Registered Animal Health Technologists

Susanne Destobel, RAHT

Susanne’s interest in veterinary medicine began when she was about 5 years old and was “helping” her mom and dad care for their old kitty. She wanted to grow up and “help all kitties and puppies not be sick anymore.” Throughout her childhood, her family opened their home to a menagerie of animals such as cats, dogs, mice, hamsters, rabbits, a ferret, a wild rat and even a crow. Her passion for caring for these critters grew throughout the years.

In 1998, Susanne graduated from the Veterinary Office Assistant course at Granville Business College and began working at Island Veterinary Hospital. While working as a Veterinary Assistant, she realized she wanted to do more. Through the mentoring of the veterinarians and technicians at Island Veterinary Hospital, she gained enough experience to enrol in an Animal Health Technology program. In the fall of 2000, Susanne left the bustling city of North Vancouver and moved to the small college town of Vermilion, Alberta to begin the Animal Health Technology program at Lakeland College. After two years in Alberta, she earned her diploma and returned to Vancouver area.

Susanne worked for a time at clinics in Langley and Cloverdale. Happily, she has now returned to Island Veterinary Hospital. She has a keen interest in anaesthesiology, behaviour, and surgery. She is also keenly interested wildlife management and conservation. Notably, Susanne is very skilled and has strong expertise in dealing with our feline patients. This is particularly useful when we have cats that are very concerned about what we’re doing with them.

Even though she is dedicated to her career as an Animal Health Technologist, Susanne also tries to find time to go hiking, cycling, camping and enjoys various other outdoor adventures.

She shares her home with four cats; Phoebe, Emily, Joey, Chickie and her dog Shadow – all of whom came to her as “rescues.” Last but not least, she shares her home with her husband, Shane – who lovingly puts up with all the antics a busy house of animals can bring.