Chedoke

About Us

Chedoke Animal Hospital was established in 1982 by Dr. Fred Mansbridge and later taken over by Dr. Carol Anne Devenne in 1992. In 2018, Dr. Erica Heinen became the owner, continuing the clinic’s tradition of

compassionate and high-quality veterinary care.

At Chedoke Animal Hospital, our mission is to provide exceptional veterinary care while prioritizing excellent customer service and patient well-being. We aim to build long-term relationships that are rewarding for both our clients and our team. Our dedicated staff works together to promote healthier, longer lives for our patients by tailoring individualized care in a family-centered, welcoming environment.

Meet the Team

Dr. Erica Heinen, DVM/Owner

Ontario Veterinary College - 2006

Dr. Erica has been a dedicated veterinarian for over 18 years. She is passionate about building lasting relationships with her clients and their pets. She believes that pets enrich our lives in countless ways and is committed to helping her patients enjoy long, healthy, and happy lives with their families.

Inspired by her love of animals and a deep interest in medicine, she found her calling in veterinary care. She continues to expand her knowledge through ongoing professional development to provide the highest quality care to both pets and their owners.

At home, Dr. Erica lives on a small hobby farm with her husband, their daughter Alix, and twin sons, Zane and Noah. Their family also includes Pablo, a lovable rescue dog from Mexico. In her spare time, Dr. Erica enjoys horseback riding, gardening, camping, and skiing!

Dr. Andrea Pechey, DVM

Ontario Veterinary College – 2011

Dr. Andrea Pechey brings over 14 years of experience in the veterinary field and has a special passion for dentistry. If your pet needs dental care, there’s a good chance Dr. Pechey will be the one providing it! Whether she’s in surgery, performing dental procedures, or seeing patients in appointments, she loves sharing her knowledge and often takes on a mentorship role with veterinary students during their clinic rotations.

Originally from South Africa, Dr. Pechey has many entertaining stories from her childhood — including monkeys stealing her bananas and zebras wandering the streets! She now lives on a tree farm with her husband, their three daughters, a dog, and two cats.

When she’s not busy driving her girls to activities or volunteering at their school,

Dr. Pechey enjoys spending time in her garden and taking nature walks with her family.

Dr. Amanda Thompson, DVM

Ontario Veterinary College – 2023

Dr. Amanda Thompson has wanted to be a veterinarian for as long as she can remember — even declaring it as her dream job at just six years old! After completing her studies in Animal Biology at the University of Guelph, she went on to earn her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Ontario Veterinary College. She has been a valued member of the Chedoke Animal Hospital team ever since.

Dr. Amanda has a special interest in surgery and ophthalmology. She is passionate about helping pets live healthier, more comfortable lives through both advanced surgical care and the diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions. Always eager to expand her skills, she continues to pursue ongoing education and training in these areas to better serve her patients and clients.

At home, Dr. Amanda enjoys relaxing with her dog, Link — often found curled up together with a good book and an iced coffee in hand.

Dr. Matthew Best, DVM

University College Dublin – 2019

Dr. Mathew Best has been a veterinarian for six years, caring for dogs and cats throughout the western GTA. He earned his veterinary degree in Ireland and enjoys all aspects of small animal medicine — from wellness visits and surgery to managing complex and chronic cases.

Dr. Mathew has a special interest in feline health, particularly in the diagnosis and treatment of Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP). He also enjoys performing minimally invasive procedures and providing emergency care. His lifelong love of animals began with his childhood pets and continues to inspire the compassionate care he provides every day.

As the only male member of our veterinary team, Dr. Mathew takes the title in stride — and wears it with good humour! Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his adorable cat, Kaylie, who keeps him on his toes.

Whitney, RVT

Georgian College - 2008

Whitney has been an RVT at Chedoke for over 15 years. She has dedicated her career to caring for animals of all shapes and sizes. Over the years, she’s had the opportunity to work with a wide variety of species — from tiny hamsters to a baby tiger and even an adorable orphaned moose calf!

Whitney loves to stay busy, both at work and at home. She and her husband, Jason, have three children — two daughters, Alayna and Abigail, and a son, Jaxson. When she’s not at the clinic, Whitney can often be found helping on her family’s dairy farm or spending time at the barn. She enjoys riding her American Paint horse, Bayley, alongside her kids and their pony, Honey. As if that weren’t enough to keep her busy, she also runs a horse boarding facility!

Megan, RVT

Sheridan College - 2023

Megan began her journey with Chedoke as a high school co-op student, where her passion for animals and eagerness to learn quickly stood out. She knew early on that Chedoke was where she wanted to build her career, and she was thrilled to officially join the team as a RVT. Her positivity, dedication, and enthusiasm make her a valued member of our clinic family.

Outside of work, Megan enjoys going for long walks with her dog, Hazel, spending time with friends, relaxing with a good book, and getting in a good workout!

Grace, VT

Thompson Rivers University - 2025

Grace is the newest member of the Chedoke team, joining us in April 2025! She has just graduated from TRU’s Distance Veterinary Technician Program and plans to write her VTNE in the spring of 2026. Grace has been working in the veterinary field since she was 15 and brings with her a lifelong passion for animal care and a special interest in rehabilitation.

Creative and full of ideas, Grace loves bringing a fresh perspective to the clinic — whether it’s helping with social media, brainstorming fun ways to connect with clients, or coming up with new ways to make the clinic even better!

In her spare time, Grace can often be found riding her horse, Mabel, as they prepare for the upcoming show season. She also enjoys spending time with her three dogs — Yuma, Jasmin, and Aero, staying active at the gym, playing on an 18+ ringette team, and spending time with friends.

Vanessa, RVT

Sheridan College - 2023

Vanessa has always had a passion for animals. From a very early age, she knew she wanted to work in the animal field and has devoted her career entirely to animal-related roles. She joined the Chedoke team in 2023 and has quickly become a valued member of our clinic family, bringing her dedication, enthusiasm, and love for animals to every interaction.

When she’s not at work, Vanessa can usually be found spending time with her two dogs and four cats, hanging out with her friends, or exploring the outdoors. Her caring nature and genuine love for animals shine through both at the clinic and at home.

Jaime, VA

Veterinary Assistant

Jaime began her journey at Chedoke as a co-op student, where her enthusiasm and strong work ethic quickly stood out. She is now completing her undergraduate studies at the University of Guelph, with hopes of becoming a large animal veterinarian one day. Known for her bubbly personality and her eagerness to take on any challenge, Jaime brings energy and positivity to the team every day.

In her spare time, you can usually find Jaime at the barn, spending time with and riding her horse, or teaching lessons!

Francesca, VA

Veterinary Assistant / Student Veterinarian

When she’s not charming people with her welcoming smile, Francesca is studying at OVC after completing her Masters in Animal Nutrition at the University of Guelph. She plans to be a small animal veterinarian!

In her downtime, Francesca loves spending time with friends, family, and her Sphynx cat, Milton.

Jessica, VA

Veterinary Assistant

Jessica has loved animals for as long as she can remember — she even witnessed and assisted in the birth of her first pet at just three years old! As a teenager, she worked as an Animal Care Attendant while in high school and discovered her passion for animal care. After trying a few different jobs, she returned to school to become a Veterinary Assistant in 2018. She volunteered and worked at several SPCAs before joining Chedoke Animal Hospital in 2020, where she loves exploring her passion for all kinds of animals — furry, scaly, feathery, and even hooved.

In her downtime, Jessica enjoys hiking, photography, crocheting, and going on adventures with her son.

Allysanne, VA

Veterinary Assistant

Allysanne has had a lifelong passion for animals, which has carried through to her adult career. She has worked as a zookeeper, animal control officer, and animal educator before joining Chedoke Animal Hospital.

In her spare time, Allysanne enjoys spending time outdoors with her son, Logan. She loves riding horses and has a special affinity for reptiles. When she’s not with her beloved furry and scaly companions, she enjoys hanging out with friends and family.

Breanna, VA

Sheridan College – 2022

Breanna studied Theatrical Production at Toronto Metropolitan University, but her love of animals led her to a new passion — and she joined the Chedoke Animal Hospital team shortly after earning her diploma in Animal Care. Her sunny disposition and compassion make her a joy to have around the clinic.

In her downtime, Breanna enjoys painting, thrifting, and embroidering. She also loves couch cuddles with her cat, Bibbers — when Bibbers decides it’s okay, that is!

Lisa

Client Care Specialist

Lisa joined the Chedoke Animal Hospital team in May 2023. After 14 years in restaurant management, her love of animals led her to dive into the veterinary world — and we’re so glad she did! Her positivity, teamwork, and can-do attitude make her a joy to have around the clinic.

In her downtime, Lisa loves being outdoors — gardening, hiking with her dogs, or just soaking up nature. Her two cats, Hank and Waylon, and two dogs, Rip and Nina, are her four-legged partners in crime, and she’s happiest when they’re all part of the adventure.

Sue

Administrative Assistant

Sue is a long-standing member of the Chedoke Animal Hospital team and a familiar face at the clinic. She is very active in the agility world, and if you ever want to chat about training or fun ways to keep your pets active, Sue is always happy to share her tips.

In her spare time, Sue can be found swimming, taking her dogs for long walks, or working on the agility field.

Sarah

Client Care Specialist

Sarah joined Chedoke Animal Hospital after leaving the corporate world in Calgary and has been with us for nearly 20 years. She always has a fix for any problem and is our go-to gal! Sarah loves making lasting connections with clients and their pets and will likely be the first bright smile to greet you when you walk in.

Growing up in the Yukon, Sarah spent her childhood adventuring outdoors — snowmobiling, dog sledding, white water rafting, and even flying helicopters with her dad. She’s full of funny wildlife stories, so be sure to ask next time you visit!

Outside of work, Sarah enjoys pet sitting and spending time with her husband, Arran, and their fur family: three cats — Ninja, Emma, and their big troublemaker, Gary.