About Us

Serving Vancouver for over 30 years, the last 15 under the leadership of Vancouver's own celebrity veterinarian, Dr. Uri Burstyn. His vision for the Arbutus West Animal Clinic is to be a bridge between family veterinarians and specialty, referral hospitals. Our mission is to offer care and clinical outcomes on par with best referral hospitals in the world, but in a warm and caring family practice setting, making advanced veterinary care more accessible to every pet family. The welfare of your pet is always our top priority. We take the time to listen, answer your questions, and partner with you in every step of your pet’s health and wellness journey. Arbutus West Animal Clinic truly stands in a class of its own.

Dr. Uri Burstyn

Medical Director

Dr. Burstyn is a world-renowned expert in veterinary medicine and surgery and the medical director of our clinic group. He started his career in emergency medicine and went on to complete advanced training through a rotating internship and sitting membership exams in small animal surgery with ANZCVS. He has worked as a part of a spinal surgery research group, published several scientific papers and made numerous TV and radio appearances in Canada and internationally.

Dr. Burstyn hosts one of the largest animal health YouTube channels in the world (link to HVVet), provides mentorship and advanced training to veterinarians via an internship program he has operated since 2015, and is a world leader in the adoption of minimally invasive surgery for animals. Dr. Burstyn's areas of interest include oncology, surgery and geriatric cat care. Over the years he has also developed an exotics/reptile practice which offers care to reptiles, rabbits, rodents, sugar gliders and other exotic species.

Leading our clinical team, Dr. Burstyn and his interns provide support to all the doctors in our practice group through a unique team-based approach to veterinary health care that serves to minimize emergency visits and the need for external referral for our clients. This saves our clients tens of thousands of dollars in emergency and referral fees each year, and saves animal lives by offering advanced care on day one, without long wait times and financial pressures of referral.

Dr. Burstyn sees patients at Arbutus West Animal Clinic only. He prioritizes ill patients but also provides general wellness/vaccine/annual consultations as a part of intern training at this facility.

When not at work Dr. Burstyn can be found cycling, sailing or skiing with his lovely wife and daughter. He shares his home with an undetermined number of cats and house plants.

Meet the Team

Veterinarian

Dr. Callum Mussi

Dr. Callum Mussi grew up in Cavan, Ireland. He graduated from the faculty of veterinary medicine at University College Dublin in 2020. Following his graduation he began working in mixed animal practice in rural Ireland where he worked and gained experience with a variety of animals both big and small. After almost two years working in Ireland he moved to Vancouver and joined the team at Arbutus West. In his spare time he likes to keep active playing Gaelic (Irish) football, skiing and hiking.

Veterinarian

Dr. Matthew Korthauer

Dr. Korthauer grew up in rural Wisconsin riding along with his dad who was a dairy veterinarian. Inspired by this experience, he entered the veterinary field and graduated from UW Madison Veterinary School in 2011. Further, he completed an Emergency and Critical Care Internship at a three-hospital network in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and enjoyed the variety of cases that he saw while there.

Dr. Korthauer worked in emergency medicine for five years then moved to Boston, working at a busy day-practice. Fortunately for us, he moved to Vancouver in 2019 with his wife and their two kitties, Fuji and Juno. He and his wife recently welcomed a new baby daughter into their lives which they are very excited about.

He loves exploring the natural beauty of BC, and loves the mountains, the ocean and the lack of cold weather. In his spare time, which is not much these days, he enjoys cooking, cycling, camping and hiking. Dr. Korthauer finds the most fulfilling part of being a veterinarian is helping sick pets get better, especially with new and creative treatments.

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Veterinarian

Dr. Kevin Shura

Dr. Shura has been practicing veterinary medicine for over 30 years.

He was the Medical Director and Owner of Animal Care Clinic and Hospital, where he practiced general companion animal medicine.

He was honored to be the chosen veterinarian to care for the Vancouver Police Dog program for over twenty years.

Dr. Shura is owned by a sweet little Cirneco dog named Dima, who follows him everywhere. However, if a staff member is carrying doggy treats for patients, Dima’s loyalty immediately changes.

In his spare time, Dr. Shura enjoys watching live sports, travel and fine dining.

Veterinarian

Dr. Julia Herter

Dr. Julia Herter joins us from Brazil, having completed her veterinary degree in 2017 and a residency in the clinical management and surgery of Wildlife and Exotics in 2020. She went on to also do a M.Sc. in animal health in 2022. Dr. Herter trained in surgery with Dr. Burstyn as a part of her residency program in 2018, and we were excited to have her come work with us upon completion of her training in her home country. She brings a passion for helping animals and an in-depth knowledge in the clinical care of reptiles and other exotic species to our practice, and is the only residency-trained exotics veterinarian in BC.

Currently Dr. Herter is working under a limited license while she completes licensing requirements needed to attain a full veterinary license in BC. She is taking this opportunity to further develop her diagnostic and surgical skills under Dr. Burstyn's internship program. As per CVBC regulations, a limited license holder is required to work under direct supervision of a fully licensed veterinarian, therefore all of Dr. Herter's clinical decision making is reviewed by a fully licensed member of our veterinary team. The CVBC requires this process to ensure an adequate minimum standard of care for all pets. Our practice policy is to exceed the minimal standard of care at every opportunity, so you can rest assured the care your pet receives with any of our doctors, including Dr. Herter, will be exemplary.

We are able to leverage our progressive drop-off exam system to avoid any delays that the process of clinical management review usually entails and are thrilled to welcome Dr. Herter's expertise, warmth and intelligence to our clinical team. Feel free to ask our front desk staff if you have any questions.

Veterinarian

Dr. Sydnie Jones

Dr. Sydnie Jones grew up in Arkansas, USA. Growing up on her family’s small hobby farm, she gained a love and respect for animals of all kinds - from goats and chickens to cats and dogs.

Dr. Jones attended veterinary school at Ross University on the island of Saint Kitts and graduated in 2024. She went on to work at a fast-paced small animal practice in Washington for 1 year. In 2025, she made the move to Vancouver to join Dr. Burstyn’s internship program to further sharpen her surgical and clinical skills.

In her free times you can find Dr. Jones adventuring outdoors with her partner, gardening, knitting, and baking. She has a particular passion for all things feline, and has three perfect cats at home.

Practice Manager

Angel Lo

Our practice manager extraordinaire has been taking care of things behind the scenes since 2015. She’s a tiny package of big ideas, endless energy and love for all creatures, big and small. She is also our in-house translator for our clients who speak Mandarin, Taiwanese and Japanese. When she’s not travelling the world with her awesome teddy bears you can find her at various music venues around town grooving to all kinds of funky beats.

Assistant Manager

Alex

Alex joined our team as a Veterinary Office Assistant two years ago after arriving in Canada on a Working Holiday. Originally from Poland, she has also spent time living in England and the Czech Republic, bringing with her a diverse and well-rounded perspective. Since settling in Vancouver, Alex has embraced the West Coast lifestyle and decided to make Canada her long-term home.
Her natural affinity for animals and strong work ethic quickly stood out, and after consistently demonstrating leadership, initiative, and a positive team spirit, Alex was promoted to the role of Assistant Manager. She continues to be a calm, compassionate presence in the clinic and is always ready to lend a hand where needed.
Outside of work, Alex shares her love for animals with her Sheltie, Kira, who keeps her on her toes and fills her days with joy.

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Head Veterinary Technician

NJ has been with the clinic over 15 years and brings a thorough and experienced level of care to all aspects of the technician role and beyond. He is a trusted and vital member of our animal health team.

He works closely with the veterinarians, whether it be assisting with surgeries, critical care, emergency care and other areas of veterinary medicine.

He enjoys collecting and caring for succulent plants and is an accomplished photographer in his spare time.

Veterinary Technician

Rodrigo

Rodrigo was born in Belo, Horizonte, Brazil where he spent many years as a veterinarian in small and large animal clinics. He moved to Canada with his family in 2016 and immediately completed his biology diploma at Langara College.

He has an infectious, positive personality and brings his gregarious attitude towards life every day in our clinics. He is a lovely team member, generous of spirit and heart.

He has a genuine love for all of the patients he interacts with and treats them as if they were his own. He is dedicated and loyal to his family, placing them at the heart of everything he does.

He spends his free time with them, pursuing fun adventures such as fishing, socializing with his extended family and friends and making everyone around him feel like a super star. We are grateful to have Rodrigo on our team!

He misses his two dogs in Brazil he had to leave behind because they were of advanced age. One was a Rottweiler named Katana and the other, Daryan, a Miniature Poodle.

Veterinary Technician

Natalia

Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, Natalia has always had a deep love for animals. Whether she's caring for a 50-kilogram dog or a tiny pocket pet, she treats each patient with the same level of compassion and attentiveness, as if they were her own. Her gentle approach and nurturing spirit make her a trusted and beloved member of our team.
Natalia believes that every home is a happier place with an animal in it, and she brings that philosophy into everything she does. Outside of work, she enjoys dancing and pet sitting, giving even more animals the care and affection they deserve.

Veterinary Technician

Larisa

Larisa graduated from the Moscow Academy of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. She worked as a small animal veterinarian in Russia and later as a veterinary technician in the United States before moving to Vancouver in 2024. In her free time, she enjoys reading about biology and animal behavior, hiking, and observing wildlife in their natural habitats.

Veterinary Technician

Orlaith

Orlaith is originally from Ireland but has been living in Canada for 8 years. She lived in Calgary Alberta for 3 years and then moved to Vancouver 5 years ago. She has a fabulous Bernese mountain dog called Cushla. In her spare time she likes to spend time with friends, family, and Cushla.

Veterinary Technician Assistant

Mallu

Coming all the way from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Mallu was drawn to explore Canada almost a decade ago and just couldn’t leave. With a background in Fine Arts and growing up surrounded by all kinds of animals, from scaley to fuzzy friends, she’s found her way into our clinic and is now studying at Douglas College to be a Veterinary Technologist. When she’s not working to help your little friends at the clinic or at school, you can find Mallu taking photos, traveling, looking for weird little trinkets to add to her collection or spending time with her four (very spoiled) cats Kyoto, Zuko, Guava and Squid.

Lead Veterinary Office Assistant

Polina

Polina has loved animals for as long as she can remember. A classically trained singer turned Veterinary Office Assistant, she’s happiest when helping pets and their people feel at ease. Outside of the clinic, she runs a pet-sitting business, volunteers at a cat shelter, and is working toward a career in veterinary technology.

Veterinary Office Assistant

Maria

Maria is from Cavan, Ireland, and graduated with a degree in Radiography from University College Dublin in 2024. She originally planned to spend just one summer in Vancouver but loved it so much that she decided to stay. Back home, she has a beloved golden retriever named Milo, whom she misses dearly. In her spare time, Maria enjoys playing Gaelic football and the banjo.

Veterinary Office Assistant

Mark

Originally from Jordan, Mark moved to Canada to pursue his studies in animal biology.

Surrounded by animals and veterinarians as a child, Mark grew up with a love for animals. In his spare time, Mark can often be seen pestering his dog, Mimi (lovelingly).

Veterinary Office Assistant

Karina

Originally from California, Karina has been visiting Canada throughout her life and is thrilled to now call it home. A lifelong animal lover, she feels truly fulfilled working in a veterinary clinic where she can be surrounded by furry friends every day. Outside of work, Karina enjoys spending time with her beloved teacup Yorkie, Chewy, who never fails to brighten her day.

Veterinary Office Assistant

Ann

Ann is originally from Nova Scotia. After spending 15 years in Alberta she has recently relocated to Vancouver. She has an adorable American Eskimo named Koda. In her spare time she likes hiking and drinking coffee.

Veterinary Office Assistant

Jessica

Born and raised in Vancouver, Jessica has always had a deep passion for helping animals. Her dedication to animal care even took her to Costa Rica, where she volunteered at an animal rescue centre. In her spare time, Jessica enjoys horseback riding and reading. When she’s not at the clinic, she loves relaxing with her cat, Mishka, and her two Labrador Retrievers, Devon and Evie.

“This clinic is the best care we have gotten for our cat. Very advanced in their medical care and make stressful situations easy by giving all the advice needed with patience.I can attest that they truly care about our cat's health and comfort of life for years to come (he is 13)Highly recommended!"

-Hossein, Vancouver