For as long as I can remember, animals have been and important part of my life. Like many people, I have been blessed with some amazing pets over the years. It comes from this that I appreciate the very strong relationship and bond one can have with these wonderful creatures.

I graduated with a background in medical microbiology, and as Doctor of Veterinary medicine. I have been working with the Blue Cross Animal Hospital for many years. In the early years I have also worked in the local veterinary emergency hospital which has helped hone my skills of critical care, and gaining experience in what clients and veterinarians go through during a crisis.

Over the years I have met many wonderful people and their pets. Although I look after the health of thousands of people’s pets, I strive to treat each person and their pets as individuals. Getting to know the owners and their pets has been part of my mandate and is just good medicine.

I spend countless hours (actually counted, lol) on continuing education to keep me up to date with advancing medicine and to hone my skills.

My hope is that through my knowledge and experience, I can help pet owners ensure that their animals live long and healthy lives as loved members of their family.

Blue Cross Animal Hospital welcomes Dr. Padmini Makkapati as a new member of our clinic family. Dr. Padmini Makkapati became licensed by the CVO in 2005. After getting her license in Canada she spent the first few years of her career working in small animal clinics around Toronto, and in Ohio as well. Dr. Makkapati continues to enhance her education in Veterinary Medicine by staying up to date on the latest technologies by attending symposiums and continuing education seminars. Her interests include internal medicine, diagnostic imaging and dentistry. She loves the human animal bond that she experiences everyday. Dr. Makkapati compliments the compassionate, and skilled Veterinary care our clients at Blue Cross Animal Hospital have trusted over the years. In her spare time, she loves to read and travel. She is married with two daughters and they have a beautiful bichon poodle mix named Snowball.

Our newest addition to our Veterinary Team, Dr. Gude is a compassionate Veterinarian. Growing up in India, with family roots in large animal farms was her connection to animals which led her to enter into the world of Veterinary Medicine. After graduating from Veterinary University in India in 1999, she worked there as a mixed animal Veterinarian for two years.

Her strong passion for learning led her to pursue a research career in England. In 2002, she was selected for the prestigious DFID scholarship for Masters in Meat Science and Technology at the University of Bristol in England. She also received a full scholarship for MPhil in Microbiology at Thames Valley University in London, England. She published her research work in popular journals such as Letters in Applied Microbiology.

She moved to Canada in 2012 and accredited by CVMA. She volunteered and worked in various small animal clinics in GTA and Waterloo area. She has special interest in preventive medicine and providing quality of life to senior and sick pets. She believes in continuous education and keeps herself up to date. She feels fortunate to witness the unconditional love pets share with their owners. She gives priority to healthy pets and thus happy owners.

In her free time, she loves to spend time with her family. She enjoys gardening and also has an interest in crafts.

Dr. Tahir Mahboob joined our Veterinary team on March 2018.

Dr. Tahir Mahboob graduated with distinction from Veterinary College in 1994. He received a Masters Degree in Veterinary Microbiology in 1996. While doing his Masters, he had three research articles published in International Journals of Veterinary Medicine.

Following graduation, he served as a Veterinary Officer with the Government of Pakistan. After gaining valuable experience with them, he later managed his own practice for a few years.

In 2005, Dr. Mahboob moved to Canada and became licensed by the CVO. He worked in multiple clinics around the Greater Toronto Area and in Florida. In 2010, he decided to plant his roots in beautiful Waterloo.

Dr. Mahboob loves his job! He is dedicated to modern veterinary medicine by keeping up to date with continued education. Dr. Mahboob sees small animals as well as exotic pets. He especially loves orthopaedic surgery. He holds certification in cruciate repair and patellar luxation.

In his spare time, Dr. Mahboob enjoys spending time with his wife, two daughters and son, and their cat Taps.

My journey working with animals began in high school as a dog groomer. I had always known my dream was to practice veterinary medicine, so I was thrilled to be accepted to the University of Guelph for Animal Biology. During my undergraduate studies, I spent my free time working as a vet assistant by day and milking cattle by night.

In 2022 I was honoured to graduate from the Ontario Veterinary College with distinction.

I love all things veterinary, keeping up with the latest evidence based medicine through continuing education. I enjoy working with clients as a team and take a collaborative approach to patient care. My special interests include emergency and critical care, internal medicine and enhancing the human animal bond.

When I’m not at work, I’m usually powerlifting or spending time with my zoo of animals. I have 2 cats, Fred and George, a lionhead lop rabbit named Gregory, a 28 year old African Grey Parrot named Buddy, and Lupin, my crazy doberman.

Ahilya joined the staff at Blue Cross Animal Hospital in the summer of 2005. Prior to that, she worked as a receptionist at another veterinary clinic for 2 years. Before that, Ahilya spent many years working as a Medical Secretary for a number of physicians and Health Care Facilities. Her son completed the Health Care Certificate Program at Conestoga College and is actively working as a PSW locally, while also pursuing a career in nursing.

Ahilya is the Practice Manager at Blue Cross Animal Hospital, and is responsible for the day-to-day operations and administration of the clinic. She oversees our website, social media, client communication and front office staffing, assuring that the clinic operates efficiently. Ahilya is passionate about ensuring all clients and patients have the very best experience with the amazing team at Blue Cross.

In her spare time, Ahilya enjoys going to the gym, trail walks, exploring markets and shopping, movies, and reading. Ahilya loves spending time with her family, which also now includes the clinic cats, Fred and Barney! Fred and Barney are both enjoying their new home, and are being spoiled rotten on a daily basis!

Heather began working at Blue Cross Animal Hospital during her co-op student placement back in 1989, and joined the staff in 1990. While employed here, she married and became the proud mom of 4 children, two daughters and a set of twin sons. As a technician, Heather assists in all aspects of patient care, assisting the veterinarians during appointments and surgery, taking radiographs, performing laboratory testing, treating and monitoring hospitalized patients, and handling client communication. In addition, she assists Ahilya in the day-to-day office management. Heather is the go-to person for our wellness programs. In her off hours, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, camping, reading, and spending time with her dog Gordie a Golden-doodle.

Dawn is our Head Receptionist at Blue Cross Animal Hospital. You will hear her friendly and helpful voice every time you call the clinic to book an appointment or assist you with any questions or concerns about your pets Dawn started working at Blue Cross in the Spring of 2019. She graduated from the Medical Office Assistant Program in 2018. Dawn brings with her many years of customer service and is responsible for managing the front office and all Reception duties to help make your visit to our clinic a positive and efficient experience. When she is not working in the clinic, she is spending time with her husband, her 4 boys and 3 fur babies.

Cheryl graduated from the technician program at Ridgetown College in 1999. She joined Blue Cross Animal Hospital right after graduation. Cheryl has worked in several roles within the clinic, assisting the veterinarians with appointments and diagnostics, and is now one of our surgery technicians, along with Kara.
She lives with her 3 cats, Mischief, Gryphon and Gypsy, and enjoys reading, puzzles and surfing the net.

Meet Vala, the newest member of our team here at Blue Cross Animal Hospital. Vala is originally from Iran and followed his childhood dream to become a vet, achieving his dream by graduating from vet school in 2020. He gained some great experience during the two years of working at a small animal practice in Tehran. Then, in 2022, he embarked on a new adventure, moving to Canada. Vala began his studies in the Master of Biomedical Science program at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) and he joined us at Blue Cross in April 2023 as a veterinary technician. Currently, he is diligently preparing for his licensing exams, an important step toward becoming a licensed veterinarian. His commitment to his career as well as his passion and compassion for animals shines through in his daily work. Outside of work, He enjoys playing tennis and skiing. In his free time, you'll find him reading up on the latest medical articles and finding comfort in the world of music.

Kara joined our team at Blue Cross Animal Hospital in April 2023. Kara graduated from the Veterinary Technician Program with Honours from Seneca College in 2023. Previously, she graduated from Sheridan College in the Animal Care Program with Honours and has worked in a small animal clinic since 2019. Kara has a passion for surgery and nursing care and is committed to providing the very best care to all our patients at Blue Cross Animal Hospital. Kara lives in Cambridge with her 2 Beagles Rolly and Dustin and her Leopard Gecko Akira.

My passion for veterinary medicine grew from a very young age when I would go to vet appointments with my childhood dog. The doctor would have me help distract my dog and listen to his heartbeat each visit and I immediately fell in love with vet med. I graduated from Georgian college with honours in April 2024 and joined the Blue Cross team in August 2024. Outside of work I like spending my time with my many pets. I have my dog Cocoa, a cat named Chloe, 2 gerbils Pip and Squeak, and my hamster Lilly Belle.

As a dedicated Veterinary Assistant with 6 years of experience in the field, I'm passionate about assisting in surgeries and understanding canine behavior. I joined the Blue Cross team in October 2023 and am currently working towards a dog behavior and training certification. Outside of work, I share my life with my husband and our 3 dogs: Arizona, Charlie, and Lucifer. Inspired by my fur babies, I plan to apply for the Veterinary Technician program next year to further my expertise in animal care.

Hi my name is Fred. I am a 4-year-old male neutered tabby and white domestic short hair who was adopted by the Blue Cross Animal Hospital Family. I am happy to say that I have moved in with the Office Manager and my new mom, Ahilya! My brother Barney also lives with us. We cause lots of laughter and happiness for our mom and we are EXTREMELY spoiled. Although I miss seeing all of you at the clinic, you can rest assured that I am a very happy cat that is loving my new found Fur-ever home.