About Us

About Our Clinic

Dr. Ellen Nicklassen, DVM
Dr. Ellen is the proud owner of Kelowna Veterinary Hospital and a 2013 graduate of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. She has a passion for surgery and stays on top of evolving techniques and treatments. Outside the clinic, Ellen is a dedicated wife and mother, and also works as a clinical counsellor supporting fellow veterinarians in rediscovering joy in their profession. Despite her busy schedule, she always makes time for friends, family, and the animals she cares so deeply about.
Joined April 2000

Dr. Kaylee Little, DVM
Originally from Woodstock, New Brunswick, Dr. Kaylee grew up surrounded by horses, dogs, cats, and rabbits. She earned her veterinary degree from the Atlantic Veterinary College in 2020 and moved to Kelowna to begin her career. She has a special interest in small animals and exotic pets. When not at the hospital, Kaylee enjoys reading, drawing, painting, and spending time with her own furry family.
Joined October 2024

Charlotte Fahy
Charlotte’s love of animals began on a dairy farm in Devon, England, where she spent her childhood riding horses and caring for livestock. She holds a degree in business management with applied equine science, and moved to Canada with her wife, Katie, in 2018. Together, they’re raising four children, a dog named Cooper, two and a half cats, and 13 lively backyard chickens. Charlotte’s practical leadership and deep compassion help keep the clinic running smoothly and the team supported every step of the way.
KVH Pet parent since September 2018
Joined September 2024

Bailey
Bailey is a Registered Veterinary Technologist and a graduate of the GPRC–Fairview AHT program, Class of 2015. With a decade of experience, she remains passionate about small animal and exotic medicine, with a special interest in pet nutrition. Her at-home zoo includes two cats (Cedric and Myrtle), a large dog (Armani), a bearded dragon (Rusty), and a school of fish. When she’s not at work, you’ll likely find her gardening, camping, or diving into a good video game.
Joined May 2023

Ash
Ash grew up in Gander, Newfoundland, where her love for animals began early. She graduated from the Registered Veterinary Technician program at Northwestern Polytechnic in 2024 and gained experience in emergency medicine before joining our team. Ash has a special interest in animal behaviour and rehabilitation, inspired by caring for her own rescue pets. Outside of work, she enjoys training her cats Wander and Aurora, spending time in nature and volunteering with local charities.
Joined 2024

Paige
Paige began her journey at Kelowna Veterinary Hospital in 2020 through our volunteer program. Her dedication and passion quickly earned her a full-time position, and she’s now advancing her career by studying to become a Registered Veterinary Technician through Penn Foster—with the hospital proudly supporting her. Paige loves music, film analysis, and board games. At home, she shares her life with three quirky cats: Linty, Jingle Belle, and Bean.
Joined August 2020

Jess
Jess joined the team in 2023 after completing her Veterinary Assistant training. She plays a vital behind-the-scenes role—keeping our clinic clean, stocked, and running efficiently. In her spare time, Jess loves gardening and watching anime. At home, she’s the devoted caretaker of two cats, Feta and Parma, and two hamsters named Ham and Bacon.
Joined July 2023

Kelsey
Originally from Windsor, Ontario, Kelsey made her way to the Okanagan after high school and built a career in veterinary medicine spanning over a decade. She’s worked in nearly every area of the clinic but especially loves seeing pets recover and thrive. Kelsey enjoys playing team sports, hiking, and spending time at home with her lively crew: dogs Olive and Tuna, and cats Bacon and Forrest.
Joined December 2024

Beth
Beth was born in Cornwall, England, and moved with her family to Alberta in 2006. Eight years later, they relocated to British Columbia, where Beth completed high school and began her journey in veterinary medicine. She has been working in the field since 2021 and is passionate about treating every animal with the same love and kindness she shows her own pets. At home, Beth’s life is full of energy thanks to her two orange cats, three playful ferrets, and a shy little hedgehog.

Anneke
Anneke was born and raised in Delta, BC, and recently graduated from UBCO with a degree in Zoology. She is currently working toward her goal of attending veterinary school. Many clients may also recognize her from her part-time work at Bark n’ Fly boarding kennel. Outside of the clinic, Annika enjoys spending time outdoors, reading, and backpacking. She is also a keen crafter and artist, always exploring new creative outlets.

Nina
Nina was born and raised in Vienna, Austria, where her early years were filled with horses and small pets. She graduated with honors from business school and brought her love for animals and warm presence to Kelowna in 2015. Outside of work, Nina enjoys horseback riding, cheering on her son at hockey games, and hiking local trails with her dog.
Joined November 2024

Molly
Molly was born and raised in Kelowna, BC, and has always had a passion for animals. Many clients may recognize her from her time working at Fitzpatrick Kennels and Bark n’ Fly before joining our team. Outside of work, Molly enjoys being outdoors, whether hiking local trails or relaxing at the beach with her stepdogs, Poe and Rosie. When she isn’t exploring nature, she loves attending concerts and spending time with friends

Jess S
Jess grew up in Lumby, BC, surrounded by pets and a close-knit family. She completed the Veterinary Assistant program at Cato Center for Arts and Technology in 2014 and has been in the veterinary field ever since. When not helping clients at the front desk, Jess enjoys sketching and doing agility training with her two dogs, Dolly and Dexter.
Joined December 2023

Our Story
The original Kelowna Veterinary Hospital was opened in 1946 near the Apple Bowl. It was eventually rebuilt at its current location in 1981 by Dr. Barbara Coughlin, who had taken over the practice in 1977. She cultivated a solid small animal hospital that is the foundation of what we are today. Our clinic is Kelowna's first-ever veterinary hospital.

Remembering Dr. Barbara Coughlin
April 1944 - August 2017

Rescue Partnerships
We are proud to serve the Okanagan






