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 surrounding area.  She is known for her balanced, compassionate approach to small animal health care, her skilll 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, R.J., Catie and Cole.  Their pointer-lab cross Axel can be found frequently snoozing in the lunch room at the clinic.  Barb also enjoys running, skiiing and water sports.

Shanna Clinch, DVM

Dr. Shanna 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 Mel 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 Chinese medicine/acupuncture, dermatology, dentistry 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 & Ruby and two Sphynx cats named Bourbon and Nellie, who now rule the house.  When she and her husband aren't chauffeuring their two boys to various activities, Shanna can be found reading, working out or traveling with her family. 

Melanie Gagnon, DVM

Dr. Melanie Gagnon graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2011.  She spent the first 10 years of practice treating small animals, farm animals and zoo animals in Southern Ontario. 
In 2015 Dr. Mel completed training to become certified as a Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Therapist (VSMT).  VSMT is analogous to chiropractic adjustments when provided by a chiropractor.  She has enjoyed adding this modality to her practice to provide pain relief and improve nervous system function in pets.
She is thrilled to have joined the Southgate family in 2021.  She enjoys surgery and helping anxious pets enjoy their veterinary experience.  Her 2 dogs, Fynn (shepherd/border collie) and Crush (American bulldog cross) have taught her a ton about living with dogs with behavioral issues, helping them cope with their fear and anxiety while still enjoying life. 
Dr. Mel lives with her partner Ryan and in her spare time she loves to ride and spoil her horses, Emmy and Charlotte

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 aspect 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 and her Jack Russel Terrier, Frances, her new rescue beagle Dottie and her cat Ziggy.

Sam, 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 Ralph, her recently adopted dog, Chloe and they make room for her husband Curtis. 

April, Receptionist

Currently on maternity leave.  April joined the Southgate team in October of 2014.  She previously worked as a Peet Care manager in the retail industry.  She has joined our team as a full time receptionist.  She will be returning to work soon!  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.  When April is not working she spends most of her time with her husband Colin, daughter Lilly and her sons Nolan and Mason and Logan.

Rebecca, Receptionist

Rebecca has been with the team since May 2016.  She is one of the happy, helpful voices you often hear when you call into the clinic and seems to know most of our clients and patients with only brief interactions. In her spare time she enjoys hanging out with her horse Reverie and her three cats, Jupiter, Delilah and Dip, her new border collie puppy Reflecks and Mia, her mini schnauzer mix.

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/Daschund mix and her cat Ceecee. Shaelyn loves watching Grey's Anatomy and always enjoys a good book!

Jaime, Receptionist

Jaime has left to purse a career Aviation, but may still pitch in from time to time. Congratulations Jaime!

in Jaime joined the Southgate Animal Hospital team in December of 2020 as a receptionist. She is a recent Conestoga College graduate from the Aviation - General Arts & Science program. When Jaime isn’t at work, she likes to take friends and family up flying over Southern Ontario, she hopes to someday to have her own plane. Jaime enjoys working out, going for long walks and reading the occasional book. Jaime’s happy place is spending hot summer days out on the boat wake boarding hanging out with friends. Unfortunately Jaime had to say good bye to her family’s beloved golden doodle, Lizzy earlier this year, but is anxiously awaiting to welcome a new furry friend to her family again.

Lily, Receptionist/Assistant

Lily has been with Southgate since her high school placement in July, 2020. She has finished her first year in the Animal Biology program at the University of Guelph and plans on applying to OVC in the next few years to pursue veterinary medicine.  She enjoys spending time with her dogs Hazel (St. Bernard/Bernese Mountain Dog), Lola (Sheltie/Bichon) and Abby (Bernese Mountain Dog) as well as her cat Alex.  Lily also spends her time horseback riding and cheering on the University of Guelph cheer team!