It is with profound sorrow and the heaviest of hearts that the team at Westwinds Mobile Veterinary Services announces the passing of their cherished co-founder, Dr. Jennifer McConnell, on April 3, 2025. Her sudden departure has left a void that words can scarcely express, as the community mourns not just a skilled veterinarian, but a deeply compassionate soul whose passion for animal welfare and gentle presence changed countless lives.
Dr. McConnell—known lovingly to many as Jenn—was more than just a veterinarian; she was a healer, a mentor, a friend, and a guiding light in British Columbia’s veterinary community. Her love for animals transcended species and sizes—from the smallest buzzing bee to the noblest horse. Her empathy and understanding were limitless, and she approached every creature with a calm, nurturing spirit that immediately put both pets and their owners at ease.
Jenn’s journey in veterinary medicine was one marked by excellence, innovation, and heart. As one of the founding members of Westwinds, she played an integral role in shaping the clinic’s mobile practice and mission. Her vision was simple yet powerful: to provide compassionate, accessible veterinary care to animals in the comfort of their own environment, reducing their stress and improving their well-being. Under her leadership, Westwinds became a trusted name across the province, known not only for its quality of care but for the warmth and sincerity that radiated from every visit.
Colleagues describe Dr. McConnell as a radiant force—her smile contagious, her wisdom profound, and her kindness boundless. Whether it was calming a nervous pet parent, mentoring a young vet student, or simply sharing a laugh over coffee with her team, Jenn carried a grace and authenticity that left a lasting impression.
She was also a champion for continuous learning, community outreach, and sustainable veterinary practices. Her contributions to both the science and the soul of veterinary care will endure as a part of her lasting legacy.
To the clients of Dr. McConnell, the Westwinds team shares this heartfelt message: Your animals were not just patients to her—they were part of her extended family. She loved them fiercely and cared for them with the utmost devotion. In the wake of this loss, Dr. Bader, Dr. Forester, and Dr. Barrett remain committed to continuing that legacy of excellence and compassion. Your pets are still in the most loving hands.
The grief felt by the Westwinds staff and the greater veterinary community is profound. But alongside the sorrow lives immense gratitude—for the time they shared with Jenn, for the lessons she taught, and for the beautiful example she set as a veterinarian and as a human being.
Dr. Jennifer McConnell will forever be remembered as one of the very best—an extraordinary professional, a fierce animal advocate, and above all, a beloved friend. Her spirit lives on in every animal she helped, every colleague she inspired, and every life she touched.
Rest gently, Dr. Jenn. Your heart, your hands, and your light made this world a better place. You will be missed beyond measure—but never forgotten.