This September, the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) at the University of Guelph is launching its first-ever Northern Cohort—20 students from Northern Ontario beginning their path to become veterinarians through the new Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program (CDVMP), a joint initiative with Lakehead University.

The program is designed to tackle a growing veterinary care shortage in Northern Ontario, where access to services for pets, livestock, and animals in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities has become critically limited. Over the next four years, these students will study at OVC with the goal of returning home to deliver vital, culturally informed animal care.

“These students bring deep ties to Northern Ontario, a passion for service, and a commitment to improving animal health and welfare,” says Dr. Jeff Wichtel, dean of the OVC. “We’re proud to support their journey and to be part of a long-term solution that strengthens veterinary capacity across the province.”

Backed by $14.7 million in provincial funding, the CDVMP is creating new infrastructure at both campuses while blending OVC’s internationally recognized veterinary training with Lakehead University’s long-standing commitment to northern, rural, and Indigenous education. The initiative aims to remove barriers to professional study and build a pipeline of veterinarians ready to serve underserved regions.

Students will gain hands-on experience, work alongside local veterinarians, and complete coursework tailored to northern practice. Graduates will earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from the University of Guelph.

While new facilities at Lakehead are under development, the first two cohorts (2025 and 2026) will complete all four years at OVC’s Guelph campus. Beginning in 2027, students are expected to start their training at Lakehead in Thunder Bay before finishing at OVC.