As Ontario's only veterinary college, and one of the world's top-ranked veterinary schools, the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) advances animal health and welfare through excellence in education, research, and clinical care, helping strengthen food systems and support the people and communities who depend on them.
As the new dean of OVC, I am excited about the opportunities ahead to expand our impact on Ontario's agri-food sector and support the farmers, veterinarians, producers, and industry partners who work tirelessly to ensure a safe, productive, and sustainable food supply for Ontarians and consumers around the world.
At OVC, we embrace a One Health approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of animal health, human health, and environmental health. This perspective guides our work across agriculture, public health, food safety, and sustainability, helping us address complex challenges that affect animals, people, and communities alike. Our One Health Institute is at the centre of these efforts, bringing together experts from diverse disciplines to tackle issues of global importance. The impact of this work extends far beyond Ontario, with OVC researchers collaborating internationally to help protect food systems from threats such as avian influenza and antimicrobial resistance while supporting animal health and public health worldwide.
Healthy animals are the foundation of a thriving agricultural industry. Through the Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program (CDVMP), a partnership between the University of Guelph and Lakehead University, OVC is helping train more veterinarians for practice in northern and rural communities where access to veterinary care remains a critical need. By expanding opportunities for students to learn and train in these regions, we are helping strengthen veterinary services for livestock producers and rural communities across Ontario.
OVC is also a recognized leader in animal welfare research. Through the Campbell Centre for the Study of Animal Welfare (CCSAW), our researchers work alongside producers, industry partners, and policymakers to advance science-based approaches that support the welfare of food animals and strengthen public confidence in modern agricultural practices.
Our Large Animal Hospital serves as an invaluable resource across the province, providing specialized, world-class 24/7 care for all large domestic animals while helping train the next generation of veterinary professionals. Through the Saputo Dairy Care Program, we bring together researchers, producers, veterinarians, and industry leaders to address challenges facing the dairy sector and drive innovation that supports productivity, sustainability, and animal well-being. Equine Guelph is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of horses through research, education and career support.
Research excellence is at the heart of OVC's impact. Our faculty are addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing animal and public health, including antimicrobial resistance, avian influenza and other emerging infectious diseases, food safety, animal welfare, sustainable livestock production, and agricultural resilience. Through a One Health lens, this research helps protect animal health, strengthen food security, safeguard public health, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of agriculture in Canada and around the world.
Together with our partners across the agricultural sector, OVC remains committed to supporting farmers, advancing animal welfare, expanding access to veterinary care, and generating the discoveries that will shape the future of agriculture. We are proud of the role OVC plays in building a healthier, more resilient future for animals, people, and communities in Ontario and beyond.
Dr. Julia Montgomery
Dean, Ontario Veterinary College
University of Guelph
