WHO WE ARE
Constantly supporting island equestrians in accomplishing their goals through honest and dedicated equine care.
Martinez Veterinary Services is a one-vet ambulatory equine veterinary practice with a special interest in sports medicine. We provide outpatient services in our clinic at our family equestrian centre, Bonita Stables. Martinez Veterinary Services has been servicing the Saanich Peninsula since 1996, where we have been privileged to care for competition and pleasure horses.
Veterinarian
Dr. Tino Martinez
Tino is originally from Honduras; at a very early age, he developed a strong interest in veterinary medicine while spending summers at his grandparents' cattle ranch. He attended Veterinary Medicine School in Costa Rica and graduated in 1989, he then completed an additional one-year training at Tufts University in Massachusetts. Tino then moved to British Columbia, where he practiced for three years at Hastings Park and in the Fraser Valley while serving as an associate at Kleider Veterinary Services. In 1996, with the help of his wife Sharon, he established an equine veterinary practice on Vancouver Island. In 1999 and 2000, he completed additional training in veterinary acupuncture. In 2002 he received certification in animal chiropractic. He follows his commitment to continuing education with a particular interest in equine lameness diagnosis and treatment. During his time off, he enjoys racing his motorcycle and spending time with his family.
Veterinary Assistant
Linda Deamer
Linda grew up in Richmond, BC and began riding at the age of 7. Her interest in horses and riding grew stronger over the years, and the local barn where she rode became like a second home. In her late teens, she began working as a rider in the local hunter/jumper community. She did this job passionately for several years and it included competing in the CET finals and riding in a training barn in Belgium. Linda also worked as a groom at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Florida. In her mid twenties, Linda wanted to experience other things and so took a job as a concierge in a downtown Vancouver residential high rise. However, eventually she was drawn back to working with horses. In her free time Linda enjoys running and yoga.
Practice Manager and Veterinary Assistant
Chelsea Dodds
Chelsea grew up on Mayne Island, where she started riding at a very young age, competing at local shows on Vancouver Island with her ponies. In her late teens, she discovered the thoroughbred race scene at Hastings Park. In 2001, she and her partner Jason moved to Vancouver Island, where she became involved in the hunter/jumper world and developed a passion for jumping and starting young horses. After managing one of the island's largest hunter/jumper barns, she began at Martinez Veterinary Services in 2015 as the practice manager and vet assistant. She enjoys working around their hobby farm and gardening in her free time. Although riding is not a top priority anymore, if you ever catch her on a horse, you will see her with the biggest smile.
Head of Security and Truck Dog
Rudy Martinez
Rudy Martinez is a Jack Russell Terrier. He recently joined the Martinez Veterinary staff during COVID-19. Rudy enjoys playing ball and riding in the truck, protecting his coworkers and bird-watching.
Head of Welcoming Committee and Office Assistant
Peanut Dodds
New recruit, Peanut, is a Chihuahua x rescue from California. Peanut has years of experience with farm life and decided in the summer of 2022 to try out Martinez Veterinary Services. to help her gain social experience. Peanut likes long walks, ball time, and sunbathing on hot days. Peanut mostly hangs out in the office with Wilson, but occasionally, she takes trips on the road to help Rudy with truck security.
Welcoming Committee, Office Assistant, and Truck Dog
Wilson Martinez
Wilson is a Border Terrier mix rescue dog from southern California who joined the Martinez Family in 2012. Wilson can be found spending his time in the office with Chelsea and Peanut or occasionally on the road with Tino.
Welcoming Committee
Stewart Martinez
Stewart is a Golden Retriever bred on Vancouver Island. Stewart joined the Martinez family in 2023 as a puppy. When he's not working or showing off his tricks he can be found hanging out with his BFF Ian.