Dr. Neil Lawrence, DVM

Dr. Neil Lawrence, DVM, is a small animal veterinarian at Callendar Animal Hospital, an independent practice near North Bay, Ontario. He graduated from Ontario Veterinary College in 2002 and has practiced veterinary medicine in Trinidad and Tobago, Orangeville, Moosonee and Callander. He is a founding member of the OVMA Sustainability Committee and a member of the Canadian Veterinary Dermatologists. 

Together with his wife and their team, Dr. Lawrence makes an annual journey to the James Bay coast to deliver critical veterinary care to the remote communities of Moosonee and Moose Factory, where he finds deep pride in pet ownership but a critical need for services. His passion for increasing the reach of access to veterinary care in Indigenous regions sparked his interest in making a broader impact by serving on the Board at PetSmart Charities of Canada. 

When he’s not wearing a stethoscope, Dr. Lawrence plays ultimate frisbee, swims and volunteers for men’s personal development retreats. He and his wife are avid gardeners and have nourished beehives on their property for more than a decade. They enjoy board games with their teenage boys, and their two dogs (both Whippets) and a small flock of ducks add to the happy chaos of their home life.

Mission Moments

with Neil Lawrence

Why do you think pets are important in the lives of people? 

Our pets are beautiful reminders of remaining present and optimistic in life. I am in awe of how stoic and resilient dogs and cats are, with rarely a complaint. They remind us that love and connection are so important in this world, and that sharing and deepening connections is what makes each day sweeter. 

How has your pet (or a previous pet) changed your life? 

I continue to be surprised at how much I come to love and cherish my family's pets. Loving and losing pets has taught me a lot about how deeply losing a pet can impact me, and this knowledge helps me empathize with my clients when they have to say goodbye to their 4-legged family members. 

What makes you most excited about working with PetSmart Charities? 

I am very excited to be lending my support and experience to PetSmart Charities, especially around the issue of access to veterinary care. As a veterinarian in Northern Ontario, I have seen first-hand how difficult it is to be a pet parent in an area without reliable veterinary care, and it's heart-breaking. PetSmart Charities' commitment to improve access to veterinary care resonates deeply with my core values, and my belief that everyone should have affordable and reliable veterinary care for their loved ones. 

What’s one stigma about pet parenting you wish would end? 

As a small animal veterinarian, I have had the privilege of watching many families welcome a puppy into their home, working with them to keep their pet healthy and happy, and then guiding the family as they send their pet over the rainbow bridge. Our pets are family members and we come to love them deeply and completely. It surprises me when some people, often men, try to diminish their sadness when they lose a pet. It's natural to feel a huge loss when we lose a family member, especially when you consider how much joy they fill our hearts with over the years we share with them.