Meet Our Compassionate Team

At Greenwood Veterinary House Call Services, we are dedicated to providing compassionate, in-home euthanasia and palliative care for your beloved pets. Our team of experienced and caring professionals is committed to ensuring the comfort and well-being of your pets during their time of need.

Dr. Sarah

Dr. Sarah Silcox graduated from the University of Guelph, Ontario Veterinary College in 1997 and opened Greenwood Veterinary House Call Services in 2017. Prior to opening her current practice, she worked at a busy, multi-doctor, small animal practice, in emergency practice, as a locum (supply) veterinarian, and in 2003 opened the first Integrative Medicine House Call Practice in the Durham Region which allowed her to use the skills she aquired following completion of the Professional Course in Veterinary Homeopathy, followed by certification in both Veterinary Acupuncture (IVAS) and Animal Chiropractic.

She is a founding director and the current president of the Canadian Association of Veterinary Cannabinoid Medicine and lectures extensively on cannabis in veterinary practice.

When she is not working, Dr. Sarah spends her time at home with her husband, their dog, Douglas, and their cats, Malcolm and Atticus. She enjoys travelling, gardening, and starting home renovation projects.

Dr. Ruthanne

Dr. Ruthanne Mortimer started her veterinary career with a BSc at the University of Guelph. Her love of medicine and the compassionate care of animals led her to the doorstep of the Ontario Veterinary College where she received the Dr. A. Noel-Smith Memorial Award for contribution to humane activities during the course of studies and graduated with her DVM in 2003.

Dr. Ruthanne has completed the Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy (CAETA) Master Program and is a proud member of the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (IAAHPC). She has been caring for pets within Durham Region since 2017 and has a special place in her heart for nurturing our silver-faced companions and honouring the human-animal bond throughout their final moments. As such, Dr. Ruthanne is excited to join the amazing team at Greenwood Veterinary Hospice. She currently lives in Brooklin and enjoys downtime digging in her garden, playing the fiddle, and exploring hiking trails with her four fantastic kids.

Laura, RVT

With over 30 years of experience in veterinary medicine, Laura brings an extraordinary depth of knowledge, skill, and compassion to our team. Throughout her career, she has worked alongside specialists in internal medicine, neurology, and oncology, gaining a wealth of expertise in complex medical cases. She has also served as a lead technician in emergency and specialty hospitals, guiding teams through critical care and life-saving interventions.

Laura’s dedication to veterinary hospice care is truly unmatched. A passionate advocate for end-of-life support, she has not only helped families navigate difficult decisions but has also led pet loss support groups, offering comfort to grieving pet owners. She currently manages all of our follow-up calls and creates heartfelt pet tributes on our Facebook page, ensuring every family feels supported long after their beloved companion has passed.

Even in her 'free time,' Laura continues her mission of care, volunteering with veterinary outreach programs both locally and internationally to help animals in need. She has also been recognized as a Veterinary Technician of the Year by the OAVT—an honour that reflects her unwavering dedication to the field.

Laura’s wealth of experience, empathetic nature, and commitment to both animals and their families make her an irreplaceable part of our team. We are so fortunate to have her guiding our clients with kindness and expertise every step of the way.

Shanika

Shanika is the heart of our client care team, bringing warmth, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to animal welfare. With over nine years of experience in shelters and veterinary clinics, she has dedicated her career to ensuring both pets and their families feel supported through every stage of care.

Her journey in animal welfare has taken her from managing shelter operations to working in emergency veterinary settings, where she provided compassionate support to clients facing difficult moments. She is also a certified canine massage therapist and hydrotherapist, helping dogs with chronic conditions regain mobility and comfort.

Beyond her work with us, Shanika has been deeply involved in rescue efforts—both locally and internationally. Whether assisting stray animals during her travels or running a rescue organization at home, her dedication to animal advocacy knows no bounds. Her expertise in customer service, client relations, and animal care makes her an invaluable part of our team, ensuring that every client who reaches out feels heard, cared for, and understood.

We are incredibly lucky to have Shanika as part of our team, and we know our clients feel the same.

Compassionate Care, Every Step of the Way

At Greenwood Veterinary House Call Services, our dedicated team is here to support you and your beloved pet through every stage of their journey. Whether your pet needs in-home euthanasia, palliative care, or specialized consultations, we offer compassionate guidance and personalized solutions to meet their unique needs.

We understand that these decisions are deeply emotional, and we are committed to walking alongside you, ensuring your pet’s comfort and dignity at all times. Our team is ready to answer your questions and help you navigate this challenging time with compassion and respect.

Begin preparing for your pet's care now by completing one of our
Pre-Planning Forms.

One of our team members will reach out to answer any questions and discuss scheduling.

If you have more questions you'd like to discuss first, don't hesitate to

Begin Planning