Meet our Team

DR. SUSAN THOMPSON, B.Sc., DVM, Dip. Surg

Veterinarian

Originally from England, Dr. Thompson moved to Canada in 1967 with her parents and sister. She obtained her Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) at the University of Guelph before attending the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) to obtain her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) in 1978. She then completed a three-year residency program in small animal surgery (Dip. Surg.), being the first woman to do so at OVC at that time. The following years were spent in diabetes research at the University of Toronto. Since 1989, Dr. Thompson has devoted her time to private practice in the South Fraser area of British Columbia, with particular interests in feline medicine, dentistry and surgery. In 1995, Dr. Thompson and her husband Jim decided to open Cats at Home Feline Hospital in order to provide feline specific health care. Dr. Thompson is passionate about feline health care and the important role that cats play in our family lives. She and Jim have cared for many cats over the years and have fond memories of all of them.

Dr. Thompson is a member of the following associations:

• American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) Now Feline VMA

• Cornell Feline Health Center (CFHC)

• Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA)

• College of Veterinarians of British Columbia (CVBC)

• Canadian Academy of Veterinary Dermatology (CAVD)

JIM THOMPSON – B.Sc. (Hon) HK

Practice Manager, Cat Whisperer

Following his graduation with a Bachelor of Science degree with honours (B.Sc. Hon H.K.) from the University of Guelph in human kinetics, Jim entered a Masters program in human physiology at the Ontario Veterinary College prior to spending 18 years working in the Canadian pharmaceutical business. In 1995, Jim and Dr. Thompson decided to open Cats at Home Housecall Practice in order to offer feline healthcare for residents in the South Fraser area, particularly Surrey, White Rock, Langley and North Delta. By 2000, Cats at Home Feline Hospital was established to provide a fully comprehensive facility for our patients. We call Jim our cat whisperer because of his amazing affinity with our less than eager patients.

TARA – VOA, MISAP (Beh)

Veterinary Assistant, Certified Feline Behaviourist

Tara always knew she would work in the field of veterinary care. She has been with Cats at Home since 2005 after graduating from the Veterinary Office Assistant (V.O.A.) program at Granville Business College in 2001. Her position as a veterinary technical assistant allows Tara to utilize her previous customer service experience, education and love of animals to contribute to the well-being of our cat patients. She has a dog, Kobi who has been part of the family for 9 years . Tara also has three daughters, Kyra, Tayla, and Bryn. In 2016, Tara became a Member of the International Society for Animal Professionals (MISAP) by completing a diploma with distinction in Feline Behaviour and Psychology (MISAP (Beh).  She is now certified to provide behavioural consultations at Cats at Home. She regularly publishes feline behaviour articles in the local paper, The Cloverdale Reporter, since her graduation.

LESLIE – VOA

Receptionist, Office Manager

Born and raised in Victoria, British Columbia, Leslie began her career in the financial industry. After over 25 years, Leslie chose to pursue her love and care of animals by achieving her Veterinary Assistant Diploma (V.O.A.) at Vancouver Career College. Graduating in 2004, she worked for several years in a general and emergency veterinary practice. In 2007 she and her family moved to the lower mainland and joined Cats at Home. Leslie’s kitties at present are Higgins and Magnum, two kittens, as well as Archer, and Shakker. She brings a wealth of experience with all the highs and lows of pet ownership. Leslie is also our pet insurance expert and can guide you through the complexities of the various options on the market.

MICHELE

Receptionist, Office Manager

Michele held several customer service and management positions prior to joining the Cats at Home team in 2017. Michele is the friendly face most often behind our front desk and the voice heard on the telephone when you call. She is caring and empathetic and uses her excellent communication skills to meet the needs of both new and long-standing clients of Cats at Home. She and her partner Cecil love their canine companion China. Since Christmas Michele has adopted Duchess, our hospital cat, as her home companion with China. She organizes our schedule with great efficiency and will go out of her way to meet your needs.

CHRISTINA

Veterinary Assistant

Christina joined Cats at Home January 2019 bringing many years of experience in several practices both in BC and Alberta. She developed her expertise in reception, customer service as well as technical assistance for the Doctors. Christina returned on a part time basis after maternity leave with her family, Addison, Logan, and Everleigh. Following a short work period Christina announced that she and Mark were expecting a fourth child. She is now off on maternity leave again with Liliana as the newest addition to the family. Christina is now working at keeping all of her family organized and will be returning in the fall of 2024.

Erin Student Trainee

Erin came to Cats at Home during the summer of grade 10. She has a cat named Finley. Erin has moved into the realm of university at Trinity Western in the pre-Vet course. Erin has now moved on to second year and will be coming in to work over the holidays with us.

Jenaya Mahoney Technical Assistant

Jenaya is our newest addition to our staff. She is a great asset helping to share Tara’s workload and has demonstrated an amazing connection with our patients. Jenaya’s contribution is greatly appreciated as it allows the patient care to go smoothly throughout the day.