Dr. Derek Peters

Derek was born, raised, and schooled in Oakville. From age 5 into adulthood, he played on local hockey and soccer teams, including at the rep level. It was also here that he developed an affinity for animals along with a fascination with science and medicine.

So when the time came to choose a career, his path was clear – veterinary medicine would include the best of both worlds. Derek spent the last few years honing his craft in Vancouver, B.C., both in a small animal general practice and in an emergency center before coming home to Oakville.

Why SOVH? “The chance to build something special from the ground up and work with this team to deliver an exceptional experience for pets and their people – in my home community no less. It doesn’t get more exciting than that!” DP

VETERINARY TRAINING
Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph (2019); Bachelor of Science (U of G); RECOVER CPR: Advanced Life Support Certification; Fear Free® certified

SPECIAL INTERESTS
Internal Medicine (the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of internal diseases); building lasting connections with people and their pets.

PASSIONS
Balancing a professional and a personal life: making SOVH the best it can be for all involved, and spending time with family and friends, exploring the world and its histories and cultures…oh, and sports, of course!

SUPERPOWERS
Derek embodies “works well with others.” A seasoned team player, he understands that collaboration – drawing on each other’s strengths and knowledge – is key to delivering the best medicine. He also radiates grace under pressure and brings a calm, level-headed approach to his work.

WHAT MAKES HIM TICK?
Derek is geared towards continuous learning and improvement. Are we doing it right? Is there a better way? Can we take it to the next level? If so, he’s on it. Personal and professional growth are top of his mind.

CAT PERSON OR DOG PERSON?
Derek grew up in a lively household of Cairn and Border terriers and enjoys their plucky personalities – little independent thinkers, game for anything, and loyal family
members. There was a time when Derek would have considered himself a dog person. No question.

That all changed when he fostered kittens a few years back and later adopted Leila, a lovely one-eyed feline full of personality from the Soi Dog Foundation in Phuket, Thailand. (Yes, a cat from a dog foundation!) Cat or dog person? Let’s call it a tie.