Veterinarians & Practice Owners
Dr. Tej Dhaliwal, DVM
Dr. Dhaliwal graduated from India’s prestigious Punjab Agricultural University before pursuing his Masters in Surgery & Radiology from the Centre of Advanced Studies at the same campus.
After a brief stint as a federal worker, Dr. Dhaliwal became an Assistant Professor of Surgery & Radiology for almost two years before moving to Canada in 2000. One year later, Dr. Dhaliwal earned his Canadian and American licensure and has worked in numerous veterinary emergency facilities across Ontario.
Dr. Dhaliwal has advanced training in many fields of veterinary medicine and surgery and holds an Executive Management Degree from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. He has a passion for orthopedics, internal medicine, diagnostic imaging (digital x-ray, ultrasonography), dentistry, endoscopy, laparoscopy, emergency medicine, exotic medicine, management, mobile veterinary services and much more.
Dr. Dhaliwal loves to travel, read and practice spiritual cleansing, and loves to spend time with his wife, son, relatives and friends.
Dr. Kanwar Chahal, DVM
Hi there!
I am Dr. Kanwar Chahal and I have been a full-time veterinarian at Dixie Animal hospital since graduating from veterinary school in 2015. I grew up in Mississauga, Ontario, and have always been passionate about working with animals.
I graduated from McMaster University with a Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry specialization in 2010. I have done research in bacteriology and aided in developing on-site bacteria identification technology using gene sequencing. My passion for animal care led me to work with many different species of animals, reptiles, and fish. Later, I pursued my education at Ontario Veterinary College, Guelph, ON, where I graduated with Honors in 2015.
Additionally, I am certified in animal dental care from the Animal Dental Center, Baltimore. I received my certificate in principles of orthopedic surgery from AONA at Phoenix, Arizona. I recently obtained my certificate in soft tissue surgery from Western Veterinary Conference training center, Las Vegas.
Most days my three-year-old English bulldog named Hazel tags along with me to work and has become an integrated member of the clinic.
When I am not at work, most of my time is spent with my wife Simran and my one year old daughter Savreen. In my spare time, I volunteer at local food drives, and spend time at the local dog parks.
I love working as a veterinarian along side my exceptionally talented team, where I get to share the bond between pets and pet parents on a daily basis. I find myself fortunate to help pets live a long healthy life so that they can continue to provide their families with unconditional love.
Veterinarians
Dr. Mathan Balasundaram, DVM
Dr. Mathan Balasunadaram graduated from University of Peradeniya in 2006. He practiced as Veterinary Surgeon in Sri Lanka for 6 years before moving to Canada. He worked with government of Sri Lanka’s Animal Health and production for three years.
During this time, he was the technical adviser to the non-profit organizations in multiple projects which helped families to get food and additional income by raring livestock. He did workshops and educated village people on how to take care of domestic animals and farm animals and also on animal diseases and preventions. He worked in many remote villages and focused on educating people on animal welfare and well being.
When he moved to Canada, he volunteered in few animal clinics and later got a job as a veterinarian assistant then as a veterinary technician while he was preparing for the exams to be qualified as a veterinarian. Dr. Mathan completed his licensing in 2018 and joined TDVG group in 2019. Anyone that knows him will say pets and animals played a huge part in his life. He is very knowledgeable and compassionate. His main interests are in soft tissue surgery and companion animal medicine. He loves watching basketball and spending time with his two children and wife.
Dr. Kamal Khangura, DVM
Board of Managers
Rubinder Kaur
Imelda Rutte
As a Veterinary Technician, Mel has been providing patient care for over 25 years. Mel performs anesthetic monitoring, laboratory work, assists with office visits and provides nursing care to all our hospitalized pets. When not working at Fletcher’s Creek Animal Hospital, Mel shares her time with her Labrador Retriever and several special bird friends.
Stephanie Amaral
Sheila Tavares
Sheila has been with us from the start as a client, with a great love and compassion for all animals, including her cats Baby Kitty and dog Rocky. Since joining us she has taken on the role as floor manager. In her spare time she loves to spend time traveling with her husband Milton and 2 sons Johnny and Justin and also being a fun grandmother to her grandson Mason. Hockey is a big deal in this household, Sheila enjoys spending time at the hockey area attending games watching her husband coach while Justin shoots and scores.
Riley Wedge, RVT
Hello,
My name is Reily Wedge and I am the full time Practice Manager and Veterinary Technician at Dixie /Lacoste Animal Hospital. I joined the team as a Veterinary Technician at our sister clinic Lacoste Animal Hospital in September 2018. I then had the opportunity in April 2019 to move to Dixie Animal Hospital and take on the role as Zone Coordinator. As of March 2020, I took on the role of Practice Manager for both locations.
I grew up in Hamilton, Ontario and moved to Brampton where I attended the Veterinary Technician program at Sheridan College. I graduated April 2012 and began working full time as a Veterinary Technician. I always have had a deep passion for animals and their wellbeing. Volunteering at an animal hospital made me want to pursue a career in the Veterinary industry.
I love being a Veterinary Technician because every day is different, and I get to provide exceptional nursing and medical care to a variety of different animals. I enjoy working with a passionate team who thrives to provide the best medicine possible to every single pet. We believe in caring for your furry family member like our own so we can enhance quality of life and help your pet live longer. I am also thankful to have the opportunity to manage Dixie and Lacoste Animal Hospital and work closely with veterinarians, staff and the clients that make it a rewarding experience.
My zoo at home currently consist of one cat named Moota, two hedgehogs named Gerwin and Astrid and one Cherry Head Tortoise named Tortellini. I love talking about my pets, sharing random facts, and showing photos of my furry, spikey, and scaly family members!
When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and my animals. Being outdoors, fishing, camping, and listening to music. I also volunteer for the Brampton Animal Shelter fostering orphaned kittens.
I look forward to meeting you and your animals and welcoming you to the Dixie and Lacoste family.
Veterinary Technicians
Shanza Shoaib
Shanza has been with South Etobicoke Animal Hospital since January 2018 as a veterinary technician. She is a qualified veterinary doctor from Pakistan and is working towards obtaining her license to work as a veterinary doctor in Canada. She has always been passionate about small animals which led towards her interest in the field. Outside of work, she is a full-time mom to a 4 year old daughter, loves to travel and dine out.
Harjot Singh
Yuvraj Verma, RVT
Hi there. I am Yuvraj and I am working as a registered veterinary technician at South Etobicoke Animal Hospital. I graduated from Sheridan college in 2021 and got registered with OAVT in September, the same year. I grew up in India where I did Diploma in Veterinary Science and Animal Health Technology and Bachelors in Arts in 2019 .
I chose this profession because I have a soft spot for the animals inspired by my father, who is veterinarian in India. I grew up watching him treating the animals and knew I wanted to do the same. I have keen interest in anesthesia and analgesia.
Outside of work, I love to travel, watch documentaries and spending time with my friends.
Wali Sharifi
Rupinder Kaur
Ciao Ciao!
My name is Rupinder Kaur and I have been working as a full time Veterinary Assistant at Dixie/Lacoste Animal Hospital since November 2019.
I have completed my Bachelors of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry. I also have additional Veterinary Assistant experience at a previous animal hospital.
My favorite aspect of working in the veterinary profession is when I look in the eye of the pet I do not see an animal but I see a living being, living soul, and compassionate companion. I take pride in taking care of every patient as if it was my own pet.
My favorite breed of dog is a Yorkshire Terrier, and I really look forward to having my own Yorkie as part of my family someday. When I am not at work I enjoy spending time with my husband, doing wildlife photography and camping.
Ultrasound Technician
Ashbeal Ziai
Veterinary Assistants
Jackie Letcher
Hello! My name is Jackie Letcher, I am one of the Receptionist/Vet Assistants at both Dixie Animal Hospital, and Lacoste Animal Hospital.
I am an enthusiastic animal lover and bring experience working with a variety of animals at Far Enough Farm on Toronto Islands. I am a graduate of Fanshawe College, with a diploma in Fashion Merchandising and Marketing. Shortly after graduating, I realized my aspirations to work with animals and interact with them daily and began my career with animals full-time.
My favorite part about working in this industry is assisting the veterinary team to give the best care and medicine we can to every patient. I love meeting all the clients and their furry friends, meeting the new puppies and kittens, and seeing how much they have grown every time they come in.
I have a cat named Luna, who can play fetch, sit, loves to talk and knows a few other fancy tricks too. Luna loves to follow me around, so we travel together quite often.
Outside of work I love playing with Luna or my families dogs. I am an avid traveler and enjoy listening to good music and hanging with friends.
I can’t wait to meet you and all your furry friends here at Dixie Animal Hospital or Lacoste Animal Hospital.
Receptionists
Harpreet Janjua
You’ll find Harpreet greeting you and your pet in reception at Fletcher’s Creek Animal Hospital and making your visit a smooth and pleasant one. Harpreet has been making client and patient care a priority for over five years. In her free time, Harpreet enjoys spending time in the kitchen to cook up amazing meals for family and friends.
Sydney Wadden
Hello, my name is Sydney Wadden and I am one of the customer care representatives at Dixie Animal Hospital. I am currently completing a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Biomedical Sciences.
My passion for the sciences and love for animals led me to join the veterinary field. My favorite aspect about working in the
veterinary industry over the past 6 years is being able to utilize my knowledge and education to help animals in need.
I have 3 rabbits whom I love dearly. My first rabbit, Stanley, loves apples and having his ears pet. A short while later, I got Peter and my most recent adoption was Earl.
Outside of work, I enjoy hanging out with my family and watching movies. I spend most weekends going hiking and camping during the summer or snowboarding during the winter months.
I understand how important pets are to us and I can’t wait to meet you and your fur friend!
Clinic Mascots
Toto