Management Team Halifax Veterinary Hospital
Peter Ainslie began working at the Halifax Veterinary Hospital when he was 13 years old and continued to work as a Veterinary assistant and in client relations until his first year of University. After completing a Bachelor of Business Administration at Mount St. Vincent University, Peter rejoined the practice as Practice Manager in 1988.
In 2000, Peter completed the requirements and passed the Certified Veterinary Practice Managers certification. The program challenges managers to focus on all aspects of the practice and is recognized throughout North America as the only certification process for practice managers.
Today, Peter is a partner with his father, Dr. Ross Ainslie in the ownership of the three hospitals. With the involvement of his wife Peggy and daughter Carissa in the practice, he hopes to continue the legacy that his father began almost sixty years ago. Peter and Peggy also have a son Michael and three cats at home.
Peggy Ainslie was introduced to the world of veterinary medicine in 1985 at the Halifax Veterinary Hospital in the position of client relations. This was before there were computers of course. With no formal veterinary training, her previous customer service experience was invaluable. Over the years since then, Peggy has had a number of different and interesting roles such as surgery assistant, book-keeper, decorator/designer, client relations (the majority of time spent in this position) and currently the Human Resource Manager. Peggy has had the pleasure of working with her father-in-law, husband and now daughter (also in a client relations role) over the years which in itself have been very rewarding.
When not working, Peggy’s interests include entertaining, decorating, renovating, traveling and spending time with family. Her family includes her husband, Peter, daughter, Carissa and son Michael along with three cats, Timmy, Nipper and Dudley.
Dr. Ross Ainslie has been looking after Halifax's pets for almost 60 years. After graduating from the Ontario Veterinary College in 1952, Dr. Ainslie purchased the Halifax Veterinary Hospital on Quinpool Road the following year. He was a true pioneer in his role with improving the standard of medicine for pets in the area. Dr. Ainslie also cared for cattle and horses early in his career along with operating a growing small animal practice.
Doc determined early in his profession that there was a true need for practices outside of the Quinpool Road area and established during his career another 9 hospitals throughout the HRM and Cape Breton, of which he currently still operates three today.
Dr. Ainslie has been recognized by many organizations for his contributions to Veterinary Medicine. Locally, Nationally and Internationally, Doc has been distinguished by the American Animal Hospital Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association. In 2005, he received the Nova Scotia Lieutenant Governors Award for Animal Care.
Dr. Ainslie is still involved in the day to day business.
Darlene Flemming began working for the Halifax Veterinary Hospital in 1990. She worked in Client Relations for 16 years before changing positions to Accounting Assistant. Darlene thoroughly enjoys her position in the animal care field, as there is always something new to learn each day.
Darlene and her husband Bill’s fur-family include a horse named Diamond, a dog named Chubby and 5 cats.
Amy Benson has been actively involved in the veterinary field since 1990. She worked in two animal hospitals in Trenton ON for 10 years, before moving to Halifax in 2000 where she joined the Fairview Animal Hospital Team. Amy has experience in every area and operation of an animal hospital; from animal diagnostics & treatment, to customer relations and management duties. Amy has a special interest in radiology and diseases affecting the major organs.
In December of 2008, Amy began a new, fulfilling & enjoyable journey within the Halifax Veterinary Hospital Inc., by taking on the position of Director of Operations. Now Amy can be found at any of the three locations; Fairview Animal Hospital, Halifax Veterinary Hospital or the Spryfield Animal Hospital.
Amy is happily kept busy with her two energetic & joyful children (a son born in October 2004 & a daughter born in July 2007), Papillon’s (Monty, Myra, Taryn, Treasure, Sandy & Chase), cats (Curt & Torah) and a Bernese Mountain Dog mix named Dawsyn. When she does have spare time, Amy enjoys competing in dog shows.
Brandy Maisine began working at the Fairview Animal Hospital in 2003 as kennel help and has since had the opportunity to increase her knowledge and contributions as a member of the Client Relations Team. With her invaluable knowledge and abilities, Brandy stepped into her current managerial role as Client Relations Supervisor and IT (Information/Technology) Coordinator.
She has a special interest in veterinary diets and behavior and is very proud of the bonds she has been able to create with the pet parents who bring their families to Fairview Animal Hospital.
At home, Brandy is surrounded by a large family of fur-children.
Shirley Harrison began her career with the Halifax Veterinary Hospital Inc 30 years ago as a receptionist, and feels very fortunate to have had the opportunity in 2005, to once again join this caring and dedicated team in the role as an Administrative Assistant. Shirley loves all animals and cares very deeply about their well being, both physical and emotional.
Shirley is happily married with 3 grown children and two cats; Casey the Himalayan and Daisy the Siamese Mix. Shirley enjoys life, and appreciates every day by keeping active.
