Morris Veterinary Hospital

The People Behind the Care

Meet Cassie Lownsbrough, Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT).

With Registered Veterinary Technician Week (October 18–24) underway, it’s the perfect time to recognize Cassie and the important role she plays at Morris Veterinary Hospital. Cassie has been part of our team since 2013, bringing years of experience, technical expertise and a genuine passion for animal care.

From assisting with procedures to monitoring patients and supporting their recovery, Cassie combines her knowledge and hands-on skills with patience and compassion to help ensure every pet receives attentive care.

Cassie’s extensive knowledge, clinical skills and commitment to patient well-being make her an invaluable part of our veterinary team.

Get to know Cassie and the person behind the care → https://www.morrisvethospital.ca/our-team

Celebrating Our Veterinary Technicians 🐾

October 18–24 is National Veterinary Technician Week!

Our Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVT’s) bring knowledge, skill and compassion to every part of the hospital. Their expertise plays a huge role in how our hospital functions day to day, and their care extends far beyond what happens in the exam room.

Cassie and Beth: thank you for the commitment, dedication and empathy you bring to Morris Veterinary Hospital every day. The care we provide to our patients would not be possible without you.

Help us celebrate Cassie and Beth! ❤️🐾

Share a thank-you or show your appreciation for them in the comments below!

The People Behind the Care

Meet Dr. Brent Tanney, Veterinarian.

Dr. Tanney has been a valued member of Morris Veterinary Hospital since 2008, bringing over 45 years of experience and a wealth of veterinary knowledge to our team. After graduating from the Ontario Veterinary College in 1982, he went on to own and operate Fort Erie Animal Hospital and Blue Cross Animal Hospital in Toronto, gaining more than two decades of experience in veterinary practice ownership.

Throughout his career, Dr. Tanney has been committed to exceptional veterinary care, with a strong emphasis on client education. He takes the time to explain diagnoses and treatment options, helping pet owners feel informed and confident in decisions about their pets’ health.

Learn more about Dr. Tanney’s experience and passion for veterinary medicine → https://bit.ly/474Ln6v

We’re thankful for our clients who continue to trust us with the care of their pets. We appreciate being part of your pets’ lives and are grateful for the support you’ve shown our team.

We hope you enjoy a relaxing long weekend with family, good food and, of course, your pets by your side. 🐾

Happy Thanksgiving! 🧡

Meet Dr. Robyn Budgeon, Veterinarian.

Dr. Budgeon joined Morris Veterinary Hospital in 2025, bringing nearly three decades of veterinary experience and a deep love for connecting with clients and their pets. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Ontario Veterinary College in 1996 and holds an Honours BA from the University of Toronto.

For Robyn, the heart of veterinary medicine is the connection she builds with the families she cares for. She is passionate about supporting pet owners and helping them navigate their pets’ care with empathy, understanding and practical guidance.

Dr. Budgeon takes a thoughtful and flexible approach to patient care, considering each family’s unique circumstances and offering realistic options to help pets find comfort and relief.

Get to know Dr. Budgeon and the experience she brings to Morris Veterinary Hospital: www.morrisvethospital.ca/our-team.

Thanksgiving Long Weekend Hours 🍂

Morris Veterinary Hospital will be closed Monday, October 12 so our team can enjoy the holiday with their families. We’ll be back to our regular hours on Tuesday, October 13.

If your pet needs food or a prescription refill, please call the clinic ahead of the long weekend to place your order and make sure you have enough to get your pet through until next week. 🐾

From our family to yours, we wish you and your pets a safe, happy and relaxing Thanksgiving!

A new way to stay connected to your pet’s care is here! 🐾📱

We’re excited to introduce the PetCare app by DaySmart, giving you convenient access to your pet’s information, right at your fingertips.

The PetCare app makes it easy to keep track of the information that matters to your pet’s health, including: reminders, vaccine certificates, upcoming appointments, invoices and profile information.

📲 Download the PetCare app by DaySmart and connect your account using the email address or cell phone number you have on file with Morris Veterinary Hospital.

App Store: https://shorturl.at/9Vgw8
Google Play: https://shorturl.at/3Y5gB

Need a hand getting started? Please contact our team, we’d be happy to help!

The People Behind the Care

Meet Dr. Claude Morris, Veterinarian & Founder.

Dr. Claude Morris founded Morris Veterinary Hospital in 2003 and has spent more than two decades caring for pets and families throughout the Kawartha Lakes community. Today, he continues to be an important part of the team and the care we provide.

With a PhD in Zoology from Cambridge University and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Prince Edward Island, Dr. Morris brings a unique combination of academic knowledge and practical veterinary experience. He is the hospital’s primary dental surgeon, with additional training in veterinary forensics and point-of-care ultrasound.

With more than two decades of experience, Claude brings extensive knowledge and a broad range of expertise to the care of every patient.
Get to know the veterinarian who started it all.

Read Dr. Morris’ full bio → www.morrisvethospital.ca/our-team

World Rabies Day | September 28 🐾

Protecting your pet helps protect your family.

Rabies can affect animals and people, and exposure can happen unexpectedly.

The good news? Vaccination can help prevent it.

Take a moment today to check your pet’s rabies vaccination status.

Not sure if they’re up to date? We’re happy to help.

Read our blog → https://bit.ly/4dssuOH

The People Behind the Care

Behind every pet’s visit is a team of people who genuinely care about the animals and families we serve. Over the coming weeks, we’re introducing you to the people behind Morris Veterinary Hospital, starting with the person leading the team, Dr. Matt Bates, Owner & Veterinarian.

Having grown up in the Kawartha Lakes, Dr. Matt Bates has built his career around caring for animals and serving the community he has always called home. Today, as the owner of Morris Veterinary Hospital, he is proud to continue operating the clinic as a privately owned and operated veterinary hospital.

Dr. Bates is the hospital’s primary soft tissue surgeon, bringing advanced surgical and anesthesia expertise to the clinic. His additional clinical training includes an ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance Externship and a four-month anesthesia placement at the Ontario Veterinary College.

From complex surgical care to everyday veterinary medicine, Dr. Bates brings a combination of specialized training, hands-on experience and a genuine connection to the community to every patient he cares for.

Get to know the veterinarians behind Morris Veterinary Hospital.

Read Dr. Bates’ full bio → www.morrisvethospital.ca/our-team