We are a group of passionate, motivated, and dedicated individuals here to help you and your family. Meet the Breadner Veterinary Team!
Meet Our Team
Shelley Breadner has faithfully served her patients as a veterinarian since 1983. She has learned every being, human and animal, has a reason for being here, and she is grateful for the opportunity to support them when they are in need.
Shelley’s philosophy has always been to provide care, all the while minimizing stress and anxiety in her patients. This is now recognized in the profession as “Fear Free” veterinary practice, and our practice has taken the initiative to become accredited in this designation. Shelley extends this further by extending this philosophy to the pets’ guardians, as well as to the employees at Breadner Veterinary Services.
Shelley’s medical interests extend across a wide range of topics. For many years she practiced equine medicine alongside small animal medicine and surgery. Currently under her guidance, the practice attends to dogs, cats, small mammals, birds and exotic pets such as reptiles and amphibians. Even the little wall lizards in the gardens receive admiration and shelter under the care of the Breadner Veterinary team.
Beyond veterinary medicine, Shelley holds a keen interest for the wilderness, with involvement in hiking and back country camping. Shelley can be seen hiking or cycling about the peninsula, with canine companion Gincee in tow. If you see her rolling about on the roadways, be sure to wave!
Shelley has also become well known for her artistry. Several of her art pieces bestow the walls at Breadner Veterinary Services. Friends also await her stories and cluster of photos that follow her many adventures into the wilds.
Emma was born and raised in Vancouver, and while attending kindergarten made up her mind that the only career she wanted was that of a veterinarian. Her father, now retired, was a prominent OBGYN and gave her the love of surgery and medicine, although she found animals more endearing to fix! Dr Cope's path followed a degree from UBC and then Saskatoon for veterinary medicine. With her car pointing west after final exams, she found herself at Breadner Veterinary Services. With two kids, her dog, Plum and many years later she is still passionate about her chosen career and her role at Breadner Veterinary Services. When Emma is not working or chasing her girls you'll find her bonding with her youthful Warmblood, Cashew.
Dr. Conard grew up in Alberta but fell in love with Victoria while completing her Bachelor of Science at the University of Victoria. After graduating from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (Saskatoon) in 2002, she began her career in Calgary but soon found her way back to Vancouver Island.
Dr. Conard joined the team at Breadner Veterinary Services in March 2004. Working as a Veterinarian is a dream come true for her as it combines her love of animals with her passion for medicine. Dr. Conard has a special interest in internal medicine, dentistry and cardiology as well as the medicine of birds and other exotic species. While not at the office, Melanie is a fierce competitor and highly ranked in outrigger paddling. Melanie and her partner share their lives with the intensely handsome and debonair Boone.
Dr. Conard joined the team at Breadner Veterinary Services in March 2004. Working as a Veterinarian is a dream come true for her as it combines her love of animals with her passion for medicine. Dr. Conard has a special interest in internal medicine, dentistry and cardiology as well as the medicine of birds and other exotic species. While not at the office, Melanie is a fierce competitor and highly ranked in outrigger paddling. Melanie and her partner share their lives with the intensely handsome and debonair Boone.
Dr. Lainson has worked with a wide variety of animal species during her career, including our usual dogs, cats, birds and exotic animals, as well as wildlife and domestic farm animals. Dr. Lainson has found her home here on Vancouver Island. She has been assisting us as a locum or ``relief`` veterinarian, so our other good doctors can take time for continuing education and well earned vacation time.
Beyond working, Meg can be found spending time with Liam, her handsome Otter Hound, and Mira, her affectionate Australian Terrier. After she tires them out, she continues on with her passion for long distance running.
Beyond working, Meg can be found spending time with Liam, her handsome Otter Hound, and Mira, her affectionate Australian Terrier. After she tires them out, she continues on with her passion for long distance running.
Poch rounds out our Veterinary Technologist team, in a positive way. He has a wealth of knowledge about products, and is great at sourcing whatever we need. Technology meshes with Veterinary Care effortlessly when Poch is involved - what a blessing!
Poch provides quiet, gentle care to the animals, and helps our doctors in many areas. Anaesthesia, diagnostics and laser therapy are a few of his countless strengths.
Poch and his wife have a busy life with their two girls. Creativity and joy are a big part of their world.
Jody plays an important part in our veterinary care team. Jody has a great interest in behaviour, nutrition, anaesthesia and medicine. She makes sure to cover every aspect of a patient's care and assists the doctors in countless ways. Jody is very approachable, always supporting clients and their pets, and ever aiming to maximize their pet's well being.
Jody shares her active life with her husband and two children, along with a flock of happy chickens, Ronald her one eyed cat, Maggie the Marvelous, and a host of foster cats that become majestic Domestics in no time!
Allison started her career with us through her practicum prior to graduation as a Veterinary Technologist. We have known of her tremendous progress through her career, and we are delighted to welcome her back to our team, bringing bundles of knowledge and experience. Allison is always calm, willing to smile, and ever present to ensure the well being of each patient she tends.
Allison brings her handsome sidekick, Gus Gus to work every day, and we have the pleasure of his happy greetings.
Outside of work, you can find Allison in her garden, tending her family of pets, cheering on her husband at running events, and being a solid supporter for the Victoria Humane Society, along with Gus.
Miguel has joined our team on a part time basis, and comes with a wealth of knowledge and skills as a Veterinary Technologist. Ever professional, Miguel contributes to our team in many positive ways. He shares some Saturdays with us, for which we are tremendously appreciative.
Outside of work, Miguel has a busy life with his family including his little Boston-Pug, Hercules, as well as with a full time career in another stream in our veterinary profession.
If you have not seen Lindsay at the helm lately, it is because she is at home tending her new baby. We look forward to welcoming her back in 2019.
Lindsay is a steady hand in the reception area. She wakes us up early Monday morning with the coffee brewed strong. Lindsay plays a key role in keeping our inventory stocked, and our team organized. She is quiet yet confident, and is always willing to provide support to clients and patients. We love her laugh and presence at Breadner Veterinary Services.
Lindsay has a keen interest in health and nutrition, and is involved in studies outside of her work. She shares her life with her partner, and her rescue dog Lupe. Lindsay and Lupe have made great strides with positive reinforcement behaviour methods, and we have seen Lupe grow to trust us more and be more at ease in her Canadian life, all thanks to Lindsay.
Shea is a wonderful part of our reception team. She calmly moves through the day, and keeps her finger on the pulse of the practice. If you happen to chat with her, you will find comfort in her positive caring nature. We are so grateful to have her as part of our team!
Shea and her husband share their home with Freya, a beautiful Catahoula hound.
Have you met Olivia? She is one of our steady, capable receptionists, and if you pay attention, you can hear that lovely Kiwi accent she carries. She may seem serious, but she has a sharp wit and keeps us laughing through the day. Olivia is always positive and we love having her as part of our team!
Olivia and her partner share their lives with Theo, a gorgeous (and smart!) Nova Scotia Duck Toller. They may be out on hiking trails, playing at the beach, and enjoying island life!
Emilie has joined our team with enthusiasm! Always positive, Emilie brings a smile with support for our clients and patients. She strives to find a solution for each person she assists, which totally meshes with our team plan!
Beyond her role here, Emilie leads a full life with university courses, competitive synchronized swimming as well as adventuring with her adorable Miniature Aussie, Evee.
Beyond her role here, Emilie leads a full life with university courses, competitive synchronized swimming as well as adventuring with her adorable Miniature Aussie, Evee.
Kim LOVES her job! And it shows! She strives to do her best every day, assisting our clients and patients. Kim has a tremendous memory, and is our go to person to track things down for us. Kim's compassion for the pets is paramount, and she endears herself to each one that visits us.
Kim is an avid athlete and is devoted to health and well being in her life. She shares her home with her adorable British Shorthair cat, Angus. Unfortunately, Angus chose not to attend the photo shoot with Kim, exercising his feline desire to soak up the sun at home. However, you may spot Kim and Angus out for their daily walk around the neighbourhood!
Laura has an uncanny ability to know what needs to be done, who needs care and attention, and which doctor needs assistance, all before they know it themselves. Laura has many responsibilities at our hospital, and she shines doing all of them!
Laura can calm animals like no other ( including Dr. B? ) and their trust in her allows many procedures to be done without stress to all involved - people AND pets!
When she is not at the climbing gym, Laura can usually be found with a good book in hand. Laura shares her family dogs, Teddy and Willow with, who else? Her family! Laura and her partner are ever entertained by their elegant feline, Dexie.
Taylor brings a keen sense of enthusiasm to work every day. She takes control of her tasks with great determination and a positive attitude. She is always willing to learn new things, with a great sense of humour at every turn. Things are never dull when Taylor is about!
Taylor starts her day before she arrives here by visiting her elegant and talented horse, and closes it in similar fashion. She also has a creative side, exploring new cooking styles, as well as being involved with some internet publishing. Pretty amazing stuff!
Jeff has a dream of becoming a veterinarian, and we are helping him build that dream. Jeff works with us part time to gain experience, all the while providing nurturing care to the animals he sees each Saturday he is with us. Jeff brings a sense of wonder to his day, and is ever amazed by what he learns. We share in his enthusiasm, and appreciate his kind and gentle ways.
While soft spoken by day, Jeff loves his role as DeeJay by night, with a passion for Techno - Electronic music. Kind of like Clark Kent and Superman, we might think!
Kelsie helps keep our hospital clean and organized, along with making sure we are always at the ready with supplies and lots of freshly folded towels and blankets. She has a soft spot for the animals, and she is our professional cuddler for any of the little (or big) ones that need extra comforting during their stay with us.
Say hello to her if you see her, and she will always greet you with a smile!
Outside of work, Kelsie enjoys time with family and relatives, stays physically active at the gym, and takes her family dog out for adventures. She's even been sky diving!