clare tompkins

Veterinarian at Mill Bay Veterinary Hospital

Clare Tompkins grew up in Ontario and did her undergrad Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at the University of Guelph. She applied to the Ontario Veterinary College three times before being accepted in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program and graduated from OVC in 1994.

She started working in a rural large animal practice caring for beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, goats, swine and horses. After 5 years of exclusively large animal practice, she joined 2 other mixed animal practices part time to extend her clientele to small animals such as dogs and cats.

She moved to Vancouver Island in 2001 and became a Veterinarian at Mill Bay Veterinary Hospital, another mixed animal practice. After 15 years there, the practice was sold and she opted to work at various other clinics as a locum, or relief veterinarian. She works at clinics on the island from Comox to Sooke as well as brief stints at mainland clinics to fill in when other veterinarians need time off. Locum work offers a more flexible work week and time for other pursuits such as a Masters degree in Equine Science.

Clare has been active within her profession as a member of the Animal Welfare Committee and the Investigation Committee. She has been a 4-H Leader for over 15 years with the Cowichan 4-H Horse Club and has been District President for the last 5 years. She enjoys giving back to the community in this way and nurturing the growth of young people while they learn about their animals and communication skills.

She has two daughters who both attended Brentwood. Her eldest, Teagan is a current BFA at Brentwood. Her youngest Tasmin was a varsity rower at Brentwood and Trent University.

When not working she enjoys hiking with her dogs or riding her horse on local trails. In the summer of 2022 Clare and Tasmin rode their horses halfway across Canada, from White Rock BC to Kenora Ontario. In 2023 they plan to complete the cross country ride from Kenora to St John’s Newfoundland. It has been an adventure in experiencing Canada and Canadians up close.