Our Doctors

Veterinarian & Owner

Lansdowne Animal Hospital

Dr. Bijan Iraei graduated from the DVM program at the University of Tehran, Iran in 1992. He had been working as a vet for 15 years before immigrating to Canada in 2005. In 2010 he achieved his “Certificate of Qualification” from the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA). Since then, he has been working in different animal hospitals across Ottawa. Recently, he has become the owner of Lansdowne Animal Hospital as Dr. Zarkeshvari (the founder of the hospital) decided to retire.

While Dr. Iraei enjoys all aspects of small animal medicine and surgeries, his personal interests are endocrine diseases, dentistry and soft tissue surgeries.

His favorite sport is soccer and he spends most of his spare time doing outdoor activities with his family and playing soccer with his daughters.

Dr. Bijan Iraei
Dr. Bijan Iraei graduated from the DVM program at the University of Tehran, Iran in 1992. He had been working as a vet for 15 years before immigrating to Canada in 2005. In 2010 he achieved his “Certificate of Qualification” from the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA). Since then, he has been working in different animal hospitals across Ottawa.  In 2013 he become the owner of Lansdowne Animal Hospital when Dr. Zarkeshvari (the founder of the hospital) decided to retire. While Dr. Iraei enjoys all aspects of small animal medicine and surgeries, his personal interests are endocrine diseases, dentistry and soft tissue surgeries. His favorite sport is soccer and he spends most of his spare time doing outdoor activities with his family and playing soccer with his daughters.

Associate Veterinarian

Man smiling and holding a golden retriever puppy indoors.

Dr. Khalil had his start working in different multinational pharmaceutical companies in marketing and sales. He has a broad knowledge of pharmaceutical products, from antibiotics and antifungals, to pain management medications, antihistamines, anti-epileptics, and antidepressants. The world of pharmaceuticals built a great base of medical knowledge of Dr. Khalil, as well as helping him gain communication and interpersonal skills.

Upon moving to Canada, Dr. Khalil did his Canadian equivalencies and finished his practical exam in the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University Of Saskatchewan.

Dr Assem has a lot of love and respect for the diversity of the Canadian community and he is very excited to start helping you and your pet have a happier and healthier life

Dr. Assem Khalil
Dr. Khalil had his start working in different multinational pharmaceutical companies in marketing and sales. He has a broad knowledge of pharmaceutical products, from antibiotics and antifungals, to pain management medications, antihistamines, anti-epileptics, and antidepressants. The world of pharmaceuticals built a great base of medical knowledge of Dr. Khalil, as well as helping him gain communication and interpersonal skills.

Associate Veterinarian

Man kneeling by a tree with a black dog in a sunny field.
Dr. William MacDonald
Dr. MacDonald was born and raised on the east coast (Prince Edward Island). After receiving his B.Sc. and M.Sc. in biology, he studied at the Atlantic Veterinary College. He is an avid reader, enjoys cooking and is especially fond of the colour green. Dr. MacDonald recently took a couple of years off to pursue another passion, carpentry and wood-working. After earning two diplomas at Holland College, he has returned to Ottawa where he is back to practicing veterinary medicine and surgery part time. When not working, Dr. MacDonald spends as much time as he can with his canine companion, Porter.

Our Clinic Staff

Veterinary Technician

Lansdowne Animal Hospital

Emilie graduated from the Veterinary Technician program in 2010, from Algonquin College. She currently has two cats and a dog. When she is not working, she likes to be outside, and to travel when she can.

Emilie C., RVT
Head Technician
Emilie graduated from the Veterinary Technician program in 2010, from Algonquin College. She currently has one cata and a dog. When she is not working, she likes to be outside, and to travel when she can.
Person holding a black and white kitten close to their face.

Amber A
Amber graduated from St. Lawrence College's Veterinary Technologist advanced diploma program in 2024. She fosters pet rats and spends her free time cooking, gardening and playing board/video games with friends.
Woman smiling while holding a small white dog.

Having recently moved to Canada from Turkey, Gamze completed her veterinary degree in 2020. Currently, she serves as a vet assistant at our hospital while eagerly awaiting her Canadian veterinary license. Embracing the journey towards her childhood dream, outside of work, she finds joy in exploring Ottawa's nature, capturing moments through photography, and unwinding with painting!

Gamze
Having recently moved to Canada from Turkey, Gamze completed her veterinary degree in 2020. Currently, she serves as a vet assistant at our hospital while eagerly awaiting her Canadian veterinary license. Embracing the journey towards her childhood dream, outside of work, she finds joy in exploring Ottawa's nature, capturing moments through photography, and unwinding with painting!
Man in black scrubs smiling with a black and white dog.
Sajad
Sajad recently made Canada his new home, arriving from Iran after graduating from veterinary school in 2018. Currently, he's immersing himself in the role of a veterinary assistant while eagerly awaiting his Canadian veterinary license. Pursuing his lifelong passion for animal care, he finds solace outside of work by exploring the stunning natural landscapes of Canada, Pursuing his love for animals, he enjoys exploring Canada's beauty, camping under the stars, and spending time with family outdoors.

Veterinary Assistants

Lansdowne Animal Hospital

Melanie happily graduated in 2006, from the Veterinary Assistant Program offered at Algonquin College. She currently has three Chihuahua’s at home and is the clinic’s friendly Chihuahua Lady.

Melanie L
Melanie graduated in 2006, from the Veterinary Assistant Program offered at Algonquin College.
A gray and white cat resting with paws tucked in.

Kelsey graduated from the Veterinary Assistant program at St. Lawrence College and has been working as a veterinary assistant in the Ottawa area for the past 4 years. Kelsey has experience working in emergency, cardiology and shelter medicine.

Kelsey R.
Kelsey graduated from the Veterinary Assistant program at St. Lawrence College and has been working as a veterinary assistant in the Ottawa area for the past 4 years.
Cute cartoon beagle dog sitting with tongue out.
Emi L

Client Care Manager

A cute cartoon cat with a beige and brown patch on a purple background.

Jasmine B

Client Care

Lansdowne Animal Hospital

Julie moved to Ottawa over 20 years ago. She has found somewhere along the way; Ottawa has become her home. She shares her life with two beautiful cats, and a husband.

Julie E
Julie moved to Ottawa over 20 years ago. She has found somewhere along the way; Ottawa has become her home. She shares her life with three beautiful cats, and a husband.
A joyful girl hugging a black and white dog indoors.

Sana has been part of the Lansdowne Animal Hospital team since May 2023. She graduated high school in 2018 and is looking to pursue her future in the healthcare industry. She loves animals, with four of her own furry companions at home.

Sana

Sana has been part of the Lansdowne Animal Hospital team since May 2023. She graduated high school in 2018 and is looking to pursue her future in the healthcare industry. She loves animals, with four of her own furry companions at home.
A black and white kitten wearing a Halloween-themed collar.

Helena is a receptionist at Lansdowne Animal Hospital. They love saying hello to all pets, and is dedicated to making visits to the office as pleasant as possible for patients and owners alike.

Helena

Helena is a receptionist at Lansdowne Animal Hospital. They love saying hello to all pets, and is dedicated to making visits to the office as pleasant as possible for patients and owners alike.
Black cat silhouette sitting against a green background.

Sam

Hospital Administrator

Woman smiling while holding a happy dog outdoors.

Laura is originally from Newfoundland and has been living in Ottawa since 2004. She has always loved animals and has had many pets growing up, including: dogs, cats, budgies, a mouse, and snakes. She started her studies in Biology at Memorial University of Newfoundland and completed her Bachelor of Science in Ecology at Concordia University in Montreal. She had a very interesting first job as a research assistant studying Puffins on an island off the coast of Newfoundland, and her start in veterinary reception was in 2006. Laura has been a receptionist at Lansdowne Animal Hospital since 2017 and became Hospital Administrator in 2022.

Laura P.

Laura is originally from Newfoundland and has been living in Ottawa since 2004. She has always loved animals and has had many pets growing up, including: dogs, cats, budgies, a mouse, and snakes. She started her studies in Biology at Memorial University of Newfoundland and completed her Bachelor of Science in Ecology at Concordia University in Montreal. She had a very interesting first job as a research assistant studying Puffins on an island off the coast of Newfoundland, and her start in veterinary reception was in 2006. Laura has been a receptionist at Lansdowne Animal Hospital since 2017 and became Hospital Administrator in 2022.