Welcome to South Tower Animal Hospital - Your Veterinarian In Fergus, ON

Dr. Oren graduated from the faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the Free University of Berlin, Germany, in 1996. While studying, he developed a keen interest in surgery. After graduation, he worked for 4 years in a referral clinic for surgery in Berlin, where he received extensive training in advanced surgical procedures and developed a special interest in orthopaedic surgery.In 2001, Dr. Oren immigrated to Canada where he worked in Sydney, Cape Breton Island, NS, for a year before moving to Ontario, where he worked for a group of hospitals in Southern Ontario and was responsible for managing the surgical services. He moved to Guelph in 2004 where he worked at a small animal clinic before joining the team at South Tower Animal Hospital in early 2012. In December 2012, he took over as owner.Dr. Oren resides in Guelph with his wife who is also a veterinarian, daughter, three cats and three dogs. In his free time,  he enjoys spending time with his family, scuba diving or riding a motorcycle.

Dr. Vala graduated from veterinary school in 2020 and worked for two years in Tehran, Iran, before moving to Canada, where he immediately began the licensing process and achieved certification to continue his career as a Veterinarian.  He has a special interest in small animal medicine and client communication, with a focus on helping pet owners feel informed and supported in every stage of their pets care.  He resides in Fergus, where he enjoys fitness, hiking, music, and spending time outdoors with his dog,  Hugo.

Dr. Nicole Iarusci is a graduate of the Ontario Veterinary College’s Class of 2025. Originally from Toronto, Ontario, she now resides in Guelph, where she spent many years during her studies.

Nicole is passionate about developing her skills in ultrasonography and providing compassionate end-of-life care. At South Tower Animal Hospital, she looks forward to building meaningful connections with clients and their pets, cherishing the unique bond they share.

Outside of work, Nicole enjoys spending time with her family and her pets, Phinnie and Ferb. She also serves on the board of OVC Pet Trust as the founder of her live concert fundraisers, Punk4Paws. Combining her passion for live music and veterinary medicine, she is committed to fostering advancements in care and research.

Dr. Peter received both his B.Sc and D.V.M from the University of Guelph in 1974 and 1978 respectively.  He also was a past president of the Golden Triangle Veterinary Academy, a board member of the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association, as well as serving as a Director of the Guelph Minor Baseball Association.

Dr. Villhauer brings vast experience with him and joined STAH after being a practice owner in Guelph for over 30 years.  Although not working on a regular basis, Dr  Vilhauer still fills in when needed.

He and and his wife are enjoying semi-retirement with their three children and two grandchildren.

Georgia Peach joined our team in 2016 after being found as a stray by our CSR, Pat. Since then she has settled in well as our clinic cat, providing a warm, cheerful presence and friendly face to all who visit! You will often find her helping out at our reception desk, or napping peacefully in one of our exam rooms.