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.
Management Team
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
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.
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.
Musau- Mulenda
Growing up in a small town with all kinds of beautiful nature, Musau-Mulenda has always cared greatly for animals. She is excited to be able to incorporate that into her daily life, working at Fernwood Vet! Outside of work she enjoys playing the guitar, soccer, and of course, cuddles with her cat, Fig!
Mira
Mira practiced for 3 years as a small animal Veterinarian in the Philippines after finishing Vet school 2019. She was interested in gaining more knowledge and experience within the veterinary field, so she decided to look for an international job. Mira moved to Victoria in September of 2022 to work as a veterinary technician and has been loving the role every since. She enjoys working with different types of animals and loves helping owner’s with their concerns regarding their fur babies. Mira also has a passion for dentistry and that is where you will find her most days in clinic.
Mira is currently in the process of obtaining her Canadian Veterinary license and is hoping to be practicing veterinary medicine in Victoria in the very near future. Outside of work, Mira likes working out, going for walks with her boyfriend and playing with her cat Sebastian.
Mira is currently in the process of obtaining her Canadian Veterinary license and is hoping to be practicing veterinary medicine in Victoria in the very near future. Outside of work, Mira likes working out, going for walks with her boyfriend and playing with her cat Sebastian.