From her early days in clinical practice to her current role as director of Academic Strategy at the Toronto Humane Society, Kirsti Clarida’s career reflects a profound dedication to enhancing animal welfare and advancing veterinary education. Exposed to veterinary medicine through a co-op course in grade 11, Clarida quickly discovered her passion for veterinary technology far trumped her initial desire to work as a veterinarian.

“Initially, the program focused on shadowing the veterinarian, but I found myself more drawn to the work of the RVTs,” Clarida reflects. “I realized that performing surgeries or making diagnoses wasn’t my passion. Instead, I shifted my focus and set my sights on pursuing a career in veterinary technology.”

After earning her Veterinary Technician diploma from Seneca Polytechnic in 1999, Clarida worked as an RVT in various clinical settings—including small animal practices, emergency services, and mobile or locum services—for 12 years. In 2007, she transitioned to education, starting first as a casual lecturer before eventually taking on the role of program co-ordinator of the Veterinary Technician diploma program at Seneca Polytechnic in 2018.

However, Clarida’s dedication extends beyond the classroom. In 2007, she joined the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians (OAVT) as director. She explains, “I later moved into an operations role and returned to serve as vice-president and then president, completing the maximum number of terms by March 2024. I also served as the organization’s marketing and communications manager. In addition, I have also proudly sat as the president of both the Ontario Veterinary Technician Educators Association and the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre.”

Now with the Toronto Humane Society, Clarida is enthusiastic about her new role. “I plan to work collaboratively with various organizations so that we can all learn from and support each other,” she says. Veterinary Practice News Canada spoke with Clarida to learn more about her vision for advancing veterinary education and fostering collaborative initiatives at the Toronto Humane Society.

1) How long have you been working with the Toronto Humane Society? What sparked your interest in joining the organization?

Over the years, many of my students graduated and launched incredible careers at the Toronto Humane Society. I noticed their passion and the intrinsic rewards that inspired them to stay long-term. Staying connected with alumni working at the Toronto Humane Society, we began collaborating on initiatives to bridge the gap between our sectors.

Our first collaboration involved mandatory field placements for the Veterinary Technician (VT) diploma, providing students with a tremendous experiential learning opportunity while aligning with the Toronto Humane Society’s visionary goals and team-based approach to veterinary services. Our second initiative was the Animal Behaviour Learning Theory course at Seneca Polytechnic, designed to set a foundation for those new to animal training or those pursuing advanced credentials in the field.

These projects highlighted the incredible impact Toronto Humane Society has on improving the lives of animals. When my current role was announced, I was immediately drawn to the opportunity—it felt like the perfect intersection of all the ideals we had been building. I officially started my position as director of Academic Strategy in July 2024.

2) Can you elaborate on the importance of integrating accessible care models and veterinary social work into academic curriculums?

Integrating accessible care models and veterinary social work into academic curriculums is crucial for addressing the evolving needs of the veterinary profession.

“Understanding the profound relationship between people and animals reshaped my career. I found greater fulfillment in seeing how my work affects people individually and collectively in their communities.”

The challenge lies in considering the need for consistency in graduate training while staying ahead of industry demands. Academic programs must navigate this balance while addressing the nuanced differences between degree, diploma, and certificate—each with its own level of expertise and focus.

Veterinary medicine is not just about clinical skills; it’s about preserving and enhancing the bond between animals and humans. By incorporating accessible care models and social work into the curriculum, we will ensure that students are prepared to handle the complex, human-animal relationships central to our mission. This holistic approach supports the medical care of animals and the broader impact on human lives and relationships, ultimately enriching the graduate learning experience and professional readiness.

3) Can you share any particularly memorable or impactful moments from your career as a veterinary technician that continue to inspire your work today?

Over the past 17 years, I have worked with OAVT to formally and publicly recognize the RVT credential and its invaluable impact on veterinary medicine. One of my proudest moments was watching Bill 171, Enhancing Professional Care for Animals Act, 2024—including the Veterinary Professionals Act of Ontario—be ushered across our parliamentary floor. This legislation marked a significant step in formally recognizing the vital role of veterinary technicians.

Another pivotal moment occurred during my first job at a veterinary clinic. Fresh out of school, I was eager to apply everything I had learned but struggled to get along with some team members. One day, the practice owner, a veterinarian I trusted, asked me about the tension. Though I don’t remember his exact words, I remember how I felt afterward. He clarified the issue related to the power dynamics between intersecting professions while inspiring self-reflection and sharing new communication tools. He did this while maintaining an open dialogue, teaching me without judgment. Instead of feeling ashamed, I was learning and growing.

4) How have your previous experiences shaped your perspective on integrating veterinary social work and animal welfare education?

My early career as an RVT focused primarily on clinical success. I aimed to master my technical skills, stay innovative, improve patient outcomes, and become indispensable. Initially, I concentrated on what I could achieve with my credentials alone.

However, as I continued to learn and grow, my perspective broadened. I began to appreciate my role within a team, becoming a trusted client resource and a confident patient handler. It became clear that my work was not just about technical skills but about fostering relationships centred around the human-animal connection. I realized that my role as an RVT allowed me to positively impact the families of my patients.

Understanding the profound relationship between people and animals reshaped my career. I found greater fulfillment in seeing how my work affects people individually and collectively in their communities. This shift in perspective has deeply influenced my approach to integrating veterinary social work and animal welfare education.

5) Can you share the vision behind the new Academic Strategy at the Toronto Humane Society?

The Academic Strategy is designed to create partnerships with educational institutions, integrating accessible care models, veterinary social work, the human-animal bond, and humane sentiment into animal welfare academic curriculums. The vision is to see accessible care, veterinary social work, and preservation of the human-animal bond as a standard in veterinary education and practice.

Our goal is to build programs that can support the learners, educators, and systems that are currently in place—shaping the future of animal welfare education and ensuring comprehensive and inclusive care across the sector.

As part of this initiative, the Toronto Humane Society will focus on three key areas:
– Developing strategic educational partnerships to support Work-Integrated Learning programs.
– Integrating accessible care models and veterinary social work into animal welfare curriculums.
– Enhancing professional development opportunities for animal welfare professionals.