Meet the Veterinary team of Big Bay Animal Hospital. Our dedicated, compassionate and highly skilled staff remains focused on offering superior care and exceptional service to both our patients and our valued clients, all delivered within a clean, friendly and comfortable environment in south Barrie, ON. Veterinarians Dr. Jeff Kup and Dr. Tania Burrows have many years of combined experience providing medical, surgical and dental care to small animals.
Dr. Jeffrey Kup
B.Sc, D.V.M
Dr. Kup has been enjoying practicing Veterinary medicine since 1989. He was drawn into the field as a young boy after losing his beloved young dog to cancer. His dream was to study at the Ontario Veterinary College so that one day he could help others who were faced with pet illness, just as he had been so many years ago. Dr. Kup’s career has drawn him to practice in the GTA, Ottawa, and Thunder Bay. He built the Big Bay Animal Hospital with his business partner Dr. Burrows, in 2000.
The Big Bay Animal Hospital allows him to use his dedication, skills, and compassion to enhance the lives of his clients and their furry companions. Outside of work, Dr. Kup’s personal interests center around squash, golf, alpine skiing, the outdoors and recently, paddle boarding.
Dr. Tania Burrows
D.V.M
I was raised in a small town, named Sutton on the shores of Lake Simcoe. I surrounded myself with animals from an early age and enjoyed riding my pony, Nikki, and playing with my dog, Charlie. My father was the local country doctor who cared for everyone, young and old. Through my excellent relationship with animals and my exposure to medicine, I naturally developed a passion to become a Veterinarian.
I went to school at the University of Guelph and graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 1992. Over the last 20 years, I have enjoyed practicing Veterinary medicine. Every day is rewarding, filled by caring for cats, dogs, and those furry or scaly pets called exotics. I have never felt being a Veterinarian is work, but rather a fantastic opportunity to help pets lead healthier, happy lives.
Dr. Sara Seemel
D.V.M
Dr. Sara was born and raised in Nova Scotia. She attended the Atlantic Veterinary College on Prince Edward Island and moved to Ontario following graduation to pursue an internship in wildlife medicine before transitioning to general practice.
Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her partner and her dog Larka, as well as skiing, horseback riding, physical training, and painting.
Dr. Kelly Udelsman
D.V.M
Dr. Kelly Udelsman grew up in the United States and wanted to be a veterinarian from a young age. With the tremendous support of her family, she is a proud graduate of St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine and completed her clinical year at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan. Dr. Udelsman’s veterinary interests include emergency and critical care, soft tissue surgery, dentistry and general practice. She shares her home with her husband (also a veterinarian!), two dogs and a cat in Oro-Medonte.
Carrie
Hospital Manager
I am always happy to see you and your four-legged family member walk through the front doors. I will greet you with a smile and your furbaby, scaley friend or little critter with treats and friendly pets. I have had a loving passion for animals since a small child and always knew it would be where I ended up. I joined the Big Bay Animal Hospital team in 2003 and have enjoyed my time here meeting so many amazing animals. Outside of work you can find me hanging out with my three cats Jax, Jemma and Opie and of course enjoying time with my family.
Sherrie
Exam Room Veterinary Technician
It is my real pleasure to care for you at Big Bay Animal Hospital. As your Appointment Technician, I will assist you throughout the examination process. You will receive education on nutrition, dental health care, diagnostic services and parasite prevention.
I originated from Portugal Cove, a seashore community on the eastern coast of Newfoundland. As a wee girl, my favourite companions were stray cats and dogs. I remember feeling such compassion for their welfare. In 1989, I moved to Toronto to begin my education and career as an Animal Health Technician. My credentials include the McLean AHT program, The Cat Hospital of Toronto and the University of Guelph.
Feline medicine intrigues me. I have a genuine adoration for feline behaviour and understanding of their unique personalities. I enjoy an active lifestyle with my two awesome kids Dylan and Emily. As a family, we are involved with karate, baseball, piano and art. Running is my favourite pastime.
Shasta
Registered Veterinary Technician
Shasta joined the Big Bay team in June 2013. As a Registered Veterinary Technician and surgery nurse here, she will ensure your pets stay at our hospital is a comfortable and safe one. Taking care of our surgical patients, she is responsible for their anesthesia, monitoring and nursing care. Shasta graduated from the Georgian College Veterinary Technician program in 2008, where she earned the Nursing Award for her graduating class. Shasta’s family consists of her husband Brian, their son Wyatt, their 2 cats Wookie and Meowsers and their dog Nova.
Leah
Registered Veterinary Technician
Hi, I’m Leah. I was born and raised in Orillia. After completing my degree at Lakehead University I decided to continue my education and attend Georgian College to study my two passions in life: animals and medicine. I recently graduated in September of 2020 and became a Registered Veterinary Technician in December. I have a passion for dentistry. Although I do not have any pets of my own (yet), I enjoy hanging out with my parent’s Miniature Schnauzer, Scout. I hope to become a foster mom to many dogs in the future. In my spare time, I like going for random outdoor adventures to new places. Hiking, kayaking and campfires are some of my favourite pastimes.
Ian
Veterinary Technician
Amanda
Veterinary Technician
Hi, I’m Amanda. I am new to the Big Bay team and am very excited to get to know all of you and your pets. I have enjoyed working in the Veterinary field the past 15 + years and look forward to many more. In my spare time you can find me hanging out with my family and a cool 3 legged cat name Stumpy Norman.
Diana
Veterinary Assistant
Hello! I’m Diana, one of the Veterinary Assistants here at Big Bay. My #1 Job is to ensure your fur friends are well taken care of while staying with us. I will mostly be assisting in the back with surgery, and afterwards you’ll find be snuggling your pets while they are recovering. In my spare time you’ll find me with my family, 3 cats and my golden pup!
Melissa
My name is Melissa, I joined the Big Bay team in December of 2020. Although I’m fairly new to the team I have worked in the veterinarian industry for over 8 years. My goal is to help my team to give you and your companion the best experience possible. I have had several “pets” over the years including snakes, geckos, mice, a hedgehog, a couple of birds. Residing with me these days are my two dogs Boots and Charlie, my two senior cats Juneau and Oliver and two little guinea pigs named Pretzel and Pickles. On my off time I enjoy spending time with my husband and son and taking my dogs on forest walks.
Faith
Veterinary Assistant
Alex
Kennel Assistant
Hello, I’m Alex! I’m a kennel assistant here at Big Bay Animal Hospital. I help out with all of the behind-the-scenes work, and help to oversee the comfort, care and treat-breaks for all of the patients. My dream is to become a Veterinarian one day, and I love spending my time meeting new furry friends daily! During my spare time I enjoy reading, movies, travelling, and spending time with my family and pets, including 3 dogs, 2 bunnies, 2 hamsters, a fish and a turtle!…As well as with Dallas, who is in the picture with me.
Candice
Receptionist & Veterinary Assistant
Hey, I’m Candice! I’m a receptionist and veterinary assistant here at Big Bay Animal Hospital. I joined in August 2022. I have worked in the animal field for around 15 years. In my spare time I am usually doing stuff with my daughter, who also loves animals! We have a dog named Ozzy, 2 cats named Cheesestring and Cornelius, and a snail named Mavis 🙂
Sir Maurice
Clinic Cat & Food Sampler
I joined the Big Bay Animal Hospital’s team in 2011. I was previously in foster care in the Furry Friends organization, where I was greatly loved, but I had an issue with my urine and wasn’t able to pee, Big Bay Animal Hospital fixed me right up and I’ve been great ever since. I realized they needed a furry hospital greeter and that they would treat me like a king, so I decided to stay.
I can be found on the front desk in my favorite corner, or observing surgery and the care of the animals in the treatment area of the clinic. I enjoy watching the birds out the front window, and have been known to chase down a laser or bouncing ball.
I am here to ensure your pets have a companion if they need to stay over and love to meet everyone when they come in our front door. Please stop by and say hello, and don’t forget to check out my blog on this website.