Meet Our Veterinary Team

Araz grew up in the Rasht, North of Iran. He had an affinity for animals his whole life, and he spent his childhood with pets and animals of all shapes and sizes at his Grandma’s farm. This upbringing has shaped his love and passion for the wellbeing of all animals, big and small. As far back as he could remember, he wanted to be a veterinarian. He graduated from the University of Urmia (Iran) in 2011, and he worked as a veterinarian in Iran.

When his wife decided to continue her studies in Canada, they moved to one of the most beautiful places in the world, Victoria. Once in Victoria, he decided staying close to his profession and improving his veterinary knowledge. In his spare time he enjoys reading veterinary books, watching movies, photography, hiking, and camping.

Ella moved to Victoria in 2021 from Edmonton Alberta. She has always had a love for caring and working with animals, first working at rescues and fostering cats. She is excited about her career in the Veterinary Industry, aspiring to become a Veterinary Technician in the near future!

Ella enjoys painting, being outdoors, hikes with friends and cuddling with her cat, Will.

Taina has lived on Vancouver Island her whole life and can’t imagine being elsewhere. Growing up she was always surrounded by pets and has developed the biggest soft spot for Staffordshire terriers after having her own. She has been with Downtown Veterinary Clinic since 2017 and has made many wonderful relationships here.

After growing up in Vancouver with her family’s dogs, Josie is thrilled to combine her love of animals with her workplace. She has always enjoyed being around and caring for animals and is so glad she gets to work with and around them all day.

Josie is currently a student at the University of Victoria. In her spare time she enjoys painting, baking, camping and getting to experience the amazing west coast nature

Portia grew up in Port Alberni and has followed her love of animals to Victoria. When you visit our reception desk make sure you say Ciao, as she is fluent in Italian.

She recently received her Animal Care Aide certificate and is interested in becoming a RVT in the future.

Portia's many hobbies include dancing, drawing, reading and traveling. She loves spending time with her cats, Goose and Micha and her dog Romeo.

Alice became a hard working member of the Downtown Vet Team back in 2021. Her daily responsibilities include greeting the staff and providing hugs. She is always available for supervising and demanding butt-scratches and belly rubs. Her other interests include napping (she has 4 beds at the clinic), tail wags, eating treats and cleaning the floors after lunch. She alerts all the staff of closing time by sprawling in the center of the treatment room floor. Alice is an all around good girl and a critical team member.