Meet Our Veterinary Team

Dr. Amanda Booth

Owner/Founder

Amanda was born in Warwickshire, England in March 1962. Her family moved to Saskatchewan when she was very young and it was at the age of 5, on a tour of the new Veterinary College in Saskatoon that she developed the determination to help animals for a career. Dr. Booth began her pre-veterinary studies in an advanced entry program at Lakehead University at the age of 13. She graduated at 17 years old with her B. Sc. obtaining the highest average in the University and winning the Lieutenant Governor’s Medal and the Dean of Science Medal. She began her Veterinary studies that year at the WCVM in Saskatoon, graduating in 1983. Interested in pursuing a more in depth knowledge of Internal Medicine she completed an Internship and Residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and WCVM. She completed the examination sequence and became a board certified specialist with the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in 1990.

She established Saseenos Veterinary Services in 1989, and chose Sooke to practice because it had been home base every summer since childhood and it had been the permanent home of her family since 1978. Since passing her specialty boards, she has focused on building a team committed to medical excellence while keeping compassion for both patients and owners in the fore front. Continuing education has always been a primary focus, she has enjoyed teaching veterinary students in the practice setting and spends her spare time spoiling her 4 legged family members rotten and training her Canadian Warmblood gelding Red in Classical Dressage.

Dr. Carla Bell

Owner

Carla graduated in 2005 from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon before returning back to the Island where she had completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Victoria. She feels fortunate to have been part of the great team at Saseenos Vet ever since and to have gotten to know so many wonderful people and pets in the community. Some of Carla’s favorite aspects of the job are watching pets be reunited with family, being able to help others and that every day is a different challenge. It never gets boring! Currently when not caring for our four legged patients Dr. Bell has her own furry friends at home, her dog Lola and her cats Ninja and Pickles. In her free time she enjoys hiking, hockey, exploring, puzzles and trying to keep up with her 2 busy boys.

Dr. Caitlin Wright

Veterinarian

Caitlin graduated with honors from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2013, fulfilling her childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian. After graduation, she practiced in Langley, BC for several years and completed an internship in emergency medicine at the WCVM in 2015. Dr. Wright has been the recipient of the Hill’s Intern of the Year award and the American Association of Feline Practitioner’s Young Veterinarian award.

Caitlin grew up in Sooke and was thrilled to join her long time mentors Dr. Booth and Dr. Bell at Saseenos Veterinary Services in 2017. Her areas of interest include dentistry, ophthalmology, anesthesia/pain management, and feline medicine. Her favorite part of practice is meeting all the animals and getting to know their families. In her spare time, Caitlin enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, and spending time outdoors. Outside of veterinary medicine, her other passion is dance- she trains in classical ballet, contemporary, and swing dance. She shares her home with a very spoiled cat named Fergus.

Catherine

Practice Manager

Catherine became part of the Saseenos Veterinary team as the Practice Manager in late 2024 and couldn’t be happier! Though she started her career in IT, she realized that as a lifelong animal lover, her passion lies in working closely with clients, patients and colleagues. She treasures every opportunity to connect with both pets and their family.

After many years in Calgary, Catherine and her family moved to Vancouver Island in 2020. They love exploring the island’s beautiful sights, often accompanied by their playful husky! When things quiet down at home, you frequently find her curled up with a good book or a video game.

Dr. Kendra McGougan

Veterinarian

Kendra grew up in the Shawnigan Lake area and first came to us as a volunteer student while attending UVIC/Camosun and again during vet school for a summer rotation.

After graduating from WCVM last spring, she returned home to the island where she could get back to enjoying some of her interests: hiking, swimming and paddle-boarding. Her cat Leo also approved of the transition and has settled into Island life. She is excited to be part of our growing team and to serve the Sooke community!

Jennifer

RVT

Jennifer graduated from the Veterinary Technician Program at Oulton College in Moncton, New Brunswick in June of 2008 and has been devoted to her calling of caring for our four legged, furry friends with love and compassion ever since!

After a wonderful 8 year career on east coast, she moved to Vancouver Island to work with the brilliant staff at Saseenos in the spring of 2016. She is passionate about all aspects of being a Registered Veterinary Technician but especially enjoys phlebotomy (blood collection), surgery and anesthesia as well as training, sharing knowledge and continuing education.

When not at work she can be found with her two dogs: Sam, a 14 year old Brittany Spaniel and Mokey, a 16 year old shepherd – husky cross on one of the many beautiful hiking spots across the island. Otherwise, you’ll find her reading, or if it’s the right time of year, watching and cheering on the BC Lions!

Claudia

RVT

Claudia is a dedicated Registered Veterinary Technician from Alberta, who graduated from NAIT in 2023. After completing her practicum here at Saseenos, she joined the team! With a background in wildlife rehabilitation, Claudia has a broad range of experience in caring for animals. She enjoys every aspect of her job, from interacting with clients and pets to providing hands-on care. Outside of work, Claudia loves hiking, fishing, and surfing with her dog Koya alongside for any adventure!

Jenesse

RVT

Jenesse is a Registered Veterinary Technician who started her career in veterinary medicine in 2013 as a receptionist at an emergency hospital in Calgary. Since graduating from RVT school at Olds College in 2018, she has gained valuable experience in both emergency and general practice, allowing her to provide the highest level of care for her furry patients.

As a proud owner of a 14-year-old Yorkie named Benjamin Buttons, Jenesse considers herself the “Yorkie Whisperer.” This special bond with her pet enriches her understanding of the unique needs and behaviors of small dog breeds, which she brings into her practice every day.

When she’s not working, Jenesse cherishes her time with her two beautiful little girls, who inspire her to nurture and care for all living beings. She is dedicated to enhancing the lives of animals and their families through compassionate care.

Sharise

Receptionist

Sharise has been a dedicated member of the Saseenos Veterinary Services team since 2009, proudly working at the front desk.

For her, the most fulfilling part of the position is building meaningful connections with clients and earning the trust of their beloved pets.

Sharise resides in Metchosin with her senior Chihuahua, Chilee. In her downtime, you’ll often find her out and about, exploring all the Vancouver Island has to offer.

Lisa

Receptionist

Lisa has been part of our clinic family since 2000. Her most rewarding part of working at the front desk is providing guidance, support and reassurance to our clients.

She shares her life with a menagerie of animals including chickens, two adorable lop-eared bunnies, two chubby ponies, a spicy orange tabby named Harvey, a sweet Shih Tsu named Joseph and the newest member of her family is Stanley, the gentle chocolate lab. Stanley loves to hang out at the clinic and can usually be found either snoring under the front desk, greeting clients or providing cuddle therapy for the staff.

When Lisa is not at work she can be found hanging out at the barn, hiking and spending quality time with her family.

Alysse

Receptionist

Alysse joined the Saseenos team in May 2021.

She has a grey tabby cat named Zeke, A Husky/Malamute named Zena, and in the summer of 2024 she rescued a Husky/Pomeranian puppy named Leo. She is known around the clinic for her craftiness and love for holiday decorating.

Paris

Veterinary Assistant

With a lifelong passion for animals, Paris’s interest in the veterinary field started with her love for horses. As a dedicated veterinary assistant, she combines her knowledge and compassion to provide top care and ensure that every animal receives the love and attention they deserve.

Outside of work, Paris enjoys her free time camping, hiking and spending time with her dog Lucie!

Tyler

Veterinary Assistant

Tyler graduated from Sprott Shaw College in 2022 and joined our team shortly after. Her love for animals and desire to make a positive impact in the lives of others, has made her a wonderful addition to our practice. She is currently working toward her diploma as a Veterinary Technician, and we’re excited to see her continue to grow and expand her knowledge in the field.

Outside of her work, Tyler maintains an active lifestyle, teaching gymnastics, practicing yoga, and enjoying outdoor adventures, particularly hiking with her four-legged best friend, Violet. Her dedication to both her career and her personal life makes her a great fit for our team. 

Marie

Veterinary Assistant

Marie graduated from Sprott Shaw College in 2020 and has been working as a Veterinary Assistant at Saseenos Veterinary Services ever since. With experience in both general practice and emergency care, she is passionate about providing compassionate, hands-on care for all animals, especially hairless breeds.

Outside of work, Marie enjoys camping and outdoor activities, and is accompanied by her Jack Russell-Chihuahua mix, Daisy.

Wren

Veterinary Assistant

Wren joined our practice near the end of 2021. Originally from Sooke, BC Wren has been with us for a year now. He chose this career as he has always had a interest in vet med combined with a passion for animals and helping others. His favorite part of the job is seeing how some interesting cases can be treated so the pet’s can return to their happy selves again along with, working in the lab and of course all the cute patients we get in a day. Wren graduated from Edward Milne in 2018 and later took an Equine Sports Therapy program and graduated in 2021 which he uses to pamper the horses he spends time with. His favorite part of working in the clinic is our lovely staff and their willingness to help him learn about the industry. When not at work he can be found hiking, reading, camping, making some crochet crafts or spoiling his dog Jasper absolutely rotten. Wren hopes to go to vet school in the future.