

A privately owned companion and exotic animal veterinary practice
Established in 2024, we are a new practice aspiring to grow alongside our community.
Our Mission
At Warmland Animal Clinic, we are dedicated to providing compassionate, integrative veterinary care for the cherished pets of Lake Cowichan and beyond. Through a balanced approach of advanced medical treatments and holistic wellness practices, we empower pet owners with choices that support lifelong health and happiness for their companions.
Our Vision
To become a trusted, self-sustaining cornerstone of the Lake Cowichan community; a place where pets receive exceptional care, families find support and education, and the well-being of animals is nurtured through both modern medicine and time-honored healing traditions.
Our Values
- Compassion First: Every pet and client is treated with empathy, kindness, and understanding.
- Integrative Healing: We believe in the power of combining modern medicine with holistic care to achieve optimal outcomes.
- Community Commitment: We exist to serve and strengthen the Lake Cowichan community, creating a legacy of care that lasts generations.
- Education & Empowerment: We share knowledge openly, helping pet owners make informed decisions about their pets’ health.
- Excellence in Care: From routine checkups to advanced diagnostics and surgery, we are committed to the highest standards of veterinary medicine.
- Sustainability & Growth: We build a practice that nurtures its people, supports its community, and evolves to meet future needs.
- Team Development & Success: We believe that when our team thrives, our community thrives. By supporting the personal and professional growth of every staff member, we foster a culture of learning, advancement, and pride in the care we provide.
A Unified Team with Unique Talents
Rooted in Veterinary Care. Enriched by Individual Strengths.

Dr. Carmen Bell
Owner & Medical DirectorCarmen is the founder and medical director of Warmland Animal Clinic. Her integrative approach blends Western veterinary medicine with complementary therapies, with a particular interest in Western herbal medicine. She is committed to helping clients explore a full range of treatment options and receive thoughtful, individualized care. Alongside her clinical work, Carmen takes an active role in the business and shaping how the practice develops. She is passionate about mentorship and coaching staff to achieve their professional veterinary career goals. As WAC grows, Carmen is taking a more active role in guiding and providing clinical oversight for the veterinary team.

Dr. Kristina Erwin
Associate VeterinarianKrisi has a strong interest in integrative medicine and whole-animal care. She combines conventional veterinary medicine with holistic therapies, including integrative oncology, rehabilitation, acupuncture, laser and ozone therapies, and Chinese and Western herbal medicine. Originally from Virgina, Krisi has made Vancouver Island her home. Curious by nature and meticulous in her work, she pursues extensive continuing education to deepen her knowledge and expend the care options she can offer her patients. Her enthusiasm for learning and drive to keep developing her skills are at the heart of her thoughful, individualized approach.

Dr. Eloise Fisher
Associate VeterinarianEloise brings her conventional veterinary expertise to WAC from Australia's Gold Coast, with a strong interest in both surgery and diagnostic imaging. She provides much of the clinic's conventional medical care and leads its soft tissue surgery and dentistry, supporting patient's from diagnosis through treatment and recovery. Eloise is skilled in interpreting radiographs and is especially interested in ultrasonography and the additional insight it can offer. She is also keen to begin exploring orthopaedic surgery, broadening her surgical interests and the procedures she can offer. Her work brings together careful medical assessment, practical surgical skill, and a curiosity about what imaging can reveal.

Rhiannon
Business & Administrative ManagerThe engine behind Warmland's smooth operations, Rhiannon keeps the clinic running like a well-oiled machine. As our Business & Administrative Manager, she brings years of veterinary management experience and an impressive depth of knowledge in veterinary medicine. Her organizational skills are legendary, and her warm smile helps create the welcoming atmosphere we're known for. From keeping inventory on track to coordinating with suppliers and outside representatives, Rhiannon is a trusted link between the clinic and the many people and businesses we work with.

Mckenzie
Clinical CoordinatorMcKenzie brings a wealth of hands-on knowledge and quiet dedication to her role as Clinical Coordinator. She began her clinic journey in Saskatchewan, continued her path in Alberta, and now brings her passion and experience to Vancouver Island. Here, McKenzie helps coordinate the day-to-day flow of the clinical team, supporting staff, patient care, and the smooth running of the treatment area and its equipment. She pairs that leadership with extensive practical experience and a special fondness for exotic pets. With a home full of animals herself, McKenzie is a versatile and deeply caring part of the team.

Sarah
Technician TraineeSarah has been part of Warmland Animal Clinic since day one. Quiet and thoughtful, she is a steady presence who has grown immensely alongside the clinic. She began as an assistant and is now advancing her clinical training as a Technician Trainee, preparing to begin Thompson Rivers University's Veterinary Technology program in January 2027. Known as our behind-the-scenes multitasking queen, Sarah helps keep the clinic running smoothly in countless ways. She has a natural ability to anticipate what needs doing and is always ready to lend a hand. Though soft-spoken, her presence is strong, steady, and invaluable.

Carley
Advanced AssistantCarley brings a strong background in animal care to her role as an Advanced Assistant, building on her previous experience with the SPCA. Her work brings together several sides of clinic life: she is a go-to contact for the veterinarians, helps with hands-on clinical tasks such as lab work, and runs our feline and small mammal boarding program. Carley also takes the lead on the clinic's online presence, managing Facebook, Instagram and Youtube, and is closely involved with the technology that supports the team's work. She brings creativity and consistency to sharing the heart of Warmland Animal Clinic onine, while keeping a practical eye on the many details that help the clinic's day run well.

Patty
ReceptionistPatty has been part of Warmland Animal Clinic from the beginning, bringing her pharmacy background and years of local customer service to the front desk. Her sharp eye for detail and calm, thoughtful approach help keep reception organized and running smoothly. Patty is a warm, pleasant presence for clients, offering a familiar face and a reassuring hand as they navigate their pets' care. Away from work, Patty enjoys time with her family- and has a particular soft spot for hounds. Coonhounds are a special favourite, but any dog with a good, deep howl is likely to catch her attention. Her kindness, steady organization, and love of those unmistakable hound voices make Patty a much-loved part of the WAC team.

Samantha
Assistant & ReceptionistSamantha brings extensive client-care experience to her role across reception and the treatment area at Warmland Animal Clinic. At the front desk, she's a confident, thoughtful communicator who knows how to help clients feel heard and supported. She's also remarkably quick at keeping many things in motion at once, brings professionalism, warmth, and efficiency to even the busiest days. Quick to absorb new information and shift between tasks, she is always several steps ahead. Samantha and her spouse are longtime residents of the Cowichan Valley and devoted animal lovers, sharing their home with a wonderfully large furry family.

Breanna
Assistant & ReceptionistAfter completing her veterinary assistant program through her own determination and hard work, Breanna first came to Warmland Animal Clinic as a volunteer and soon became a valued member of the team. She now splits her time between assisting in the treatment area and welcoming clients at reception, bringing warmth and curosity to both sides of clinic life. Breanna has a gentle, confident way with animals and has earned a special title around the clinic: our bird whisperer. She's also building her skills with in-house laboratory work and enjoys continuing to learn as she takes on new parts of the job. A devoted mother of two sons, Breanna brings the same genuine care and enthusiasm to her work that first made her such a lovely fit for the team.

Lori
Veterinary Assistant & ReceptionistLori brings extensive veterinary industry experience to her dual role as an assistant and receptionist at Warmland Animal Clinic. A true go-getter, she can usually be found bustling around the clinic, lending a hand wherever it's needed and approaching every opportunity with enthusiasm and a genuine desire to learn and grow. Her dependability, positive energy, and charming sense of humor make her a valued member of the team- and a favourite to our clinic mascot, Marley the labradoodle. Marley gets to enjoy his own version of summer camp with Lori and her family on their outings aboard the family's homemade riverboat. Between the clinic, the lake, and her knack for making everyone feel welcome, Lori brings a little extra warmth wherever she goes.

Jennifer
Assistant & ReceptionistJennifer brings extensive veterinary experience to her role as an assistant and receptionist, including her time at Prevost Veterinary Clinic in Duncan. After spending years in the Cowichan Valley, she has recently made Lake Cowichan home, where she lives with her young son. Outgoing, kind, and full of fun, Jennifer brings a big laugh and a quick joke wherever she goes. Veterinary work can have its heavy days, and she has a lovely way of lifting the mood and helping people find a smile, without losing sight of the care each moment calls for. Jennifer is happy to be part of the WAC team, and her easy going nature and bright spirit make her a delight to work alongside.

Shannon
Assistant & ReceptionistShannon brings plenty of veterinary experience to her role as an assistant and receptionist at Warmland Animal Clinic. She has a calm, steady way about her, and pairs it with a strong work ethic- always ready to keep busy and lend a hand. Whether she's welcoming clients at reception or helping in the treatment area, Shannon's friendly manner and reassuring presence help people and pets feel at ease. A Lake Cowichan local, Shannon enjoys spending time with her family and staying active. She's often found making use of the staff gym, where her interest in personal fitness gets a regular workout of its own. Her grounded nature, reliability, and easy friendliness bring a lovely sense of calm to the clinic.
Veterinary Professionals. Distinct Perspectives. One Incredible Crew.
We're proud of the work we do- but even prouder of the trust we've earned.

Warmland is by far the best veterinary clinic I've been too. The staff are all extremely kind, caring and knowledgeable. I really feel they go that extra mile to make us and our pup feel at ease.
Exceptional!

Very knowledgeable and service was top notch. Drove an hour but was worth it and will definitely be going there in the future.
Super Amazing

My big meat head needed to have a very large and uncomfortable growth removed from his eye. They were able to get him in asap after trying to get him in to numerous other vets, they were knowledgeable and took me step by step through the whole procedure.
Definitely Recommended!

Easy to find in Lake Cowichan with lots of parking. Very welcoming front lobby and waiting room. The two receptionist were very helpful and pleasant. The doc was great. She has a way with dogs that some vets do not. Definitely will go back.
Great Place!

All the staff members that we interacted with were warm and friendly. The staff accommodated my anxious girl and even checked to make sure the coast was clear as she can be leash reactive. Their prices were actually reasonable as well.
Absolutely wonderful vet!

It was a great experience for my dog, he got a great check up and he just loved it, and all the staff he met. What a great addition to Lake Cowichan. Beautifully remodeled building too.