Veterinarians
Dr. Jeff Dand - Owner
Jeff graduated from the Atlantic Veterinary College in 1997 and then continued on to Florida to complete a veterinary internship. While in Florida, Jeff focused on canine behavior and dermatology as he had a special interest in these areas which he still does to this day. Jeff is an experienced veterinarian dedicated to helping animal lovers and their pets strengthen their relationship, health, and quality of life together. A vision fueled by his love for his three rescue pets, Rocco, a Lab mix, Coco a Great Pyrenees mix, and Bandit, a domestic longhair cat with 2 different colored eyes.
Throughout his career, Jeff observed key principles in animal care and discovered a passion for business that led to him building his own vet clinics and pet resorts. It’s Jeff’s sense of humor, contagious energy, and aptitude for business and behavior that has been key in the success of his clinics. Jeff is at the heart of helping each of our teams practice gold standard medicine and be a trusted cornerstone in our community!
Throughout his career, Jeff observed key principles in animal care and discovered a passion for business that led to him building his own vet clinics and pet resorts. It’s Jeff’s sense of humor, contagious energy, and aptitude for business and behavior that has been key in the success of his clinics. Jeff is at the heart of helping each of our teams practice gold standard medicine and be a trusted cornerstone in our community!
Dr. Renae Zook (Currently on maternity leave)
Renae grew up in the small town of Trochu, Alberta and completed her DVM in Saskatoon at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2016. Since graduating with her veterinary degree Renae has worked in both mixed animal and small animal practice in Saskatchewan before joining the team at Airdrie Animal Clinic. Her interests include small animal surgery (particularly dentistry) and anything related to the eyes. Renae enjoys horseback riding in the summer on her Quarter Horse Mare Spryte and can be found in the Rockies on the ski hills in the winters with her husband.
** Dr. Zook will be on maternity leave as of August 26th 2023
** Dr. Zook will be on maternity leave as of August 26th 2023
Management Team
Nicole Gigian - Director of Operations
Nicole grew up loving all animals but had a special passion for horses. Following her passion, she received her diploma in the Animal Health Technology program in 2008. As a new RVT, she worked in a variety of different areas in the veterinary industry including small animal, equine, emergency care, and bovine embryo transfer. Working in these different areas allowed her to gain vast knowledge and experience.
She was hired by Dand Veterinary Clinics as an RVT and helped Dr. Dand build Springbank Pet Hospital from the ground up. Over the years she has helped with the opening of several other Dand clinics including a few on Vancouver Island and soon realized her passion for the business side of veterinary clinics.
Nicole is our Director of Operations for our three clinics in Calgary, one in Airdrie, and two in Victoria, and is enjoying every moment of it. Nicole plays a vital role in helping us embrace our diversity as individuals and is grateful for the unique experiences that help us all work together as a team. With her help, we remain committed to our endeavor to do all we can to help our teams practice gold standard medicine and be a trusted cornerstone in our community!
She was hired by Dand Veterinary Clinics as an RVT and helped Dr. Dand build Springbank Pet Hospital from the ground up. Over the years she has helped with the opening of several other Dand clinics including a few on Vancouver Island and soon realized her passion for the business side of veterinary clinics.
Nicole is our Director of Operations for our three clinics in Calgary, one in Airdrie, and two in Victoria, and is enjoying every moment of it. Nicole plays a vital role in helping us embrace our diversity as individuals and is grateful for the unique experiences that help us all work together as a team. With her help, we remain committed to our endeavor to do all we can to help our teams practice gold standard medicine and be a trusted cornerstone in our community!
Valerie Hall - Hospital Manager
Valerie was born and raised on a large farm in central Alberta where she learned the value of a tenacious work ethic, honesty, ingenuity, and loyalty. Her home was the birthplace of her love and passion for animal care.
Valerie has been leading teams and managing patient success in the orthodontic profession for over 15 years. She is new to the vet industry and is excited to make a difference in Airdrie’s community, one pet’s life at a time. Valerie is at the heart of helping our team practice gold standard medicine so that we're a trusted cornerstone of our community!
Valerie, along with her husband and two daughters have a Cavalier King Charles puppy named Rocket that they all adore and is the love of their life. Valerie believes in people and dedicates a large portion of her time to 4-H, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth.
Valerie has been leading teams and managing patient success in the orthodontic profession for over 15 years. She is new to the vet industry and is excited to make a difference in Airdrie’s community, one pet’s life at a time. Valerie is at the heart of helping our team practice gold standard medicine so that we're a trusted cornerstone of our community!
Valerie, along with her husband and two daughters have a Cavalier King Charles puppy named Rocket that they all adore and is the love of their life. Valerie believes in people and dedicates a large portion of her time to 4-H, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth.
Holly Robinson - Accounting Manager
Holly was born and raised in Calgary, and grew up surrounded by animals, having everything from cats and dogs, to frogs, turtles, hamsters and bearded dragons. She has always had a love for all creatures, furry, slimy or scaly, and decided to pursue a career in the veterinary field, graduating from Bow Valley College's Veterinary assistant program in 2012. Holly started with the Airdrie Animal Clinic in March 2012 as a client care specialist, and spent a number of years leading the reception team.
Holly decided to further her education, and in 2021 graduated with honors from the Business Administration program at SAIT. Upon graduation Holly began assisting with the bookkeeping, as well as managing the Airdrie team. She has now turned her focus back to the financial operations of the business, and manages the accounting for all 6 Dand clinics. Holly resides in Airdrie with her husband, a ginger kitty named Simba and a golden retriever named Griswold.
Holly decided to further her education, and in 2021 graduated with honors from the Business Administration program at SAIT. Upon graduation Holly began assisting with the bookkeeping, as well as managing the Airdrie team. She has now turned her focus back to the financial operations of the business, and manages the accounting for all 6 Dand clinics. Holly resides in Airdrie with her husband, a ginger kitty named Simba and a golden retriever named Griswold.
Rhubarb
Rhubarb joined the AAC family in March 2022 after being rescued by our wonderful friends at Cochrane Humane Society. She lost the tips of her ears and a portion of her tail to frost bite prior to being rescued, but Rhubarb is now living the good life, and gets absolutely spoiled on the daily by our amazing staff and clients. You can usually find her lounging in her corner of reception or basking in any sunbeam she can find in the clinic. Rhubarb loves her bum scratches and will pretty much be your best friend if you show her an ounce of love. She also never turns down a good treat- We have learnt to keep a close eye on her waistline!
Stop by anytime to meet Rhubarb, she is always open to making new friends!
Stop by anytime to meet Rhubarb, she is always open to making new friends!
Registered Veterinary Technologists
Jennifer
Jennifer graduated from the Animal Health Technology program in 2014 at Olds College. She spent her first seven years as a vet tech at a small animal clinic in Cochrane, AB and spent the last couple of years working in emergency medicine and locuming at various small animal practices in and around Calgary. She loves all aspects of veterinary medicine, but her special interests include cytology, feline medicine, and dentistry/surgery. She has a special fondness for cats, and is eager to learn anything and everything about exotic species.
In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys hiking, practicing yoga, gardening, baking and cooking. She also enjoys running and completed her first half-marathon in 2022. She lives in Calgary with her hubby and their two cats.
In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys hiking, practicing yoga, gardening, baking and cooking. She also enjoys running and completed her first half-marathon in 2022. She lives in Calgary with her hubby and their two cats.
Natasha
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Bio Coming Soon!
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Veterinary Assistants & Client Care Specialists
Wendy
Wendy graduated with a DVM degree from the University of the Philippines, worked as a veterinary nurse in California for 2 years and then practiced as a licensed veterinarian and as a consultant for a kennel that bred and trained sniffer and guard dogs in Metro Manila until her family moved to Calgary in 2005. She started to work with Dr. Dand in May of that year at the Crowfoot Veterinary Hospital then moved to the Airdrie Animal Clinic in 2011. She has been using her veterinary knowledge and experience to assist the doctors and nurses care for patients and assist clients with their needs to make their experience at the clinic informative, efficient and pleasant. Wendy is also responsible for the inventory needed to keep the clinic running smoothly, and would love to hear if clients are happy with the food or prescribed products they have purchased through the clinic, or if clients have heard of new products that may benefit other patients. Sadly, Elaine(the former clinic cat) has passed away, but she adopted Kori, a black and white DMH from the Calgary Humane Society, who likes to play fetch with her mice toys.
Sheree
Sheree is a transplant from Saskatchewan. She has several years of experience in the client care area and has a love for animals. She and her Jack Russell “Terrorist”, Bentley, have made their home in Airdrie to be close to kids and grandchildren. Spare time is spent with family and interests include reading, cooking & baking, crocheting and listening to music.
Melanie
Melanie grew up in Okotoks and has been enjoying living in Airdrie since she moved here in 2022. She has had always had a passion and love for animals of all shapes, sizes and species! She graduated from the Veterinary Assistant program in 2012 and has enjoyed learning all that veterinary medicine has to offer. Melanie has experience working ER and in general practice and always ensures the animals are comfortable and happy. You can catch Melanie spending time with her boyfriend, 2 dogs and bearded dragon when she's not at work.
Paige O.
Paige has explored and lived all over our beautiful province of Alberta. While there are many intriguing places, Calgary is her home and her daughter, and two Yorkie mixes add to its joy and warmth. Paige has a passion for animals and people. She believes in the best of people and naturally brings that out in them. As a mother, she knows the importance of quality care and she brings that exceptional experience to her career, clients, pets, and team. Paige loves being at the front lines and lending an empathetic ear to our clients and helping them receive gold standard medicine and care!