About Us
Since opening our doors in 1977, Courtenay Veterinary Clinic has been committed to providing compassionate, high-quality veterinary care to cats and dogs and the families who love them. We have proudly served the Comox Valley from our current location since 2008 as a locally owned and independently operated clinic, building lasting relationships with generations of local pet owners.
In early 2025, Dr. Candice Hall and Dr. Kelsey Cunningham became partners, bringing together their shared commitment to exceptional patient care, client education and the well-being of every animal they treat. Alongside our experienced and caring support team, they provide personalized veterinary care ranging from preventive health and advanced diagnostics to surgery, nutrition guidance and dentistry.
Through every visit, our goal is simple: to provide professional care with a personal touch and create a welcoming environment where pets feel comfortable and their people feel informed, supported and confident in their care.
Community Involvement
As a long-standing fixture in Courtenay, we are proud to support the health and well-being of pets in the Comox Valley through more than just care within our walls. We work with the CR Paws Rescue Society in Campbell River to provide veterinary care and support for their rescued animals so they are ready to find a loving forever home.
Our team is committed to compassionate care and building these community partnerships to promote responsible pet ownership so that we can all make a positive difference in the lives of pets and their owners.
Meet Our Team
Veterinarians
Dr. Candice Hall
DVM, Owner
Dr. Candice Hall grew up in Victoria, BC. She graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan in 1994, then moved to Courtenay and joined the staff of the Courtenay Veterinary Clinic. Candice purchased the Courtenay Veterinary Clinic in May 1999. In her spare time, Candice competes internationally with her Quarter Horses, including her new stallion, Machine Made. She enjoys spending time with her dentist husband, their Border Collies, cats and horses on their farm in Black Creek.
Dr. Kelsey Cunningham
DVM, Owner
Dr. Kelsey Cunningham has been working in the veterinary industry for over 18 years. Starting out as a veterinary assistant before completing her undergraduate degree at the University of Victoria then graduating from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Kelsey has a young family with her partner, Allan, and when not running her 2 children around to various activities she likes to spend time with her two dogs, Raven and Blue, as well as her cats, Tom and Ginny Weasley Kelsey is a mountain biking enthusiast and enjoys hiking and beach days with her family and dogs in her free time.
Dr Hilary Hunter
DVM
Dr. Hunter grew up on a horse farm in Southern Ontario surrounded by animals big and small. This is when her passion for veterinary medicine began. She completed her Bachelor’s in Biology at Acadia University in Nova Scotia, then got accepted to the Ontario Veterinary College. Upon graduation, Hilary moved to British Columbia. Dr. Hunter’s interests in veterinary medicine include dermatology, soft tissue surgery, palliative care, and behaviour consults. Hilary lives with her partner Josh, and their senior cat Thea. They also have a very active vizsla that they enjoy hiking and mountain biking with. In her spare time Hilary enjoys being outdoors, travelling, and baking.
Veterinary Technologists
Kelly
Technologist
Kelly has been with Courtenay Veterinary Clinic since 2019 and has been in vet med since 2011. Kelly graduated from Thompson Rivers University Veterinary Technology distance program in 2017. Kelly spends her time eating snacks and watching TV with her cat Smitty, as well as adventuring with Hush, her golden retriever.
Miriam
Technologist
Miriam was raised in the Fraser Valley and attended the Animal Health Technology program at Douglas College, graduating in 2010. Through experience at various large practices, she realized a true passion for emergent care, radiology, and orthopaedic procedures. In 2014 Miriam made the move to the Comox Valley where she continued her love of veterinary medicine. In the valley, Miriam enjoys hiking, gardening, and spending time with good friends over great, local food.
Cris
Technologist
Cris started working here in 2025 after many years of Dr. Candice and Suzanne trying to convince her to join our team. Cris brings her skills and her humor but more importantly her cat Moxie. Graduating from what is now TRU in 1994 (yes, really, that many years ago), Cris enjoys dog behavior, dentistry, and geriatric pet care. When not at work, Cris enjoys time spent with her German wirehaired pointers, Australian cattle dog, cats and various farm animals as well as gardening and reading.
Taylor
Tech-in-Training
Taylor has been working in vet clinics for a number of years now and has started her journey to becoming an RVT through the Veterinary Technology hybrid program at Douglas College. In her spare time she enjoys camping in the summertime, spending time with friends and going on adventures.
Veterinary Assistants
Kaitlyn
Kaitlyn was born and raised in Campbell River and has had a love for animals from a young age. In 2019 she graduated from North Island College as an animal care aide and started her career. Kaitlyn plans to go to Veterinary Technician school to further educate herself in the veterinary field. Kaitlyn has a rescue dog named Knox. She enjoys being outdoors, and activities such as hiking, camping, hunting, and fishing.
Marlene
Marlene moved to the island in with her husband 2013. Once he retired from his career, it was time to start her own. She’s been with Courtenay Veterinary Clinic for 5 years. When Marlene is not at work, she enjoys rally obedience and scent work with her dog Riot. She also enjoys hiking with friends.
Manager
Lindsay
Born and raised in the Comox Valley, Lindsay spent many years living in Jasper, Alberta, enjoying its close-knit community before returning to the Comox Valley to raise her family. She is happy to call it home once again. As a busy mom of four daughters, Lindsay spends much of her free time cheering them on at rugby, tending to her garden, and enjoying all the moments in between.
Receptionists
Melaina
Melaina is a dedicated receptionist who truly loves her job and the people and animals she gets to work with each day. Horses have always been a major part of her life—she grew up riding and developed a deep passion for helping animals along the way. While she doesn’t currently own a horse of her own, she still enjoys spending time in the saddle riding a sassy mare named Stella. Outside of work, Melaina loves spending time outdoors, enjoying camping, quadding, and jet skiing.
Brea
Meet Brea, one of our friendly receptionists. Brea loves getting to interact with all of our patients and clients each day and is always happy to help make visits a positive experience. When she’s not at the clinic, she spends her time with her husky Presley, her retired horse Skylar, and Atlas, her young horse who is currently training to become a jumper.
Patti
Patti has a lifelong passion for animals and the agricultural industry, with extensive hands-on experience working with horses and livestock. Growing up around animals and continuing to stay deeply involved in the equine world, Patti brings practical knowledge, strong work ethic, and genuine care to every aspect of veterinary support. Outside of the clinic, Patti is actively involved in the barrel racing, team roping, breakaway roping. Her background working closely with performance horses has given her valuable experience with animal health, handling, and client care.
In Loving Memory
Suzanne
For 30 years, Suzanne was part of the heart of Courtenay Veterinary Clinic. She liked to call herself “furniture,” but her presence shaped the clinic in ways that will always remain. Beginning as a technician and later becoming a partner with Dr. Hall, she gave her whole heart to the work she loved. She is deeply missed for her spirit, her kindness, and her love for animals. We like to imagine her now—swimming with her orcas, walking with her fur babies, and flying with her crows.