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Managing Veterinarian - DVM

Dr. Derek Clark

Dr. Derek Clark, veterinarian in Toronto

Managing Veterinarian - DVM

Dr. Derek Clark

Dr. Clark joined Abbotsford in 2000 and presently serves as the Managing Veterinarian. Hailing from Pontypool, Ontario, Dr. Clark enjoyed a childhood with supportive parents and many opportunities to cultivate a deep appreciation for service and the development of skills. Derek has a lifelong calling to be a support to others in need, so much so, that on his eighteenth birthday he joined the Manvers Township Fire Department and began training as a Volunteer Firefighter.

Throughout his early years, he worked with a wide range of animals including: ferrets, rabbits, dogs, cats, hamsters, Guinea pigs, horses, and cattle. During his time working as a secondary school and university student at Lindsay Animal Clinic he came to appreciate the profound benefits that people enjoy by having a pet to share their lives with. In fact, he saw that within our society there are many who only have a pet to provide them with a sense of being valued and loved. Having seen this, he committed himself to become a veterinarian to support the important bond between pets and their human companions.

Dr. Clark attended the University of Guelph in the Bachelor of Science program and was accepted into the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program prior to completing his B.Sc. When Dr. Clark graduated in 1998 he received the Small Animal Surgery Award for his graduating class.

Dr. Clark and his family share their lives with four cats, Crystal Annabeth, Koi, Rosie, and Chai (aka Mundungus). Dr. Clark’s personal interests include meditation, sailing on Lake Ontario with his family, and laughing at his own jokes.

His veterinary special interests include: soft tissue surgery (tumour removal and wound repair), orthopedic surgery (offers two different surgeries for cruciate ligament disease – MMP procedure and the extracapsular lateral suture method). Femoral head and neck excision and surgery for the medial luxating patella, cancer treatment, endoscopy, and customized care for the needs of each family and pet.

In a time where the stresses of veterinary practice has never been higher, Dr. Clark has found that for him, personally performing euthanasia was having very negative effects on his well-being. In seeking a way to continue his  practice of veterinary medicine and care for his well-being he has had conversations with the CVO, the province’s veterinary licensing body, and with their advice will no longer personally be performing euthanasia. Abbotsford Animal Hospital will continue to offer euthanasia and will be provided by Dr. Bocknek, Dr. Hanna or Dr. Lai when they are available.