Welcome to Uptown Animal Hospital!

We are proud to provide veterinary services to cats and dogs in Salmon Arm and the surrounding area. Our clinic was started by Dr.Taryn Cass and Dr.Kirsten Riphagen, and we aim to create a low stress experience for pets and their people.

Our Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide extraordinary care to your four-legged family members in a knowledgeable, low stress and creative way. Our empathetic team is here to guide and support the connection between you and your pet.

We strive to treat each pet as if they are a member of our own family.

Our Caring & Compassionate Veterinary Team!

Meet the Veterinarians & Team of Uptown Animal Hospital in Salmon Arm! We’re pleased to provide exceptional vet care for your pets!

Please call us at (250) 833-5364 to speak to one of our caring veterinary staff members!

Dr. Kirsten Riphagen

Veterinarian

Dr Kirsten Riphagen grew up on a farm in southern Alberta, and graduated from the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in 2014. She has lived in BC since then, first in Kelowna, and now in Vernon. For the first few years in practice she worked in a busy emergency practice. More recently she has focused on working in general practice for numerous small animal clinics between Vernon and Westbank. Dr. Riphagen has worked with several volunteer veterinary projects and groups to provide veterinary care to underserved communities in Canada and internationally and has worked very hard to become Level 2 Fear Free certified!

Dr. Taryn Cass

Veterinarian

Dr. Taryn Cass graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. Since that time she has worked in many areas including a mixed animal practice in Fort St.John, a small animal specialty practice and emergency medicine. Dr. Cass now lives just outside Salmon Arm on a farm where she spends time with her 5 children, loving husband and menagerie of farm animals. Dr. Cass prides herself on quality medicine and a fear free approach.

Dr Jitender Bhandal

Veterinarian

Dr. Bhandal is a Board-Certified Small Animal Surgeon and a member of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in all aspects of Veterinary Surgery to the Uptown Team!

Britt

Practice Manager

Britt was born and raised in central Alberta and just recently relocated to the sunny Shuswap after years of dreaming of making the move. Britt joins us with a diploma in dental assisting and has worked in an administrative role in dental offices for many years, but decided to pursue her passion for animals and jump head first into veterinary medicine.

Britt’s hobbies include: boating, hiking, snowboarding, consuming large amounts of coffee and living life with her 3 children and husband. She shares her home with 2 dogs and 3 cats.

Jacquie

Registered Veterinary Technician
Jacquie was born and raised in Germany and moved to Canada in 2003.  She has always had an interest in the veterinary industry and when she was still in Germany she did a practicum at a veterinary clinic and decided that one day she would be in the veterinary field for good.
After moving to Canada and working at a variety of different jobs, Jacquie volunteered at a shelter for a few years further supporting her decision to pursue her dream career in veterinary medicine. She first took a veterinary assistant course and then after several years, moved forward with her education to secure a diploma as a veterinary nurse (RVT). Jacquie graduated from the distance veterinary technician course through Thompson Rivers University at the end of 2019.
During her time away from work Jacquie enjoys riding motorcycles with her partner and snuggling with her 2 cats and 2 dogs.
When asked why Jacquie chose veterinary nursing as a profession she replies, “I have always had a passion for animals and always felt that I wanted to be a voice for them.  Providing a voice for my patients, quality care and a positive experience for all animals that walk through our door is my goal.

Brett

Registered Veterinary Technician

Coming soon

Ashley

Registered Veterinary Technician Student
Originally from Revelstoke BC, Ashley has lived in Salmon arm for 14 years. She has recently entered the field of Veterinary medicine after a successful career in Wealth Management. Ashley is currently studying to become a Registered Veterinary Technician.
In her free time, Ashley enjoys gardening, beekeeping, hiking, camping, and snowboarding. She is joined on her little hobby farm by her husband, two kids, two cats, a dog, a rabbit, many chickens and honeybees.

Jenny

Assistant

Jenny grew up in Sheffield, England, and has always loved being outdoors exploring the countryside be it hiking or biking. Interestingly, Jenny studied Law at university but realised that her real passion revolves around animals. Jenny has two miniature shetland ponies that moved with her and her partner to Canada in 2018 that she loves to drive. Stay tuned for more pictures of them. When asked how Jenny likes Canada, she responded: We absolutely adore it here because not only is the hiking and biking outstanding but we can also ski and kayak! I am excited to explore and see all the beautiful scenery and animals Canada has to offer.

Kerri

Assistant

Kerri has joined the Uptown team with over 10 years experience as a certified veterinary assistant. She recently moved to the Shuswap and is having fun getting to know the area with her husband and two dogs. In her free time Kerri likes to hike, garden, snowshoe, and go fishing.

Cathy

Customer Service

Cathy grew up in Alberta, but Salmon Arm has been her home for over 12 years. After graduating with a Science degree many years ago, she stepped into the Veterinary field, fell in love with it and has never left!  Cathy’s family crew includes two cats, a dog, two horses, a bearded dragon and two teenagers! She cherishes outside time with her family, kayaking, hiking and exploring the fabulous lakes of the Shuswap. That “wet dog” smell gives her joy! Cathy is excited to be part of the Uptown team, serving the furry family members of this great community.

Robyn

Customer Service

Robyn started her dream career all the way back 1999. Starting out as a kennel assistant, Robyn has been fortunate to experience and work in many areas of the veterinary hospital setting. After a move to the Shuswap, from the lower mainland, she finds so much enjoyment being outside and exploring the lakes and trails of the North Shuswap and surrounding areas.

Angela

Customer Service
Born and raised in Salmon Arm, Angela is proud to call the Shuswap her home. Angela’s crew consists of a dog named Harvey, 2 cats – Cardi and Mason and 2 wild children. When not at the office, you can find her either out in the garden, walking her dog on the many trails around Salmon Arm, or painting under the watchful eye of her cat Mason.

Breanna

Assistant
Coming Soon

Makayla

Assistant
Coming Soon

Taylor

Customer Service
Taylor grew up in Kelowna and has recently moved to Salmon Arm. She is very excited to explore her new city. She has a love for all animals of any shape, size, and breed. She comes from many years in a health care background but has decided to pursue a career working with animals as well as their owners. In her free time she is often out hiking, camping, snowshoeing, and enjoying the outdoors with her little family and her dog, Ruger.