Veterinarians
Dr. Nick Shaw
Dr. Nick Shaw was born in Saskatoon and raised in Vancouver. He studied at the University of British Columbia until he decided to return to his home town in 1980 to attend the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. The first of his three children was born while he attended Veterinary School in the fall of 1983. After graduating as a veterinarian, he took a job in Merritt and was engaged in mixed animal practice for one year. In 1985 he moved to Victoria and took over a struggling practice that, at the time, consisted of a small mobile trailer, two half time staff members and a small group of clients.
Over the years his family and his practice have grown. Today, between himself and his wife Susan, they have three children as well as several pets. "Twinkie" is a 4 year old domestic shorthair cat and "Sputnik" is a 7 month old kitten that Dr. Shaw adopted from our adoption program.
Dr. Shaw has pursued many educational opportunities and has developed his surgical and medical skills over the years. He has special interest in many areas including surgery, ultrasound, and orthopedics.
During his down time Dr. Shaw enjoys reading, walking, sailing and studying, and the movies.
As the senior Veterinarian at Shaw Pet Hospitals, Dr. Shaw would be happy to consult with any client regarding their pet(s) on a first time basis or to offer second opinions regarding more complex cases should the need arise.
Dr. Meg Lainson
Dr. Lainson originated from New York City and received her veterinary degree from Colorado State University. She did her post graduate training at the Denver and London Zoos, treating everything from rhinos and snow leopards to anacondas and scorpions.
She came to the San Juan Islands in Northern Washington State in the 1980’s and started an all-species veterinary practice and wildlife rehabilitation centre. Her rehab experience led her to assist animals caught in many oil spills, including the Exxon Valdez.
Recently, Dr. Lainson followed a long-term dream to relocate to Victoria and joined Shaw Pet Hospitals. She finds it great fun to be able to work at all three hospital locations, applying skills in exotic as well as companion animal and small ruminant medicine.
Dr. Lainson is a professional singer and dancer and has performed in many theatre musicals including "West Side Story" and "The King and I". She also enjoys ultramarathoning, kayaking, glob-trekking, scuba, playing mbira (an African musical instrument) and acapella African singing. She has a weakness for fuzzy-faced dogs and is owned and managed by two terrier mixes.
Dr. Christine Little
Dr. Christine Little graduated from the Columbia Missouri Veterinary College in 2004. A strong sense of caring and compassion has guided her through life and it was this that led her to a career in Veterinary Medicine. After graduation, Dr. Little, her husband James and their three cats, "Dean," "Muffin" and "Phoebe" came to Victoria where she became the newest addition to our veterinary staff. Chris can be found working Sunday through Wednesday at our Central Saanich Animal Hospital Location.
Dr. Nicky Parkinson
Dr. Anne Riches
Dr. Anne Riches was born in Toronto, Ontario and she grew up in Oakville. Anne was born an animal lover, and from an early age she took in injured birds and abandoned kittens and puppies. Her first real pet was a bird that she got for Christmas when she was 7.
As a teenager she became involved with horses and spent most of her spare time at the stables grooming, mucking out and riding. A busy babysitting schedule helped to pay for her equestrian activities. The Oakville Humane Society was another place where Dr. Riches hung out as a teenager, first as a volunteer and then as an employee.
Becoming a veterinarian seemed to be the right career choice for her and at a young age she knew that's where her future lay. Dr. Riches attended the University of Guelph where she got her Bachelor of Science degree and then her DVM degree from the Ontario Veterinary College. When she finished vet school in 2000 she moved out to British Columbia to be closer to her family and to practice in the most beautiful place in the world.
When she is not working, Dr. Riches loves to go hiking, mountain climbing, beach combing, swimming and working out in the gym. She also loves reading, attending continuing education and finding out the newest advances in veterinary medicine.
Her veterinary interests include soft tissue surgery, pain control and anesthesia. Anne joined Shaw Pet Hospitals in 2003 and can be found at all of our locations throughout the week.
Dr. Lisa Welland
Dr. Lisa Welland, originally from Port Clyde, Nova Scotia, has been part of the Shaw Pet Hospitals team since 2003. She became a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) after graduating from the University of Prince Edward Island in the spring of 2003. At home Dr. Welland is kept on her toes by her 5 year old Siamese kitty named "Rueben" and her new great dane puppy. When not hard at work Dr. Welland enjoys many activities, including curling, golfing and skiing.