A compassionate team united by a passion for caring for companion animals

From alligators to Weimaraners, animals are our thing. (Well, maybe not alligators, although we do think they’re great in the wild.) We aim to create a safe, supportive, and caring space for you and your animal companions. Our team cares about our clients, two and four-legged furry friends, and we’re trained to provide the best care and service in the business.

One of the best qualities of the Birchwood team is our honest and complete enthusiasm for our work. For us, your family is our family, and we want to be there for all of life’s adventures. We’ll be thrilled when a new puppy or kitten joins your family. We’ll look forward to watching them grow into their paws and personality. We’ll delight in hearing tales of their escapades (even when they destroy your best shoes). We’ll be there to help them through their checkups and the tough times when they’re not feeling so well. And when it’s finally their time to go, we’ll hold them close and comfort them and the family that loved them so very much. We’ll love every minute of the joy and heartbreak of your journey because this is who we are.

At Birchwood, every family and every pet is wonderfully unique, and it’s our pleasure to be your chosen care provider.

So, let’s introduce you to the Birchwood team…

Dr. Ben Bauman

Dr. BEN BAUMAN
Veterinarian

Dr. Ben Bauman, DVM, was born and raised in Prince George. He completed his undergraduate degree at UVIC and his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon. After starting his career in Edmonton, Ben moved home to Prince George and practiced here for 4 years before he started working as a locum vet throughout Northern BC. This wide experience in different communities and clinical settings has informed his approach to veterinary medicine and clinical practice.


Dr. Lauren Beaulieu

Dr. LAUREN BEAULIEU
Locum Veterinarian

Dr. Lauren Beaulieu (BSc, DVM) grew up in St. Paul, AB, is a UVic and WCVM graduate, and a transplant to BC as of 2017. She started her career in Williams Lake as a mixed animal vet and now owns her own business as a locum working throughout BC!

Williams Lake is home for Lauren and her Loves are Scott (life partner, adventure-buddy, and best friend), Nyx (black DSH cat), and Skye (border collie/aussie shepherd). Beloved Sir Mogget (as seen in photo!) passed away in December of 2021 after his retirement in Lauren’s care.

Inspiration to follow this challenging path came from the power of the human-animal bond, which Lauren believes provides a sacred space for love, acceptance, and magic in life. She hopes that, through her work, she can promote the flourishing of this bond for as many humans and creatures as possible. Her favourite aspects of small animal veterinary medicine are surgery, quality of life management, and the endless learning to be had. Being a vet provides Dr. Beaulieu with great meaning, satisfaction, and a drive to try to be a better practitioner and person every day.


Kimi - Registered Veterinary Technician

KIMI
Registered Veterinary Technician

Kimi was born and raised here in Prince George. She started her career in Veterinary Medicine by volunteering at the age of 16 at a local clinic until she went to school at Fairview College, Alberta, in 2003. After graduation, Kimi worked at a variety of large and small clinics around BC, and has spent the last 9 years at the SPCA Spay and Neuter clinic. We are thankful for the extensive skill set and knowledge base Kimi’s experience has given her. Kimi enjoys all aspects of being a technician, and is looking forward to being able to learn more and implement laser therapy with us. At home, Kimi has a small zoo including, 5 dogs (2 french bulldogs, 2 boxers, and a husky/lab mix), 4 cats (two of which are bottle babies that she raised herself), and 26 miniature horses (and counting!). Outside of work, Kimi enjoys driving her horses, reading, watching movies, and spending time with her animals, friends and family.


CASSANDRA
Registered Veterinary Technician

Under construction, come back soon!


CASSAUNDRA
Registered Veterinary Technician

Under construction, come back soon!


Samantha - Receptionist

SAMANTHA
Registered Veterinary Technician

Sam was born in Edmonton Alberta, but spent most of her childhood in Prince George; she is one of our team members that you will see all around the clinic! Sam has always had a love for animals starting when she was young spending her childhood with her best friend helping wild birds and learning as much as she could about animals. That passion has grown into her wanting to help people care for their animals to enhance the human-animal bond and to one day work alongside her best friend who is becoming a veterinarian. She currently volunteers at the Spruce Ridge Pony Club, is Fear Free Certified and has worked at Veterinary Clinics for a number of years, lending her valuable experience. Sam is excited to grow with us and recently graduated the Veterinary Technology Program at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops BC! Outside of work, she enjoys her time mountain biking, kayaking, camping, boxing and painting!


LACEY
Animal Assistant

Born and raised in Prince George, I have always had a passion for animals with a goal of a career in animal care. She started out volunteering, which then led to animal rescue where she gained an interest in animal medicine. Her next goal is to become an RVT (Registered Veterinary Technician)! In her down time, you will find Lacey outdoors (even in the winter) with her two mutts, Joey and Phoebe.


Sheena - Sales and Inventory Specialist

SHEENA
Sales & Inventory Specialist

Sheena has been with Birchwood Veterinary Clinic as one of our ward staff since February 2022. While only with us a short time she has been in the veterinary industry for the last 16 years.

She grew up with a house full of pets and has always had a deep love for animals. She has a soft spot for the misfit kitties and has rescued a small menagerie over the years. She is rarely without her cerebellar cat Beaker, or as she is frequently referred her P.I.C (partner in crime). Outside of work, Sheena has a wonderful husband who shares her love of cats, she is an avid gamer, a voracious reader and loves getting out for kayaking and hikes with her sweet puppy Ellie.


Amy - Kennel Manager

AMY
Kennel Manager

Amy has always had a love for animals, especially with special needs. She attended CNC, and worked as a Dental Assistant prior to pursuing a career in Animal Health. For the past 8 years she has worked in various areas of a local animal hospital and has worked as an Animal Assistant, Receptionist and most recently a Pharmacy tech. She enjoys learning and practices a fear free approach to medicine. Amy owns 4 dogs all with special medical needs.


McKayla - Assistant Office Manager

MCKAYLA
Office Manager

Born to a family of animal lovers in Prince George BC, Mckayla’s interest and excitement for animal husbandry started early. Her passion continued through grade school, leading to a role at a local dog kennel during a post-secondary “gap year”, and she never looked back. After a few fun-filled years at the kennel, she made her way to Canada West Canine Centre in Salmon Arm, BC where she obtained certifications in Canine Basic Obedience Training, Master Canine Training, and Kennel Management. She spent a few more years travelling, dabbling in post-secondary courses, managing kennels around Prince George, and expanding her canine training knowledge. 

During the pandemic, when veterinary shortages were affecting many, Mckayla saw a sign pop up near her house announcing a new veterinary clinic was opening. She applied for their patient waitlist and, in true Prince George fashion, immediately received an email back from her childhood dance teacher (and idol) informing her that she and her husband were the couple behind this exciting new venture! She promptly followed-up with a resume and joined us as our first Animal Assistant at our Grand Opening in August of 2021. After a stint in reception, Mckayla transitioned to the role of Office Manager. With her diverse experience, you’ll see her all over the clinic! When she isn’t bustling around Birchwood, you can find her enjoying the outdoors with her three dogs, either hiking, camping, paddle boarding, or skiing!


Mel - Practice Manager

MEL
Practice Manager

Mel (BA, BEd), Practice Manager, was born and raised in Prince George. Trained as a teacher, she has also been active in the community supporting her passions of French and dance.  Mel’s goal for the clinic is to ensure clients feel welcome and their individual needs are cared for.