Meet The Team
Dr. Tara Risling
Red Tree Animal Clinic is owned and operated by Dr. Tara Risling. A 2013 graduate of the University of Calgary Faculty of veterinary Medicine, Tara has been in practice for over 10 years and is excited to bring past ownership experience into this new venture. Tara enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine but has particular interest in surgery, dentistry, anesthesia, and ultrasound. She is always looking for ways to grow in her ability to deliver optimal care to her patients and believes strongly in open, straightforward communication with her clients. When not in the clinic, Tara spends much of her time trail running, mountain biking, and skiing with her family and animals.
Dr. Laura Armstrong
A born and raised Calgarian, Laura has known she wanted to be a veterinarian her entire life. She graduated from the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Veterinary medicine in 2018 and has been living her dream ever since. Laura really enjoys getting to know her clients and the unique bond they share with their animal companions. Laura believes strongly in providing a spectrum of personalized care to her patients and works hard to help every animal she sees. Many aspects of veterinary medicine interest Laura, though she is most excited help with behavior cases (particularly reactive canines and stressed felines), dentistry, soft tissue surgery, and preventative care. When not at work Laura enjoys reading, skiing, and spending time with her own pets, a large dog and two cats, as well as her husband and daughter.
Anneliese Heinrich
Rockyview Veterinary Behavior Consulting
Dr. Heinrich grew up in Ontario working on horse farms as a stable hand and trainer as well as milking cows. She obtained a BSc in Animal Biology and an MSc in Animal Behaviour and Welfare from The University of Guelph before attending the Ontario Veterinary College and graduating in 2012. She moved to Alberta in 2016 with a brief hiatus away working with marine mammals and wildlife. She is currently the only Veterinary Behaviour Specialist in Alberta as a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists.
Dr. Heinrich lives in Cochrane with her husband, two children, two Standard Poodles and a lovely grey cat. She also has a Paint mare she has started and trained from a weanling. She has a special passion for starting young horses using positive reinforcement.
Dr. Heinrich will be taking consult appointments out of Red Tree Animal Clinic.