Dr. Maegan Melillo, Owner & Veterinarian

"Dare to be different."

Veterinary medicine is, simply put, the coolest profession. I have always loved animals and enjoy the critical thinking and problem-solving aspect of practicing medicine. As a practice owner I am able to create a hospital environment that I am proud of, with a team that shares my passion for facilitating and fortifying the human-animal bond. With every client and patient that comes through our door I hope comes a sense of comfort and trust. I want all pet parents to feel informed in the recommendations I present and confident with the decisions they make for their pet. We want everyone to feel like they are as much a part of our Heritage Veterinary Hospital family as my team is.

Maegan grew up in Toronto and spent her summers at the cottage on Chandos Lake in Apsley Ontario. Although she was born and raised in the city, she has always preferred the atmosphere of a small community. She has worked in a veterinary clinic since she was 16 years old - starting as a kennel attendant, becoming a receptionist and then working as a veterinary technician through university. Maegan focused on applying and being accepted into vet school while completing a Bachelor of Animal Science at the University of Guelph. She graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2014 and began working in a small animal practice as an associate veterinarian in the Hamilton area. In 2015 she became a practice owner in the Kitchener-Waterloo area and loved it. It encouraged her to seek further opportunity in practice ownership- wanting to provide a positive, supportive, well-balanced environment with upward mobility for all team members contributing to veterinary medicine at a primary care level. As such she purchased Apsley Veterinary Services in 2019, and in November 2023 made her way back to practice ownership in the K-W area by taking ownership of Heritage Veterinary Hospital as well. Her areas of interest lie in internal medicine, emergency medicine and surgery. When Maegan isn’t practicing veterinary medicine, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her dog Gretchen, cats Mick & Zepplin, and her horse Maggie.

Dr. Ross Dawson, Locum Veterinarian

Dr. Dawson has practiced companion animal medicine since graduation from the Ontario Veterinary College in 1977.  Upon graduation he purchased a half ownership interest in Mitchell Animal Hospital and Kingsdale Animal Hospital in Kitchener, Ontario.  In 1989 the two hospitals separated their business interests and he continued as the owner and manager of Mitchell Animal Hospital until June of 1998. Dr. Dawson owned and operated the Animal Hospital of Milton, a companion animal practice in Milton, Ontario from 2001 to 2023. 

Dr. Dawson participated as a member of the steering committees that founded the Golden Triangle Veterinary Academy, the Veterinary Emergency Clinic of the Waterloo Region and the Waterloo Regional Veterinary Association. 

Currently, Dr. Dawson is semi-retired and has moved back to Kitchener to be close to his children and grandchildren. We welcomed Dr. Dawson to HVH in April 2024 and are very happy to have him as a part of our team.

Stephanie, Practice Manager

“Love for all living creatures is the most noble attribute of mankind.” - Charles Darwin

Growing up, I was surrounded by animals – wild and domestic. My family worked with the St. Thomas Wildlife Rehabilitation Program for many years, an experience that taught me discipline, patience and respect. I remember going with my parents to the veterinary hospital with my own pets and thinking, I am going to be that girl behind the desk someday! I knew I wanted to be an advocate for those that cannot speak for themselves, and what better way to do that than in the veterinary field. I hope every client and patient can see and feel the pride we all have in what we do, and the atmosphere we plan to create at Heritage Veterinary Hospital.

Stephanie started her career as practice manager at Breslau Animal Hospital in October 2013 through 2021, she started managing Apsley Veterinary Services in 2019 along with BAH. In November 2023 she started managing Heritage Veterinary Hospital and continues to also manage Apsley Veterinary Services. Stephanie has worked in the veterinary field since 2010. She received her Veterinary Office Management Certificate from Mohawk College in 2012. Stephanie believes in the importance of continuing education and that there is always room for improvement. She shares her life with husband, Shane and their son, Maverick. They enjoy spending time with their fur family; Cricket (Frenchie), Tacoma (DSH) and Spike (DSH).

Sam, Registered Veterinary Technician

“Live every day like it’s your last. You aren’t guaranteed tomorrow.”

I want to be the voice of animals and try to understand what they are trying to tell us. I’ve always had a love for all animals - large and small. There is such a powerful connection between humans and animals, to be able to help strengthen that bond is a gift. I promise to give every patient the love and care they deserve and help them live the best life. I will be there for all the stages of their life on the good days and the bad.

Sam graduated from the Veterinary Technician program at Ridgetown in 2016. Since graduating she has worked in shelter, small and large animal medicine. She works full-time with us at HVH and part-time at the Ontario Veterinary College in the large animal emergency unit. When not working hard, Sam can be found at the barn with her horse, Inky, or at home with her partner, Mike, their dogs Bernie (Frenchie), Shirley (Heinz 57) and cat, Oreo. In the summertime, she enjoys working in her vegetable garden.

Kayla Muir, Registered Veterinary Technician

“Live in the moment and remember that the future comes one day at a time.”

 I was always interested in science and had a passion for animals. I wanted a career that would combine the two and Veterinary Technician was just that! I love that every day is different and presents new challenges.  My goal is to ease patient fears and ensure they are comfortable at all times. Educating clients is a very big part of what I do. I enjoy giving the tools they need to enhance their pet’s quality of life and longevity. I am very interested in rehabilitation, that is why I am working to become a Certified Canine Rehab Practioner (CCRP).

Kayla has been working in the veterinary industry since 2007. She graduated from the Veterinary Technician program at Georgian College in 2014 and received her Registered Veterinary Technician status that summer. She is currently completing the schooling and requirements to become a Certified Canine Rehab Practioner (CCRP). Kayla is known for her nail trimming skills and is frequently asked to do the difficult ones. Kayla and her husband, Jon, have two dogs and two cats – Boston Terriers, Geordie & Ponyo and Watson & Bones (DSH) – that she could not live without. When not working at Canine Pain Relief or HVH, you can find her hiking with her dogs or skiing in the winter.

Ashley, Groomer

“Humanity before beauty.”

I knew that I wanted to work hands-on with dogs. Grooming seemed like the perfect career for me. I am able to educate dog parents on the importance of maintaining their dog’s skin and coats. I treat every dog as if they are my own. I love giving dogs a groom that will give them confidence and make them ‘strut their stuff’! However, it is important to understand that sometimes grooming means giving dogs the cuts they need, not necessarily what the client wants. Educating clients is such an integral part of my job. I will do everything I can to make every dog and every client happy and comfortable.

Ashley has been grooming for 12 years at HVH (Beautifying the Beast). She shares her life with her husband, Jason, Molly (Border Collie X), Reba (Mastiff X), Lou (Catahoula), Steven (DSH) and Mayo (DSH).

Rachel, Grooming Assistant

I have always loved dogs! Getting to work with them every day is a dream come true. My goal is to ensure that every dog has a positive grooming experience, which will in turn help them live a happy and healthy life.

Rachel moved to Canada from England in 2019. She quickly started her career in the grooming industry and came to HVH (Beautifying the Beast) in 2021. She is studying the art of grooming with Ashley as a mentor. When not working, Rachel spends time with her husband, Mike, Zippy (cat) and Mac (Springer Spaniel).