​Dr. Cole is the founding Vet of Abbotsford Animal Hospital and Referral Center in Aurora. He has always been fascinated with the intricacies of the body-so much so that as a young child, he stayed up late reading Time Life books with a flash-light under the covers! Mark developed an interest in animals at an early age and was able to keep many different kinds of creatures as a child while growing up in Ingersoll in southwestern Ontario. He enjoyed raising racing pigeons, pheasants, rabbits, and puppies. In grade six he recalls deciding he wanted to be a Veterinarian and started to focus on that goal, beginning with getting better grades in school!

During his high school years, he was fortunate enough to work on a dairy farm, a pig breeding farm and at a turkey production research company. He was captain of the intercollegiate football, soccer and basketball teams as well a President of the Student Council.

After high school, he entered the University of Guelph and was then accepted to Vet school in 1979. He graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College with honours in 1983 and then travelled to the U. K. where he became a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. He first practised in Agincourt, Ontario at a surgical referral practice where he honed his skills in medicine and surgery- especially Orthopedics.

In 1987, he moved to Aurora, initially living above the clinic he established on Yonge St. Later, with the assistance of his partners, a new larger practice facility was constructed at 14958 Yonge St. Dr. Cole has lived in York Region for over 25 years, currently living with his wife and 2 daughters on a rural property- out in the woods. Mark has 5 dogs, Ollie, Molly, Polly, and 2 pups named Holly and Hot Tamale! 6 cats round out the entourage of furry family members at the Cole household.

Dr. Cole's personal interests include singing and acting. Marcus (his stage name) starred in several Aurora Community Theatre productions such as "Camelot" and "Cabaret", winning an acting award from the community theatre association. Later he performed in professional theatre, the longest-running one was "Murder at the Howard Johnson's". He has a keen interest in renewable energy and succeeded in erecting the first wind turbine in Aurora in 2003 at the new Vet clinic location.