Barb Deter, DVM
Dr. Barb Deter obtained her degree in Veterinary Medicine from the Ontario Veterinary College in 1991. Since then, Barb has cared for companion animals in Guelph and the surrounding area . She is known for her balanced, compassionate approach to small animal health care, her skill as a surgeon and her interest in incorporating effective complementary practices. Barb is certified by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society. She opened Southgate Animal Hospital in 2010 to provide clients with the personal service and veterinary care that make this profession so rewarding. Outside of the clinic, Barb and her husband Scott juggle their own schedules with those of their three children Catie, Cole and R.J. Their pointer-lab cross Axel can be found frequently snoozing in the lunch room at the clinic. Barb also enjoys running, skiing and water sports.
Shanna Clinch, DVM
Dr. Shanna Clinch graduated from the Atlantic Veterinary College, PEI, in 2001. She has worked at some wonderful clinics in Nova Scotia and Alberta and is so glad to hang her hat in Guelph and be part of the Southgate team. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience. Having to work in rural locations allowed her to perform a lot of procedures that would normally have been sent to referral practices. Together Barb, Shanna and Caitlin make a great team to ensure you get the best patient and client care. They treat their patients like their own and your pet can be guaranteed to get a special treat during their exam. Her particular interests include dentistry, dermatology, Chinese medicine/acupuncture and puppy snuggling. She has completed an IVAS acupuncture/Chinese medicine course 8 years ago in Texas and is fully certified. She has also taken numerous herb courses to further her interest in alternative medicine. Shanna's family includes two miniature schnauzer puppies, Max and Ruby, yes like the kids show :) and two Sphynx cats named Bourbon and Nellie, who now rule the house. When she and her husband are not chauffeuring their two young boys to various activities, Shanna can be found reading, working out or traveling with her family.
Caitlin Forbes, DVM
Dr. Caitlin Forbes had wanted to be a veterinarian since she was 6 years old, and was lucky enough to graduate from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2018. Prior to vet school, she earned a B.Sc (Hons) in Animal Biology with a minor in Psychology: Brain and Cognition. While in vet school, Dr. Forbes worked in the Diagnostic Imaging department at the vet college while she was a student, and this is where she developed a strong interest in radiology and ultrasound. Along with diagnostic imaging, Caitlin enjoys all aspects of clinical nutrition and enjoys speaking with, and educating clients on the best ways to optimize the health of their pets! In her free time, she loves taking her two dogs, Dakota and Harley, for walks through Preservation Park, and watching nature documentaries on Netflix.
Nikki, VT
Nikki is a Sheridan College graduate from the Animal Care program (1995), and has been working in the veterinary industry for the last 30 years, 24 of which have been as a Veterinary Technician. Nikki has worked alongside Dr. Deter for 24 years. She is very efficient in all aspects of animal nursing, but has a special interest in surgical monitoring / assisting and lab work. When Nikki is not working, she is at home with her two boys Kobe and Kaden, her crazy chocolate lab i-Pod and Scruffy, a cavalier bichon mix. Nikki keeps us on our toes and is the calming influence when any emergencies are happening.
Kelly, RVT
Kelly joined the Southgate Animal Hospital team in June 2012. She graduated from the Georgian College Veterinary Technician program (2011) with honours, and has achieved her registered status. Kelly is well rounded in all aspects of animal nursing, but shares a special interest with Nikki in surgical monitoring / assisting, and hands-on procedures such as catheter placement and blood collection. When Kelly is not working she is spending time with her husband Colin, her son Charlie, her JRT Frances, and her cat Ziggy.
Sam, BSc, RVT
Sam graduated from the University of Guelph in 2012 with a degree in Animal Biology. She then further pursued her love of animals and completed the Veterinary Technician program at Sheridan College in 2015, and achieved her registered status. Sam first came to Southgate for her school placements, and enjoyed working here so much that she continued on with a full time technician position in 2016! When Sam isn't working, she is usually snuggling on the couch with her cat Sammie, which she adopted from the Guelph Humane Society!
April, Receptionist/ Client Care Coordinator
April joined the Southgate Animal Hospital team in October of 2014. She previously worked as a Pet Care manager in the retail industry. She has joined our team as a full time receptionist. April enjoys all kinds of animals, but especially pocket pets! She has raised two of her own litters of guinea pigs in the past and would love to have some more in the future. She also rescued a lab mix, named Leo, from the Guelph Humane Society in January 2015. He loves to spend his days at the clinic, greeting clients! When April is not working, she spends most of her time with her husband Colin, daughter Lilly, their dog Leo and their guinea pigs Molly, Dot and Darla. April has the superpower of answering 3 phone lines at the same time while helping our clients at the front desk!
Rebecca, Receptionist
Rebecca has been with Southgate since May 2016. In her spare time she enjoys hanging out with her young horse Reverie and her three cats Jupiter, Delilah, and Dip!
Shaelyn, Receptionist
Shaelyn is a Sheridan College graduate from the animal care program (2018). Shaelyn first came to Southgate for her school placement, and has continued on as one of our receptionists. When Shaelyn isn't working she enjoys spending time with her dog Belle, a Jack Russell / Dashund mix, and her cat Ceecee. Shaelyn loves watching Grey's Anatomy, and always enjoys a good book!
