Courtney's love for animals began in childhood, she always surrounded herself with a plethora of different pets including horses. She has had it all -Parrots, ferrets, hedgehogs, fish; you name it!
Courtney studied natural sciences at the University of Victoria and paramedic medicine at the Justice Institute of British Columbia. She also recently added certificates in firefighting and hazmat to her skill set. Her educational focus has always been providing care and helping people in urgent situations. As a devoted Practice Manager, she is committed to delivering top-tier patient and client care.
Beyond her professional life, Courtney enjoys taking her motorcycles to the track and spending quality time with her partner; Jordan and their two pets: Henry, a miniature long-haired dachshund, and Ramsey, a British Longhaired cat.
Courtney studied natural sciences at the University of Victoria and paramedic medicine at the Justice Institute of British Columbia. She also recently added certificates in firefighting and hazmat to her skill set. Her educational focus has always been providing care and helping people in urgent situations. As a devoted Practice Manager, she is committed to delivering top-tier patient and client care.
Beyond her professional life, Courtney enjoys taking her motorcycles to the track and spending quality time with her partner; Jordan and their two pets: Henry, a miniature long-haired dachshund, and Ramsey, a British Longhaired cat.
Chad O'Connell
Chad has been in the veterinary industry since 2013, starting in high school as a volunteer. It was immediately clear that this was the industry for him, and he has been working with pets ever since. Chad’s passion for animal care has always been apparent to those who work with him. After years of working as a veterinary assistant, he has developed an interest in hospital management. Chad knows that quality animal care involves extensive work behind the scenes as well as excellent hands-on care.
Now the Assistant Manager of Fernwood, you can still find Chad comforting and helping any animal that comes his way while he helps the clinic run smoothly. Outside of work, Chad can be found fishing, camping, and exploring the outdoors.
Now the Assistant Manager of Fernwood, you can still find Chad comforting and helping any animal that comes his way while he helps the clinic run smoothly. Outside of work, Chad can be found fishing, camping, and exploring the outdoors.
Support Staff
Carisa - RVT
Carisa is a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) who graduated in 2017, with a special interest in pursuing her Veterinary Specialty in Anesthesia. She was born and raised in Alberta and moved to Vancouver Island in 2020. She has had a passion for animals and medicine from a very young age and has been involved in the Veterinary community since she was 12 years old.
When she is not at work as an RVT you can find her out for a run, biking or at the beach with her friends.
When she is not at work as an RVT you can find her out for a run, biking or at the beach with her friends.
Ryley
Ryley was born in Vancouver and moved to Victoria in 2015. Ryley has always had a love for animals and is happy to be able to get to know the Fernwood fur babies everyday for her job. When Ryley is not at the clinic she enjoys cooking, taking care of her plants, hiking with her cats and getting lots of kitty cuddles.
Serenity
Serenity was born and raised on Vancouver Island. She lives at home with 3 kitties who take up most of her free time. When she is not at the vet or tending to her furbabies you can find her down at the beach kayaking or going for a cold dip! Serenity has worked in hospitality for almost 10 years and is looking forward to getting to know and helping take care of the animals of Fernwood.
Emily L
Emily was born and raised in Ontario and moved to Victoria to pursue her PhD in wildlife biology and molecular genetics. Emily has 6 years of experience working with wildlife, and has enjoyed developing skills in the veterinary industry since joining our team in 2022.
Outside of work, Emily spends the majority of her time outdoors - hiking, camping, kayaking, trail running, and exploring the island with her dog Willow, who can also frequently be found at our Fernwood Clinic!
Outside of work, Emily spends the majority of her time outdoors - hiking, camping, kayaking, trail running, and exploring the island with her dog Willow, who can also frequently be found at our Fernwood Clinic!
Emily F - Veterinary Technologist Student
Emily has had a passion for working with animals her whole life. She worked on a farm for 5 years, working with goats and showing her goat champion herd in annual competitions. She has been working in the veterinary industry for 4 years. Emily is currently pursuing her degree in Veterinary Technology and is excited to expand her knowledge and skills in medicine.
When not at work, Emily can be found spending time with her cat Teddy, chihuahua Russell and (almost 18-year-old) papillon Pip.
When not at work, Emily can be found spending time with her cat Teddy, chihuahua Russell and (almost 18-year-old) papillon Pip.
Alison
Meet Alison, a passionate and dedicated Technician who has recently made Victoria her new home. Alison, originally from Vancouver, brings with her over a decade of experience working with companion animals. With her Fear Free Certification, she is committed to fostering trusting relationships with both patients and their owners.
Outside of her professional life, she expresses her creativity through painting and enjoys the company of her rescue cat, Skipper.
Outside of her professional life, she expresses her creativity through painting and enjoys the company of her rescue cat, Skipper.