MEET OUR TEAM

DR. KATE ZIMMERMAN (she/her)

Dr. Kate graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph in 2010. She has been practicing companion animal medicine in Toronto ever since. Originally from Montreal, she speaks French and English, and never says no to a good bagel!

Dr. Kate has a passion for preventative medicine and end-of-life care. Her focus is on good communication with clients and believes that quality veterinary medicine hinges on pet owners and the hospital team working together to find the right solutions for each patient. She has worked in the south Etobicoke community for many years, meeting many fantastic people and pets along the way. She could not be more proud to have created Alderwood Veterinary Clinic with her work-wife, Dr. Heidi!

Dr. Kate lives in Toronto with her two senior dogs, Rigley and Bee, as well as her husband and two human daughters. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, hiking, swimming and scrapbooking.

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DR. HEIDI WONG (she/her)

Dr. Heidi grew up going on adventures with her beloved dog-sister Cocoa Bean. She decided to become a vet to ensure that Cocoa received the best possible care as a senior. Cocoa passed away after a very long and adventurous life, and now Dr. Heidi is committed to making sure other people's pet-family-members can also live long and healthy lives.

After completing a Bachelor of Science from McMaster University in 2010, she entered the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program at the Ontario Veterinary College, graduating in 2014. She has been practicing in this area ever since. She enjoys soft tissue surgery and dentistry. After adopting her first cat (Gracie), who had "every cat disease possible all at the same time", she also developed a passion for feline internal medicine.

Dr. Heidi shares her home with her human partner, their mini-human subunit, and their cats: Bilbo, Aria, and Princess Tiabeanie Tortellini Voldetort (pictured; her friends call her Beanie, but you may call her Lord Voldetort). Dr. Heidi is an avid rock climber and climbs both indoors and outdoors. She also enjoys canoe tripping, backpacking, traveling, and re-watching The Office.

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LAURA, RVT (she/her)

Laura grew up loving animals, and has always had some sort of pet - from cats and dogs, to hamsters and geckos! She knew from a young age that she was destined for a career in veterinary medicine. In the spring of 2021, Laura graduated from Seneca College's Veterinary Technician program and became a registered veterinary technician (RVT) that summer. Before that, she worked as a veterinary assistant alongside Dr. Kate and Dr. Heidi for 3 years.

In her spare time you might find her dying her hair or sampling eats at a local restaurant. Laura is big advocate for cat rescue and regularly fosters kittens. Her current pets include her reptiles Linguini and James Bond, senior cat George, and dogs Ramsay and Gloria.

Laura has special interests in puppy socialization, preventive medicine and nutrition, and is always happy for a chat about these topics to help guide you in the right direction.

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JESSICA, VETERINARY ASSISTANT (she/her)

Jessica's unwavering love for animals and enthusiastic attitude makes her an invaluable member of our team. She spent five rewarding years volunteering at the ISPCA in Dublin, Ireland. Up until a year ago, Jessica was a proud pet parent to two dogs: Slayer, a 15-year-old Chihuahua whom she describes as "the kindest, most gentle thing on this planet", and Killer, a 14-year-old Shih Tzu, affectionately known as "the black sheep, who is very odd, but also just perfect."

When she's not at the clinic, Jessica enjoys staying active through boxing and exploring her passion for music.

Jessica is dedicated to providing a safe and comforting presence for both pets and their owners. She loves being able to be a safe space for both animals and owners during whatever obstacle they are facing. Bringing any type of comfort to animals brings her joy!

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AVERY, RVT (she/her)

Avery's positive attitude and calm vibes are appreciated by both her furry patients and her human coworkers! She graduated from the Veterinary Technician program at Seneca College in 2021, and obtained her registered veterinary technician (RVT) designation that same year. After working as an RVT in a general practice for a few years, Avery briefly dabbled in shelter medicine before pursuing her special interest in surgery and anesthesia at a surgery referral clinic, and then found her way back to general practice here at AVC! Avery has a calming presence on the pets and people around her. She tries her best to keep her patients feeling safe and comforted.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her cats Blini and Kolby, working out and lifting weights, reading books, crocheting, cross stitching, doing puzzles, and painting.

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