Meet Our Veterinarians

Dr. Jesmer is one of our veterinarians and the owner of the Castleridge Veterinary Clinic. 

Dr. Jesmer completed his pre veterinary requirements at the University of Saskatchewan in 1972. He graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in the spring of 1976. As a student-and upon graduation, he worked at the Dauphin Veterinary Clinic in Manitoba. In August 1977 Dr. Jesmer moved to Calgary to be closer to family. There he worked with Associate Veterinary Clinics- first as an associate , and then as a partner. It was in 1980, during this period, that the Castleridge Veterinary Clinic was founded. The clinic initially was situated on Castleridge Boulevard and was moved to present location after becoming independent from Associate Veterinary Clinics. 
 Dr. Jesmer was involved for many years with the management of the  Calgary Academy of Veterinary Medicine’s spay and neuter clinic. 
 Dr. Jesmer enjoys doing scrambles in the mountains, backpacking, hiking, kayaking and mountain biking.  West Coast, North Coast, Rockwall and Berg Lake Trails are some of the backpack trips he has enjoyed. 

Dr. Knowler graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2001. She has been an employee of the Castleridge Veterinary Clinic since her graduation.

Dr. Gratz grew up on a small farm near Olds,  Alberta. After graduating from veterinary medicine at the University of Saskatchewan, Dr. Gratz worked for several years in mixed practice in eastern Alberta. She then coordinated the Dairy Production Program at  Olds College for three years. For most of her veterinary career, Dr. Gratz has worked as a relief veterinarian. She has worked in over 100 practices across Canada. Dr. Gratz is also a practice inspector for the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association.  Dr. Gratz started working for the Castleridge Veterinary Clinic in the 1990s and now only works here....definitely her favourite clinic!

Lynn lives on a farm near Strathmore and is also an artist blacksmith and has made numerous display mounts for the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller. Lynn is an avid bird watcher, loves to travel, and definitely enjoys the occasional craft beer!

Dr. Dave graduated with a B.Sc. in Zoology from the University of Calgary in 1990 and then headed to the University of Saskatchewan for his DVM degree, graduating in 1994.  After graduation Dave ended up in Calgary working in small animal practice for about 14 years.  He then landed the dream job of teaching prospective animal health technology students at Olds College for 12 years.  When not working Dave enjoys hanging out with his wife Penny and their bad dog Roger and fantastic cat Jack.  They have 1 daughter, Bailey,  who lives in British Columbia. Bailey and Dave are trekking partners and have done several world class trips including 6 weeks in Nepal.  Dave also enjoys travelling, mountain biking, cross country skiing, music and good red wine (and the occasional craft beer).