Our Mission
What we're all about
In 2015, Dr. Jeff Berkshire recognized the need for a mobile end-of-life veterinary service for dogs and cats in Greater Vancouver that could provide care inside the homes of people and their pets—where everyone feels most comfortable. This led to the creation of Lifting Stars Veterinary Homecare, which has helped pet owners say goodbye to their loved ones ever since.
Pets are cherished members of our families. Your pet deserves an in-home veterinary consultation that reduces stress and is a simple, non-disruptive continuation of the time they’ve enjoyed in your care. We provide compassionate quality-of-life consultation appointments and humane euthanasia services for your furry companion in the comfort of your home.
Meet Our Team
At Lifting Stars Veterinary Homecare in Vancouver, BC, we have assembled an expert team of veterinary professionals and support staff to bring you the best possible end-of-life care for your pet.
Dr. Jeff Berkshire is originally from Bridgewater, Nova Scotia. He fell in love with Vancouver when studying for his MSc in Animal Science at the University of British Columbia. After completing his Masters in 1999, Dr. Berkshire worked in the Education Department at the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre. He then enrolled at the Atlantic Veterinary College in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island where he graduated in 2005.
Dr. Berkshire has practiced small animal veterinary medicine in both Canada and the United States since 2005. He started his career at Westminster Veterinary Group in Southern California. Five years later, he moved to North Vancouver and worked at Highlands Animal Hospital for two years, before moving to Granville Island Veterinary Hospital in 2012. Lifting Stars Veterinary Homecare opened in April 2015, and now Dr. Berkshire works exclusively as a house-call veterinarian.
Dr. Berkshire is an animal lover. He has three Percheron horses named Jethro, Ivan, and Dawson, a Dalmatian named Lola, a Bichon mix named Squirrel, and a small pond with fancy goldfish. Pictured is Dr. Berkshire with this dearly missed cat named Squeak. In his free time, Dr. Berkshire enjoys spending time with his horses and dogs, gardening, traveling, exercising, eating good food, taking naps, and spending time with his partner, family, and friends.
Years in practice: 19
Education: Atlantic Veterinary College, Charlottetown, PE
Dr. Berkshire’s Professional Memberships:
Dr. Olivia Saunders is from Oakville in southern Ontario, where her early years were spent immersed in the world of show horses and gaining valuable experience working in local small animal veterinary hospitals. Following her veterinary passion, her journey took her to Scotland, where she completed her veterinary education at the University of Edinburgh in 2018.
Dr. Saunders has practiced small animal veterinary medicine in both the United Kingdom and Canada since 2018. She started her career at Vets4Pets in Worcester, United Kingdom. Three years later, she moved to Saskatoon and began a rotating internship in Small Animal Medicine & Surgery at the University of Saskatchewan’s Western College of Veterinary Medicine. In 2021, she moved to Vancouver and shifted her focus to dentistry leading her to undertake formal residency training at West Coast Veterinary Dental Services in Vancouver. Driven by her passion for dentistry, she successfully completed her residency training in December 2023 and is currently gearing up for board certification as a Veterinary Dentist. Rekindling her desire to offer in-home compassionate end-of-life veterinary care, Dr. Saunders joined Lifting Stars Pet Homecare in December 2023.
Beyond veterinary practice, Dr. Saunders is an avid outdoor adventurer. Whether camping in the great outdoors of beautiful British Columbia or navigating the waters nearby, she finds joy in these pursuits alongside her friends, family and her loyal companion, Moose, the Hungarian Vizsla.
Years in practice: 6
Education: The University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Edinburgh, UK.
Dr. Saunders’ Professional Memberships:
Dr. Mary Saunders joined the Lifting Stars Veterinary Homecare team from Fort Langley, a small town in the Lower Mainland. Dr. Mary was inspired to become a veterinarian after completing a marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation internship while studying for her undergraduate degree in Applied Animal Biology at the University of British Columbia. Her passion and love for animals and their owners continued through her studies. They encouraged her interest in pursuing veterinary medicine, ultimately leading her to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. While attending WCVM, Dr. Mary studied and worked in various departments including Anesthesia and Large Animal Field Service.
Since graduating in 2020, Dr. Mary has practiced small animal medicine as a locum veterinarian in several clinics in Greater Vancouver. Motivated to follow her desire for compassionate end-of-life care and for providing quality-of-life care for pets, Dr. Mary joined Lifting Stars Veterinary Homecare in February 2024.
Outside of veterinary work, Dr. Mary enjoys hiking the West Coast mountains, baking bread and promptly eating it, and finding excuses to get into any body of water. She enjoys spending time with her friend’s animals and hopes to someday have a fluffy companion of her own.
Years in practice: 4
Education: The University of British Columbia,
The Western College of Veterinary Medicine (University of Saskatchewan)
Dr. Saunders’ Professional Memberships:
Dr. Victoria joins the Lifting Stars Veterinary Homecare team originating from Whitby, Ontario. Her love for veterinary medicine started at an early age as her father was a companion animal veterinarian. From a young age, she was taught to care for and respect all creatures, instilling in her a deep love for animals. Driven by her sense of compassion for both people and animals, Dr. Victoria feels honoured to connect with families and provide veterinary care for their beloved pets. She is committed to ensuring that every patient receives the highest quality of care and that their families are well-informed and supported. Her philosophy is to ‘treat each pet as your own,’ a principle that guides her in building trust and delivering compassionate care.
Dr. Victoria completed her undergraduate and Master’s degrees in Neuroscience at Queen’s University, graduating in 2015 and 2017 respectively. She then pursued her passion for veterinary medicine at the Ontario Veterinary College, graduating in 2022. Shortly after, she moved to British Columbia and began her career at South Burnaby Veterinary Hospital, where she worked for two years before joining Lifting Stars Veterinary Homecare in June of 2024. In addition to her role at Lifting Stars, Dr. Victoria offers telehealth consultations and works as a locum veterinarian in several general practice hospitals across the Lower Mainland.
Outside of her professional life, Dr. Victoria finds joy in spending time with her rescue dog, Manny, a black shepherd cross, and her fiancé. She loves hiking, golfing, playing hockey, ultimate frisbee, and downhill skiing. Dr. Victoria is passionate about maintaining a balanced lifestyle and cherishes the time she spends in nature and with her loved ones.
Years in practice: 2
Dr. Donovan’s Professional Memberships:
Elizabeth Guidroz works as the Reception Team Manager for Lifting Stars Veterinary Homecare at DVMCenter in Oakdale, Minnesota. Elizabeth works remotely and is from a suburb outside of Minneapolis/St. Paul in Minnesota. She had several dogs growing up and always knew that she wanted to work in the veterinary field. Elizabeth received her bachelor’s degree in Animal Science with an emphasis in veterinary technology from the University of Wisconsin–River Falls and Argosy University. She began her career at a small one-doctor general practice and became certified in Companion Laser Therapy for Small Animals. This became a catalyst for Elizabeth’s newfound passion for working with senior pets and end-of-life care. In 2017, Elizabeth became the Reception Team Manager at Lifting Stars Veterinary Homecare. Elizabeth plays a pivotal role at Lifting Stars by using her decade of animal care experience, compassionate heart, and exceptional organization and communication skills to train and supervise our team of receptionists in responding to our client’s calls, inquiries, and online visit request forms. In her free time, Elizabeth enjoys true crime podcasts and TV shows as well as music, and painting.
Years in practice: 10
Education: University of Wisconsin- River Falls, Argosy University
Professional Memberships:
Katy Agnew joined Lifting Stars Veterinary Homecare in 2023. In 2013, she made the life-changing decision to relocate from the United Kingdom to Canada, and she hasn’t regretted it for a moment. Canada has truly become her forever home. In 2018, Katy began her journey in veterinary care when she completed her Technician Assistant Diploma with honors from Granville College’s Veterinary Technician Assistant Program. Since then, she has taught that same veterinary technician assistant program and currently locums at clinics in Vancouver. Katy works with Lifting Stars Veterinary Homecare as Dr. Berkshire’s Executive Assistant and the creative mind behind our website content and social media presence. Katy has a passion for clients and is dedicated to client satisfaction and education, where she always puts the well-being of every furry friend and their owners first. Beyond her professional commitments, Katy enjoys exploring the breathtaking landscapes of beautiful British Columbia and crafting culinary marvels in the kitchen.
Years in Practice: 6
Education: Granville College Veterinary Technician Assistant Program
Professional memberships:
Fear Free Certified 2024,
Certified End of Life Animal Care 2022,
Graduate of Granville College
Veterinary Technician Assistant Diploma,
Graduate with honors, March 2018.
Rachel Lawrence joined the Lifting Stars Veterinary Homecare team as an Administrative Assistant in July 2022. Rachel works remotely and joins us from Gombe State, Nigeria. Rachel grew up in Gombe State, where she spent a huge part of her life in the culturally diverse and beautiful landscape of Northern Nigeria. In 2020, she graduated from Michael Okpara University of Agriculture as a student of the College of Veterinary Medicine. In 2021, she began her career as a Veterinary Assistant at Pantami Veterinary Clinic in Gombe. Seeking new opportunities and experiences, Rachel joined the Lifting Stars team in July 2022. Her dedication and support in responding to emails, completing administrative and organizational tasks, assisting with scheduling, and helping with our social media platforms have proven invaluable to Lifting Stars. Rachel’s journey from a veterinary assistant in Gombe, Nigeria, to her current role reflects her passion for compassionate client and animal care and her devotion to organizational excellence. In her free time, Rachel enjoys gardening, baking, reading works of fiction, and spending time with her family and friends.
Years in practice: 2 years
Education: College of Veterinary Medicine, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria.
Professional Memberships:
Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association