Dr. Mary McDowell grew up in Vancouver and knew – right from the age of five! – that she wanted to be a veterinarian. After graduating from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon, she practiced small animal medicine in the Lower Mainland for several years. 

Since joining the ELVH team in 2016, Dr. McDowell has been thrilled to be an associate veterinarian here. She is Fear Free certified and a member of the American Association of Feline Practitioners and World Vets International Aid for Animals. Dr. McDowell takes great care to ensure that every patient’s visit to the clinic is adapted to their needs, especially if they are nervous or have special handling requirements. Dr. McDowell’s additional areas of interest include dermatology and internal medicine. 

In her spare time, Dr. McDowell volunteers with the Vets for Pets program at Our Place, providing free veterinary care to the companions of people in Victoria currently experiencing homelessness. Outside of her professional interests, she enjoys running half marathons, hiking, backpacking, and gardening. She can often be found creating delicious meals in the kitchen alongside her husband and their black and tan Coonhound Eddie, who also enjoys his time at home.