RAPS Animal Hospital Veterinary Team

Our veterinary professionals and team of support staff care for the physical and emotional needs of your animals and you.

With experience across multiple disciplines of veterinary practice, from routine and preventative care to surgical treatments (including orthopaedic surgeries) and advanced procedures, your pet’s health is our priority.

Dr. Marius Vasilescu

CHIEF VETERINARY MEDICAL ADVISOR
Dr. Marius Vasilescu provides professional development to the RAPS Animal Hospital team and assists with our most complicated surgeries.

Dr. Victoria Cruz-Mendez

VETERINARIAN
Dr. Victoria Cruz-Mendez received her veterinary accreditation from Royal (Dick) Veterinary School of the University of Edinburgh, in the United Kingdom, where she also did post-graduate studies. She has worked extensively with small and exotic animals as well as in pathology and dermatology. Before completing her studies, she was a wildlife care assistant with the Wildlife Rescue Association of B.C. and she was involved in animal organizations on and off campus. She lives in Vancouver and has three cats (including two rescues) and two ferrets (one who is a rescue). In her free time, Dr. Cruz-Mendez plays soccer and takes the ferrets out for walks. (Follow their adventures on Instagram @chorizotheferret).

Dr. Satveer Dadrwal

VETERINARIAN
Dr. Dadrwal holds a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry from Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, in India, and has practiced in India, Australia and Canada. He has extensive experience in animal welfare and public education, including in rural development settings. Dr. Dadrwal performs surgeries, dental procedures, emergency care and a full range of veterinary procedures on cats, dogs and exotics such as rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs and hedgehogs.

When not working, you can find him hiking and exploring the new country and spending time with his world explorer cat, Tintin and mischievous puppy, Maple.

Dr. Guy Arad

VETERINARIAN
Dr. Guy Arad moved to Vancouver in 2007 with his wife, two daughters, their cat and dog. He is a graduate of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Saint Istvan University, in Budapest, Hungary (2002). He provides RAPS’ orthopedic surgeries (which he loves to do) along with numerous other complicated surgeries, intensive care and cardiology among other areas of practice. When he’s not saving and improving the lives of animals, Dr. Arad hikes, cycles, kayaks and spends time with his family.

Dr. Regan Schwartz

VETERINARIAN
Dr. Schwartz graduated from the St. George’s University – DVM Program and also has a previous Master’s degree in Public Health. Dr. Schwartz brings a strong interest in preventative medicine, emergency medicine, surgery and dentistry as well as community outreach with a One Health approach. She has extensive experience working internationally with organizations such as: Veterinarians Without Borders and World Vets, having organized One Health One Medicine community clinics in Grenada, and volunteers monthly with the BC SPCA offering free veterinary care to Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside residents. Dr. Schwartz brings a compassionate, strong personal and professional commitment to helping animals and owners in need.

Dr. Alex Maldonado

VETERINARIAN
Dr. Maldonado obtained his veterinary degree in 2006 and worked in mixed and rural animal practice before joining the RAPS Animal Hospital. After working in small animal hospitals in Ontario, Dr. Alex moved to the Lower Mainland, which he is now proud to call home.

Dr. Alex’s main interest is the wellbeing of the patient, practicing integrative medicine consultation encompassing conventional, complementary and alternative therapies. His veterinary interests are wellness and preventative health care, soft tissue surgery, dentistry, nutrition, immunology, and behaviour, though he enjoys all aspects of general practice.

Being part of a not-for-profit vet hospital allows Dr. Alex to focus on what he loves best: Caring for animals and their people.

Dr. Joseph Martinez

VETERINARIAN
Dr. Joseph Martinez is a well-established and respected veterinarian and Richmond resident for over 30 years and is leading the new team at RAPS Animal Hospital. He has extensive veterinarian experience and is one of British Columbia’s leading exotic animal veterinarians. He brings a wealth of knowledge in surgical, dental, emergency medicine, geriatric pets, soft tissue surgery and cardiology to RAPS Animal Hospital. He has a holistic approach to animal care and is excited to be joining the RAPS Animal Hospital, which is home to Canada’s only veterinary hyperbaric oxygen treatment facility. Dr. Martinez is assisting RAPS to expand its practice beyond dogs and cats, treating exotic animals, especially rabbits. Dr. Martinez has been active over many years giving back to the community and sees his involvement in RAPS as a continuation of improving and enhancing his community service to the people of Richmond and the Lower Mainland.