Our Staff

Our veterinarians and staff are passionate about the health of our community’s
pets and livestock. We are a well-rounded team that prioritizes keeping up with
the latest trends in the industry, while balancing those trends with knowledge
achieved through years of experience. Each of our veterinarians has a key area of
interest to ensure we can provide the best care for your individual pet or
livestock concerns. Find out more about our welcoming team make an
appointment to get to know us in person.

Dr. Hans Reimert

Full-Time Veterinarian and Co-owner

Hans Reimert was born and raised on a dairy farm west of Bowden. His interest in the dairy industry led him to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. After graduation he returned to the central Alberta region to provide veterinary care to both large and small animals with a strong interest in Dairy herd health and other bovine work. Along with bovine work, business ownership remained a strong interest for Hans which led to the recent co-ownership of Pioneer Veterinary Services and associated clinics operating within the Sundre and Olds region. Although he currently spends the majority of his time on the road with his herd health work, Hans looks forward to meeting more of the community in the years to come.

Outside of work, Hans enjoys helping on the family farm, golfing as well as a variety of outdoor activities with Haley and their dogs, Koda and Winnie.

Dr. Haley Safnuk

Full-Time Veterinarian and Co-owner

Haley was born and raised in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan where she was an active member of a local Light Horse 4-H club for over 10 years. Her interest in horses led her to pursue a degree at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Following graduation, she elected to further her education by completing an Equine Internship in Arizona, focused on sport horse and race track medicine. Since completion she has joined Hans to practice in Central Alberta. Haley is a Co-Owner, along with Hans Reimert, of Pioneer Veterinary Services and associated clinics. She enjoys both small animal and equine work and is a certified Veterinary Medical Acupuncturist.
She enjoys providing compassionate veterinary care with an emphasis on communication and client education. Haley is looking forward to meeting more members of the community.

Between reading business management books, Haley enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and canoeing with Hans and their two dogs, Koda and Winnie. She also hopes to find time to get back on a horse one day soon.

Dr. Fiona Hooch-Antink

Full-Time Veterinarian

Fiona was born in Rossland, BC on a dairy farm. At the age of 9, they moved to Sundre, AB where Fiona was a member of the Bergen 4-H club for 6 years where she had many beef projects and also had canine projects for 2 years with her Red Heeler, Lucy. Her family also ran a Katahdin sheep farm. Her love for all shapes and sizes of animals began at a very early age and led her to begin education at Mount Royal University, majoring in Cellular and Molecular Biology, with her end goal always being Vet Med. After three years at MRU, she was accepted to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon in 2015, graduating in 2019. Following graduation, Fiona returned to her home town of Sundre to begin pursuing her career at Pioneer Veterinary Services! Fiona’s passions include cats, cows, and small ruminants – but all animals have a special place in her heart. Outside of work, Fiona enjoys playing golf, horseback riding, reading books, and spending time with family and friends

Dr. Paul Owen

Part-Time Veterinarian

Originally from Edmonton, Alberta, Paul has been practicing mixed animal medicine in central Alberta since his graduation from WCVM in 1985. Paul is known for his attention to detail, meticulous nature, and compassion. His primary interests include small animal medicine and surgery. Continued education is a priority for Dr. Owen, who frequently attends specialized lectures and labs to continue to provide up to date, high quality veterinary care out of our Olds location (Olds Pioneer Veterinary Services).

When not working, Paul enjoys spending quality time with his three grown sons Joel, Luke and Liam. He is also an avid hiker, golfer and tennis player and looks forward to challenging Dr. Wilson on the courts when he can.

Dr. Lisa Misener

Full-Time Veterinarian

Lisa graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2015, and after spending a year working and travelling in Australia, returned home to settle into mixed animal practice. Lisa enjoys every facet of veterinary medicine, but has a primary focus in small animal dentistry, surgery and ultrasound, as well as a keen interest in small ruminants and camelids. Although her passion for animal health and welfare led her to become a vet, she loves the team she works with and the clients she interacts with – they make every day special! In her spare time Lisa enjoys yoga, snowboarding, cooking, reading, or any excuse to be outdoors. She lives in Old’s with her spouse, Joedy, and their 2 cats and dogs.

Dr. Kelby Tannas

Full-Time Veterinarian

Kelby was born and raised on a mixed cow-calf and hay farm west of Cremona, where he participated in beef and equine 4-H for 9 years. Kelby grew up riding horses on the farm, the mountains and in the show ring trying most disciplines along the way before finding his main interest of breeding and showing draft horses. After graduating from The University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest in 2021 Kelby completed a 1 year equine internship at Delaney Veterinay services, an equine referral clinic where he learned many aspects of equine medicine from breeding, surgery, lameness, dentistry and performance. Although his main interest is with horses and cattle, all critters large and small are welcome.

Outside of work Kelby enjoys driving his team of percheron mares, riding in the mountains, camping, fishing, and working on the family farm.

Support Staff

Bronte

Receptionist

Born and raised in Calgary Bronte joined the team in January of 2022. Bronte has always had a love for animals and a passion for helping people. She moved to an acreage east of Olds and enjoys spending time in the country with her two dogs Bear and Roka, three cats Moose, Max and Hunter and boyfriend Lewis. In her spare time Bronte enjoys gardening, fishing, tending to her rabbits and all things cooking! She looks forward to working with all the animals and owners here at Pioneer Vet!

(403) 556-6882

Marian

Office Manager/ Registered Veterinary Technologist

Originally from the Sundre area, Marian is a 1987 graduate of the Olds College Animal Health Technology program. Joining Pioneer Vet in spring of 2018, Marian has used her invaluable experience to take on a mentor-ship role within the clinic. As a long time resident of the Sundre area, Marian may be a familiar face to you. Along with her husband Bryan, Marian enjoys spending time with her four daughters and grandkids on their farm in Bergen. She loves all her animals, which include cows, horses, cats and their dog Dottie. Her favorite pastime is riding in the mountains, hiking and quading with her husband.

(403) 638-3774

Christina

HR/Office Manager

Christina was born and raised in southern Manitoba, on a small family acreage. From a young age she was always bringing home and trying to save every animal in need. Wanting adventure, she moved to Vancouver Island to enjoyed fishing, kayaking, hiking, and camping. Christina worked in the Aquaculture Industry raising fish and moving her way up to a managerial role. Going back to her roots, Christina moved to Clearwater County early 2022 with her husband Steve, 2 children Kyle and Hayden, 2 dogs Max and Molly and 2 cats Fizz and Kiwi. She has joined us to pursue her career as our Office Manager. Come pop by and say hello!

Nicole

Inventory/Reception

Born and raised on a farm in the Cremona AB area, Nicole joined the Olds Pioneer Veterinary Services in March 2018. In 2011, she graduated from the Veterinary Medical Receptionist program at the Olds College. Nicole’s farming background is evident with her strong work ethic, attention to detail and wealth of large animal knowledge. Nicole loves seeing new and old clients along with their animals. In her spare time, Nicole enjoys farming, riding her horses and working with her Polled Hereford and Black Angus cattle.

Erin

Receptionist

Erin joined the Pioneer team shortly after completing the Veterinary Medical Reception program at the Olds College in June 2021.  She brings with her years of previous professional experience which has greatly helped her transition into the reception position in the Olds location. 

She grew up on a small family farm near Kathyrn, Alberta and has called the Sundre, Olds area home for 25 years.  In her spare time she enjoys quadding, camping and horseback riding with her family and friends.  

Erin’s love of animals is very apparent in her lifestyle and shines through with her compassion and empathy for our clients and patients.

Kayla

Technician Assistant

Kayla grew up in red deer Alberta, and now reside in Bowden, Alberta with her boyfriend Garrett, two dogs, Nelson and Spike, as well as three cats, Max, Kiwi and Kyle. Kayla fell in love with vet med while Volunteering at a clinic in red deer. Helping sick patients, and having a job where she can continue to learn everyday is greatly enjoyed. In her spare time she enjoys riding horses and going on walks with her dogs. She also enjoys rodeo and competing for rodeo Queen titles in the summer. Her favorite part about being an employee of Pioneer Vet Services is that it doesn’t feel like a place of work, but rather a second home and she enjoys every minute spent in clinic, and we enjoy her! Be sure to say hello to Kayla if you see her at our Olds location!

Janet

Reception/Inventory Management

Born and raised in Ontario, Janet moved to the Interior of BC after high school and became a 1990 AHT graduate of what is now TRU. She and her husband Ross raised beef cattle and a small flock of sheep in BC before moving to the Sundre area in 2016. Janet joined the Pioneer Team in November 2020 and spends her spare time farming, gardening, woodworking or traveling between BC and Alberta to spend time with their 3 children.

Sierra

Receptionist

Sierra grew up in the Caroline area with dogs and horses always at her side. After getting married, Sierra and her husband headed out to work on large scale cattle ranching operations over the course of 10 years, where passion for cows, using horses and stock dogs grew as did their family. Sierra and her family now find themselves back in the Caroline area. Sierra loves to spend time with her 2 young kids and her husband. Sierra loves what they brought with them back home, not just their experiences but their ranch horses, stock dogs, as well as a small flock of Gotland sheep. Cows are on the docket for the future if stars align. Sierra looks forward to engaging with those who come through the doors as well as expanding her knowledge and experience with all walks of life in her time with the clinic as one of the receptionists.

Marcy

Receptionist

Born in Regina, SK. and having a father with a lifelong career in Fish & Wildlife, Marcy was around animals her entire life.  Recently joining the Olds Pioneer Veterinary Services clinic in 2023 has been exciting.  She not only brings with her previous administration and accounting experience, but also extensive hours volunteering within the Olds community.   Working with such a close-knit professional team, getting to know our amazing clients and seeing the patients we care for daily, is what she takes pride in and enjoys.  Olds has been home to both Marcy and her husband for over 22 years and where they raised their two daughters. They love it here!  Away from the office, she likes to camp, hike, paddleboard, and spend as much time as possible at the lake.

Veterinary Technologists

Lakyn

Registered Veterinary Technologist

Lakyn was born and raised in Rocky Mountain House, AB. From a young age, she’s had a passion for horses and spends most of her spare time at the barn, either doing chores or riding her gelding, Tempo. Another way she spends her free time is quadding and fishing at the cabin in Nordegg. She graduated from the Animal Health Technology program at Olds College in October 2019 and joined our practice in November 2019. She looks forward to spending time in surgery but also getting her large animal fix. Lakyn can’t wait to see how the clinic helps her grow as a new tech.

Hayley

Registered Veterinary Technologist

Hayley is a small town girl from Vulcan, Alberta. She initially started school at the University of Lethbridge and decided to move to Olds for their AHT program, graduated in February 2020 and joined the practice March 2020. She has always had a passion for animals and the medical field. Hayley has 2 cats at the moment and is hoping to get a puppy very soon! Along with rugby, and spending time with family she also enjoys most outdoor recreational activities such as hiking and snowboarding. She looks forward to working with as many cows as possible with Pioneer Vet!

Amy

Technician Assistant

Amy was born and raised on a hog farm East of Bowden. She was an active member of a Light Horse 4-H club for over 6 years, and worked at an equine conditioning and rehabilitation facility for 5 years. With her interest in horses and the agricultural community it then led her into completing the AHT program at Olds college, graduating June 2021. She then joined the practice in November 2021. She is very eager to continue and expand her growth and knowledge here at PVS. Outside of work Amy enjoys her time with friends and family, being outdoors, and riding her horse “Belle”. You can find Amy at our Sundre location, be sure to say hello!

J’Lynn

Registered Veterinary Technologist

J’Lyn was born and raised on the family farm just west of Bowden, AB. From a young age J’Lyn divided her time between farm duties and playing hockey. Living on the family farm instilled within her a deep-seated love for animals and led her to study at Lakeland College where she got her diploma in their Animal Health Technology program. Moving forward, J’Lyn hopes to specialize in large animal medicine, focusing on beef cattle. She hopes that this specialization will allow her to become more effective as a tech and allow her to apply this knowledge to her own cattle at home. In her spare time J’Lyn also enjoys horseback riding, camping, fishing, and spending time with family and friends.

Danielle

Registered Veterinary Technologist

Danielle grew up on a mixed beef farm just outside of Innisfail. She graduated from the Animal Health Technologist program at Olds College in 2014 and joined the Olds Pioneer Vet family mid 2020. She enjoys curling, skiing, golfing and hiking in her spare time. Her favorite part of the job is definitely the diversity that a mixed practice brings; that every day brings something different. And of course the reason we all enter the field in the first place…. helping animals feel better. At home, Danielle has 2 dogs (Kasey and Keira) and one cat (Moo Moo).

Autumn

Registered Veterinary Technologist

Autumn was born and raised in Bedford, Nova Scotia.  After leaving a Fine Arts major, she set out looking for a new adventure, which brought her to Alberta.  She lived in Calgary for about 6 years where she worked in the service industry and volunteered at a cat shelter; After seeing the sick and injured improve in health from week to week she knew that she wanted to make a career out of bettering the lives of animals.  This led her to pursue the AHT program at Olds College.  Since graduating, Pioneer vet has been lucky to have her find a home at our Olds location where she lives her passion everyday!  Autumn shares her life with two cats, Leo and Garfield, and her dog Lalune who enjoys camping and hiking with Autumn on the weekends.

Melissa

Registered Veterinary Technologist

Melissa grew up on a small beef farm west of Bowden and is a longtime resident of Olds. Shegraduated from the Olds College VMR program in 2011 and then became an RVT in 2018. Melissa is passionate about veterinary medicine and has a keen interest in anesthesia, emergency/critical care and reproduction. She is excited to expand her knowledge and skill base with mixed practice at Sundre Pioneer Veterinary Services. In her spare time, Melissa enjoys exploring the West Country, wildlife photography and playing baseball.

Katie

Technician Assistant