Dr. Mortimer earned his degree from Iowa State University. He received a B.A. in Biology from Baylor University, and completed an internship in Small Animal Emergency Medicine and Surgery in Rochester, New York. His interests include internal medicine and surgery, including minimally invasive surgery (endoscopy and laparoscopy).

“Above all, I have a strong interest in people and animals. The relationship between my patients and their owners is the reason I am in this profession.”

When away from the practice, he spends most of his time having fun with his family (his wife Kristie, three children, three cats and one “Labrador non-retriever”. Personal interests include fly-fishing, hiking, gardening and travel.

Dr. Donovan earned his degree with Honors from the University of Florida (Go Gators!). His veterinary interests include soft-tissue surgery, endocrinology, epidemiology, and zoonotic diseases.

He has one pet – a French bulldog named Cutter. Dr. Donovan enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, hiking and backpacking, snowboarding, playing tennis, gardening, going to Mariners games, and reading.

Dr. Richardson earned his degree from the University of California, Davis. He completed an internship and residency program at Washington State University, where he also taught as an assistant professor. While at WSU, he concentrated on small-animal internal medicine and surgery – his primary interest of today.

For more than 20 years, Dr. Richardson has focused on veterinary dentistry. He has two cats and a dog. He also enjoys spending time with his family, taking part in continuing education initiatives, skiing in the winter, and biking in the summer.

Dr. Spencer earned his degree from the University of California, Davis. He received a B.S. in Animal Science with a minor in Range Management from Cal Poly San Luisobispo.

“I have a special interest in well patient care, geriatrics, internal medicine, endoscopy and laser surgery.”

He has two dogs, one of which “has a talent for challenging all of my medical abilities with his many chronic illnesses.” Dr. Spencer has a strong interest in international development and resource management. Away from the office, he spends time fly-fishing, sea kayaking, mountain biking, soapstone carving, snow skiing, and snowshoeing.

Dr. Whereat earned her degree from the University of Pennsylvania. She also received a B.A. in Biology from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin.

She has a veterinary interest in internal medicine and the human-animal bond.

Outside the office, Dr. Whereat has one pet – a Great Swiss Mountain dog – and likes to spend time with her husband and three daughters.

Dr. Nacewicz earned her degree from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, where she also completed her B.S. in Zoology. She interned at Florida Veterinary Specialists in Tampa.

“While internal medicine and surgery are my key medical interests, the unique bond is what drove me to pursue these avenues in veterinary medicine. After graduation, I pursued additional training in emergency and exotic pet medicine, which was then followed by employment at an emergency, critical care and specialty hospital. It is a pleasure to be able to incorporate these experiences into caring for my patients over the expanse of their lifetime.”

She has two pets and enjoys spending time traveling, listening to music, checking out art, reading, hiking, camping, bicycling, snowboarding, playing board games, and taking advantage of any excuse to socialize and laugh.

Dr. Canfield earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, with Distinction, from Washington State University. He then interned at Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston.

He then was a Post-Doctoral Fellow at the University of Washington. Completing his fellowship in 1970 he became one of the original partners in Seattle Veterinary Associates. While on sabbatical, Doctor Canfield was appointed an Assistant Professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University in 1975 conducting cardiovascular research and teaching. He returned to the practice in 1976.

“Minimizing health risks and managing long-term health needs have always been my primary interests and goals. Meeting the medical and surgical needs of my patients and their families is my daily goal.”

“It has been my honor and privilege to be a veterinarian and a partner in Seattle Veterinary Associates for over forty years”

Dr. Canfield lives in Vashon Island and loves spending his time with three dogs (Kip the Border Collie; Milan, a Labrador Retriever and Gwinnie the Cock-a-poo), four cats (Squash the smash faced orange guy; Dorothea, another foundling gray and white drooler; her fellow drooler, Franklin the black cat who wants to be a dog and Phinneus the 3 1/2 legged blackberry patch cat), Annika a 17 year old thoroughbred Mare, Echo the Gecko, and assorted chickens. He also has strong interests in local schools and community issues and the School for Global Animal Health at Washington State University.

He likes to spend time with his family, travel, ski, hike, and sea kayak and The Seattle Mariners.

Dr. Julie Irwin, VMD was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. She attended Cornell University, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree with a dual major in Mathematics and Biology. She then attended the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 1998. Julie and Steve met in veterinary school and were married shortly after graduation. Julie’s other interests include rowing, cross-country skiing and hiking. She and Steve, along with their three children, have recently relocated to Seattle and are enjoying exploring the Pacific Northwest.

Dr. Salt earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree with honors from Washington State University. She then completed an internship at VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital. She earned her B.S. in Zoology and Anthropology from the University of Washington. In 2010 Dr. Salt also completed Certification in Veterinary Medical Acupuncture through Colorado State University.

Her professional interests include internal medicine, emergency and critical care, geriatric pet care, and pain management. She also enjoys volunteerism in the veterinary field locally and spent time in the South helping the animal victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Dr. Salt lives in North Seattle with two Basset Hounds (Henry and Cooper), a mixed breed dog (Mugsie), an Old Dog Haven foster dog (Granny Franny) and Ollie the cat. In her free time she enjoys swimming, hiking, camping, jewelry making, photography, and spending time with friends.

Dr. Barnhart earned her degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She earned her B.S. in Biology from the University of Michigan, where she also earned a B.A. in the History of Art. She completed her internship with the Michigan Veterinary Specialists in Southfield, Michigan.

“I have a strong interest in oncology and internal medicine, although working with people and animals is the main reason I am in this profession.”

She has six pets – a dog named Maya and five cats named Frida, Boolie, Keith Richards, Potato, and Pablo. She enjoys the outdoors – particularly camping, hiking, and snowshoeing. She also enjoys traveling, doing yoga, checking out art, and listening to music.

Dr. Jones earned his degree from Oklahoma State University. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Public Health Services as an epidemiologist with the Centers for Disease Control at the Washington State Health Department.

He brings more than 40 years of veterinary medical experience specializing in small animal internal medicine and surgery; he also was a founder of SVA in 1971.

He lives in North Seattle with his wife, Karen, and their two dogs – Mia and Jorda – and often visits his daughter Kasey, who lives with her husband Chris and their dog, Beatrice, in West Seattle. Outside of the office, Dr. Jones – who ran the Boston Marathon in 1978 –might be running, skiing, bicycling, and spending time in his log cabin near Mt. Rainier.

Dr. Heeren earned her degree from Iowa State University. She interned in small animal medicine and surgery at Denver Veterinary Specialists in Colorado and earned a B.A. in Medical Biology from Beloit College in Wisconsin.

She has a strong passion for surgery and emergency medicine, and volunteers her time spaying and neutering feral cats with the Feral Cat Project. She also provides veterinary care at the Doney Clinic.

She has one pet – a black lab mix named Indy – and likes to spend time gardening or exploring the hiking trails in the Seattle area.

April joined SVA in 1997 after earning her A.A. in Arts and Sciences and A.A. in Veterinary Technology at Pierce Community College. She has a cat named Marbles and a dog named Halla.

Outside the office, April makes glycerin soaps, salves, lip balms, and facial masks. She also enjoys gardening – growing Italian herbs, mostly – and spending time with her family.

Constance joined SVA originally in 1994 after graduating from Pierce Community College with an A.A. in Veterinary Technology in 1993. Her veterinary interests include dentistry and complimentary therapies. Constance has a Great Dane named Duke, a Jack Russell named Nikita, two cats-Grizzley and Mickey Rourke. In her free time she trains her Friesian Horse named Heidi for equestrian competitions.

Dana joined SVA in 2005 after earning a B.S. in Veterinary Technology at North Dakota State University and is Certified in Animal Nutrition. “I love surgery and learning new dentistry techniques. Continuing education with clients is also another aspect I love.”

Outside the office, Dana enjoys snowboarding, soccer, biking, or being on the water – when not spending time with Chihuahuas Tucker and Neptune.

Daniel joined SVA in 2009, specializing in radiology and ultrasonography. He also enjoys surgery and lab work.

Outside the office, he enjoys snowboarding, spending time outdoors, reading, hanging out with his best friend, and karaoke. He has a Chihuahua named Satine and a leopard Gecko named Balthazar.

Emelie joined SVA in October of 2009 after earning her BA in Fine Arts from Seattle University and Associates degree in Veterinary Technology from Pierce College in 2009. Her Veterinary interests include anesthesiology, hematology, pharmacology, pain management and Sharpei specific conditions and maladies. Her personal interests include photography, traveling, live music, soccer, cooking, reading and buying shoes. She loves to spend time with her family, dog, and boyfriend, Peter. Emilia has a five year old Sharpei named Shasha with a cute wrinkled face.

Julie joined SVA in 2010. She earned her Veterinary Technician License from Fort Steilacoom Community College in 1985. Julie enjoys all areas of Veterinary medicine and has a passion for working with geriatric pets. In her spare time she enjoys cooking, reading, tall ships, local history and volunteering at NWseaport and World Music.

Katie joined SVA in 2003 after completing her A.A. in General Studies emphasizing Biology from Mira Costa Community College. She received a certification in radiation use and safety in Portland, Oregon, and an A.A. in Veterinary Technology from St. Petersburg College.

She’s interested in the outdoors – hiking, cycling, canoeing, and camping. “You know, enjoying the great Northwest!” She also practices yoga and cares for two domestic short-hair cats, Marlee and Norman.

Kay joined SVA in 1988 after completing a B.A. in German and B.A. in Sociology from Whitman College. She is interested in feline behavior. “I really enjoy talking with new cat owners about their pets. Geriatric pet care, when we as a veterinary team and the owner can work together to keep the old guys happy and healthy, it’s quite rewarding.”

Kay also enjoys gardening, minor household repair and maintenance, reading murder mysteries, and drinking coffee.

Leslie joined SVA in November, 2012. She holds a B.S. in Conservation Biology from the University of Washington and earned her technician license in 2008. Her veterinary interests include anesthesia, surgery, and emergency and critical care. In her free time, Leslie enjoys photography, traveling, hiking, beach combing, and playing with her cat “Kitty”.

Linda joined SVA in 1977 after earning her A.A. and A.S. in Veterinary Technology at Pierce Community College. She received her Veterinary Technician Specialty in Small Animal Internal Medicine in 2008. She has one dog (Sally) and two cats (Raymond, and Audrey), all of whom are rescue pets.

Outside the office, Linda enjoys scuba diving, traveling, motorcycle touring, remodeling her home, and growing orchids and cacti.

Lisa joined SVA in 1988. She holds a B.S. in Biology from the University of Michigan and has maintained a Washington LVT license from 1988 to the present. Anesthesiology is her area of special interest and advanced study. “I enjoy anesthesiology because it integrates and applies physiology, pharmacology and technical skills. My goal is always to provide anesthetic care that takes the individual’s physical and mental status into account and produces a calm, comfortable and safe experience.”

Since she is admittedly a bit hyperactive, Lisa enjoys working in a profession that requires physical and mental stamina. Outside the office Lisa prefers to be outdoors. She expends energy by rock climbing, bicycle racing, yoga and exercising her dogs in the woods.

McKenze joined SVA in 2005 after earning her Bachelor Degree in Veterinary Technology from North Dakota State University. She is certified in Animal Nutrition and a Certified ABC Dog Trainer. She enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine, but especially likes discussing everyday behaviors of cats and dogs with clients. “There’s nothing better than seeing the difference you can make in someone’s everyday life.”

Outside the office, she enjoys outdoor activities like biking, snowboarding, and hiking. She also enjoys spending time with her dog, Paige, and cats, Lady and Picasso.

Michelle joined SVA in 2008 after earning her B.S. in Veterinary Technology from Michigan State University. “I enjoy everyday challenges that present themselves, be it helping a scared patient calm down or stabilizing an emergency case. I also really enjoy earning the trust of both our clients and patients.”

Outside the office, Michelle likes cycling, hiking, jogging, sailing, and finding funky thrift stores, old records, a good book, and having a great glass of wine. She has two pets, Taja and Mr. Mittens (the softest cat you’ll ever touch and co-founder of Feline Project Mahem.)

Ashley joined SVA in April 2012. Her veterinary interests include animal behavior and disease prevention. In her free time she enjoys going to Sounders games and volunteering at the Everett Animal Shelter. Ashley has a Maine Coon named Gus who enjoys playing fetch with foam soccer balls.

Daniel joined SVA in January of 2011 after earning a BS in Biology at Seattle University. He enjoys fishing, fly-fishing, snowboarding, and just about anything outdoors. He is currently a volunteer Track and Field coach at Seattle University as well as an alumnus of the program. Daniel also has an African Kenji Cichlid named Poke (Po-keh).

Ga-Wing joined SVA in 2007 after earning a B.S. in Biology from the University of Washington. Ga-Wing has three dogs – Waverly, Mauser, and Cricket – and enjoys going to the mountains, traveling, playing sports, and spending time with family.

Jack joined SVA in 2010 after earning a BS in Natural Science with an emphasis in Biology at University of Puget Sound. He enjoys hiking/camping, playing sports, hanging out with friends and having adventures both abroad and down the street. Jack also likes to spend his free time pursuing artistic ideas and has two Fox Terriers named Spencer and Gracie.

Kristina joined SVA in May of 2010. Prior to SVA, she attended the Sno-Isle Skill Center for Veterinary Assisting and Grooming. She also spent five years volunteering at a Zoo. Her veterinary interests include surgery and neurology and she is enjoying learning more about veterinary pharmacy. In her spare time, Kristina enjoys hiking, playing sports, listening to music and anything outdoors. She has an 11 year old Dalmatian/Lab mix named Tobi.

Letitia joined SVA in September 2012. She holds a certificate in Veterinary Assisting from Pima and a BA in Graphic Design from California State University at Northridge. Her veterinary interests include companion animals and equine. In her spare time, Letitia enjoys movies, music, art, design, reading, writing, and riding horses. She has two cats, Rex and Gir, two Guinea Pigs: Wooxle and Heffa Lump, and a dog named Ink Spot.

Lisa joined SVA in 2008 after earning her B.S. at the Rochester Institute of Technology. She is currently enrolled in the Penn Foster LVT On-Line Program. In her free time, she enjoys playing soccer, running, hiking, skiing, and anything she can do with her two German Shepherds, Kona and Scout.

Lynette joined SVA in May, 2012 after attending art school in Southern California. Her veterinary interests include phlebotomy and surgery. In her free time, she enjoys camping, hiking and painting. Lynette is currently looking for a great pound puppy!

Megan joined SVA in 2005 after earning her Certificate of Veterinary Assistant from PIMA Medical Institute. She enjoys working in surgery, continuing her education, and learning and growing everyday.

Outside the office, Megan loves to snowboard, wakeboard, watch and go to football games, and going on hikes with her dog, Gracie, and hanging out with her cat, Cooper.

Nicole joined SVA in 2008 after earning her B.A. in English Literature from St. Norbert College in Wisconsin. She has two cats – Stubby (an orange three-legged talker) and Oden James (a young male cat who is prematurely cranky). In addition to enjoying sampling new foods and beverages, Nicole also enjoys working off everything she ate with long walks and hiking.

Sarah joined SVA in 2009 after earning her B.A. and B.S. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Evergreen State College. She’s interested in phlebotomy, pediatric pet care, exotic pet care (particularly reptiles), and animal behavior.

Outside the office, Sarah likes hiking, backpacking, kayaking, gardening, orchid culture, digital photography, international travel, “culinary snobbery,” and 90s-era PC games. She has a tortoiseshell feline named Nausicaa.

Sharleen joined SVA in October, 2011 after earning her BS in Biological Sciences with an emphasis in neurology, physiology, and behavior at the University of California, Davis. As an undergraduate she began working at the UC Davis Veterinary Hospital, equine medicine, large animal ICU and neonatal ICU. She has also worked with bovine and swine and has a great love for equine and canine species. She aspires to attend veterinary medical school on the west coast. In her free time, Sharleen enjoys horseback riding/training, photography, dog training and reading. She has a four year old pound dog mix, an 18 month old German Shepherd, and an eight month old Corgi/Dachshund mix.

Spencer joined SVA in June of 2011. He holds a BS in Physiology from the University of Washington. Spencer is interested in research-epidemiology and is in the process of applying to veterinary medical school. In his spare time, he likes to play sports, guitar, and the mandolin. Spencer is without pets at the moment, but grew up with alpacas, sheep, goats, chickens, bearded dragons, rabbits, lovebirds, cats, and dogs

Spencer joined SVA in 2010 after earning his A.A. degree from Highline Community College. He was primarily trained in assisting with surgery and grew very interested in radiography and remains fascinated by it. Recently he has become more interested in the study of reptiles. When given time off, he enjoys backpacking, camping and spending time with his French Bulldog Murphy and a growing Red Tail Boa who is probably as sweet as a snake could get.

Sue Joined SVA in the summer of 2009. She has a B.A. in Modern European History from State University of New York at Oswego. She is interested in holistic medicine and healing. She will soon be volunteering her time with wildlife rehabilitation outfits throughout Washington. She is very interested in obtaining her license as a wildlife rehabilitationist. She has two wonderfully hilarious cats, Cholo and Perla, and a slightly neurotic Aussie named Jack.

Ana joined SVA in 2010. Her experience with animals comes from 10+ years of pet sitting and owning pets of her own. Her education includes one year of university studies with emphasis in Psychology. Ana plans on resuming her studies in Psychology in the near future to be in a position to work with at-risk youth. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Upon invitation Ana sings and/or speaks at women’s retreats, conferences and weddings. Interests/hobbies include: Writing, reading, singing jazz & gospel, cooking, fine dining and being active. She lives by the following quote by Mother Teresa, “Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of kindness.”

Becky joined SVA in 1998 after studying History and English at North Seattle Community College. She enjoys spending time with her two daughters and her pets, including Joon and Violet (dogs), Lemony (parakeet), and Flannigan (cat).

Brandon joined SVA in 2009 and he continues to work with the SVA staff to understand as much about pets as possible. Brandon loves interacting with and helping clients, he also enjoys seeing sick pets be nursed back to health.

Outside of work Brandon enjoys video games, reading, working out, and hanging out with friends. Brandon had to leave his Jack Russell Lexie back in Cedar Rapids, IA.

Dana joined SVA in July of 2012. She loves meeting new clients, dogs, and cats every day in her position with Northwest Veterinary Hospital. She adores spending time with children and animals. Dana has volunteered at a preschool for the past two years and was previously a preschool teacher. She can’t wait to adopt a dog from the animal shelter.

Jaclyn joined SVA in 2009 after earning her BS in Animal Sciences and Primate Ethololgy at the Ohio State University. She loves all furry creatures, and is quite interested in exotics and large animals, particularly horses. She’s also enjoyed working with chimpanzees for cognitive research as well as volunteering at a gibbon sanctuary, and with orangutans at the Woodland Park Zoo.

Jaclyn has recently ventured into the world of roller derby, but also enjoys playing team sports, snowboarding, and has a passion for traveling to foreign countries, and trying new adventures in food. She has a Guinea Pig named Ralph and two cats; Kittybear and Emily.

Jakob joined SVA in 2008. “What’s not to love about all aspects of veterinary science? It’s a distinct possibility that I would like to continue an education and advance in this field of work,” he said. Jakob also is interested in meteorology, music, movies, social gatherings, camping, hiking, and skiing.

He has a ragdoll feline named Mingo, who likes to: Sleep, watch TV, pounce, chase laser light, scratch his post, groom, soil a freshly cleaned litter box, swat at and stare at Jakob in his sleep, mess up blinds, try to steal ice cream, drink Jakob’s drinks, sit on laptops while in use, and finally, he is a MASTER escape artist.

Jamesy joined SVA in 2009. She is currently a student with University of Phoenix focusing on criminal justice and psychology. She plays guitar, enjoys movies, puzzles, and collecting vinyl records. She enjoys yoga and going out on the town. She has inherited two cats, Jasmine and Scamp. She also has a dog, Quinn and a corn snake named Fuego.

Jason joined SVA in October of 2012. He holds a BA from Evergreen State College. He gets great satisfaction from helping others and loves animals, so being able to help animals for a living is the perfect way to spend his week. In his free time, he enjoys reality television and the study of pop-culture. He is fascinated by the entertainment industry. Jason has a corn snake named Ambrocious and looks forward to having a dog one day.

Kelly joined SVA in 2007. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her pets – two dogs, a cat, and a pair of birds – as well as watching movies, reading books, hiking with her dogs, and photography.

Kelly joined SVA in September of 2011 after earning her BA in sociology from University of Washington. She loves working with animals. In her free time, she enjoys playing volleyball, surfing, dining out, and spending time with her three dogs, Layla, Berta, Henry.

Larisa joined SVA in March of 2013. She holds an AA in Early Childhood Education from Edmonds Community College. Larisa grew up on a small farm with goats, rabbits, chickens, geese, cats and miniature horses where she enjoyed caring for stray and injured wildlife including possums, birds, cats, dogs, raccoons, and squirrels. In her spare time Larisa enjoys listening to music, doing karaoke, making jewelry, travelling, and spending time with family. She loves children, pets, warm weather and water sports. Larisa has four pets: Haydee, a 15 year old Pug, Lilikaia, a 11 year old rescue dog, Ally, a six year old Tuxedo cat and Turt Russell, a Red Eared Slider.

Rachel holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health from the University of Washington. She is interested in preventative healthcare for pets, and hopes to work with large animals in the future. She enjoys the outdoors, including: camping, hiking, climbing and gardening. Rachel and her Bengal named Kalonji are looking forward to adding a dog to her family.

Renetta joined SVA in March of 2013. She holds a BS in Biology from the University of Washington. She volunteers at Woodland Park Zoo and is interested in wildlife, especially raptors. In her free time she enjoys swimming, hiking, kayaking and spending time with her family. She has two dogs, Lily and Niko as well as two white-bellied parrots named Dewey and Papi.

Vicky joined SVA in 2001 after earning her B.A. in English from Washington State University. She enjoys painting, traveling, and seeing all the different animals that call Seattle home. She has a dog named Kelty who “keeps me on my toes and always speaks when spoken to!”

Candyce joined SVA in 1995 after earning her B.S. in Zoology from the University of Washington. She also has an Associate’s degree in Veterinary Technology from Pierce Community College. She’s particularly interested in nutrition and alternative medicine, though she enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine.

Candyce has three pets – two dogs and a cat – and enjoys spending time outside of the office by gardening, hiking, designing websites, knitting, and taking photographs.

JoAnne rejoined SVA in 2007, after a previous ten-year employment with the company. She earned her BS from the University of Washington, is a Notary Public, and belongs to the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers. She has one cat named Sam, though in the past, has enjoyed a variety of cats, dogs, ducks and chickens in her household. JoAnne enjoys spending time with her family and friends, antiquing, and reading.

Marilynn joined SVA in 1983 after attending Michigan State University. She’s interested in rubber stamps, reading, walking with her rescued Doberman – Tori – laying on a beach “any place,” and listening to live blues music (especially Buddy Guy).

Summer joined SVA in 2007 after earning her A.A. from South Seattle Community College. She has three mixed-breed dogs – Zeus, Freckles and Ringo – whom she adopted. Summer enjoys spending time at the ocean digging clams, camping with family and friends, walking in the park with her dogs, gardening in the summer, and spending time with her husband, Bob.

Wendy joined SVA in 2006 as our Hospital Administrator. She came to SVA with 16 years of veterinary management experience, 12 of which was spent in private practice and 4 of which was spent in corporate veterinary medicine where she was regional manager for 11 hospitals. Previous to working in the veterinary field, Wendy worked in retail and held various positions in customer service including a retail office manager position. She became a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) in 1995 through the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association.

Outside the office, Wendy enjoys spending time with her husband, four grown children, and two grandchildren; and Lucy their calico cat and Roscoe their Labrador retriever. She and her husband enjoy gardening, traveling, and cruising in their 1928 Studebaker.