About Us
Originally working out of his home, Dr. Joe Vandane was the first veterinarian in the Melville area. A mixed practitioner, Dr. Vandane worked on all animals and in 1974, he and the Rm’s of Cana, Stanley, and Grayson opened what is now the Melville Veterinary Clinic at 202 Heritage Drive in Melville, Saskatchewan. Dr. Vandane worked until 1975 at which time he retired and Dr. Paul Anderson took over the clinic. Dr. Anderson worked for a year in Melville when tragedy struck the following year and he passed away suddenly due to a car accident. Dr. Dale Cochrane was a good friend and classmate of Dr. Anderson and decided to make the move from the clinic in Preeceville, Saskatchewan to continue on what Dr. Anderson had intended to build; a successful veterinary practice.
Dr. Cochrane and his wife Nora Cochrane, who was also a Registered Animal Health Technician, moved to Melville in 1976 to begin a journey that led to a successful business and flourishing veterinary practice. Together they built a clinic that prides itself on giving their clients the best animal health care there is to offer and being reliable in times of need. In 2006 the Board of RM’s funded a large addition to the building that allowed the Melville Veterinary Clinic to better serve their small animal clients. A private surgery suite, preparation room, laundry facilities, and in house gas anesthesia system was put in place that allowed Nora and Dr. Cochrane to expand the services they were able to offer their clients.
Dr. Zachary Johnson came to work at Melville Veterinary Clinic as a veterinary student in the summer of 2014 through the SVMA’s Mentorship Program. With lots of hands-on experience and thoroughly enjoying his time at the practice, Dr. Johnson returned as a 3rd-year veterinary student the following summer as well, gaining invaluable hands-on experience.
In May of 2016, Dr. Johnson graduated from the WCVM and in June of 2016 he and his wife Kylie purchased the veterinary clinic from the Cochrane’s. They continued to rent the clinic building from the RM board for 4 years until they were able to purchase the building and land in the fall of 2020. Later in the fall of 2020 major renovations were completed including adding over 2000 square feet to the building. This renovation was completed in the fall of 2021 and has already allowed the clinic to continue to grow. We have been able to add additional veterinarians and support staff which allows us to offer shorter wait times and more collaborative care.
Today, a clinic with over 40 years of history is still present and busy as ever! Serving clients from all walks of life, the Melville Veterinary Clinic welcomes you to stop by and see what we are all about. Passionate staff, exceptional service, and dedication to practicing the highest level of medicine possible is what you will find, but come and see for yourself! We look forward to meeting you and your dog, cat, cow, or whatever it may be!