In 2024, Dr. Karen Ward, Chief Veterinary Officer at Toronto Humane Society, was awarded the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) Humane Award—a prestigious honour that recognizes outstanding contributions to the welfare of animals. The recognition is a testament to Dr. Ward’s profound dedication to improving animal welfare through her unique blend of compassion, advocacy, and innovative thinking. But as she shared in a recent interview, her journey in veterinary medicine and animal welfare is far from conventional, and her vision for the future is as inspiring as it is transformative. 

A Lifelong Passion for Veterinary Medicine 

Dr. Ward’s passion for veterinary medicine dates back to her childhood. Like many in the field, she was one of those kids who always dreamed of becoming a vet. Her interest was fueled by a fascination with biology and medicine, fields that provided endless opportunities for learning, growth, and challenge. 

“I was always drawn to the sciences and fascinated by biology,” Dr. Ward recalls. “I wanted to enter a profession where learning never stops, where you’re always growing and being challenged.” This drive for continuous learning has been a defining feature of her career, pushing her to stay at the forefront of veterinary advancements and improving care for animals in ways that also benefit the communities around them. 

A Holistic Approach: One Health, One Welfare 

Dr. Ward’s professional philosophy is grounded in the concept of “One Health, One Welfare,” which emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. “I view animals, the environment, and people as all having equal value. We are all integral and part of each other,” she says. This philosophy shapes her approach to both veterinary care and her broader advocacy efforts. Her belief is that animal welfare doesn’t exist in isolation but is deeply connected to how we treat our planet and each other. 

Her passion for environmental sustainability and her stance on responsible consumption reflect this interconnected worldview. As a long-time vegetarian, Dr. Ward believes that how we interact with animals and the environment has a direct impact on the health of the planet. “We need to care for animals, the environment, and each other. It’s not just about us exploiting the world for our lifestyle,” she explains. Her dedication to a sustainable future informs many of her decisions, both personally and professionally. 

Transformative Work in Indigenous Communities 

Among Dr. Ward’s many contributions to animal welfare, her work with First Nations communities stands out. Through pop-up wellness and surgical clinics, she has helped bring much-needed veterinary care to underserved areas. These clinics, developed in partnership with Indigenous communities, have provided critical services while respecting the cultural context and needs of the people they serve. “We don’t just arrive, do the work, and leave. It’s a partnership with the community,” she emphasizes. This collaborative model is an essential part of Dr. Ward’s vision for improving access to veterinary care. 

One particularly impactful outcome of her work has been addressing heartworm in communities where veterinary services are scarce. Through community partnership clinics, it was discovered that heartworm—a disease not commonly seen in well-served areas—was prevalent in certain underserved communities. By working with community members and adapting treatment protocols, a more accessible model for heartworm prevention and treatment was created, ensuring that more animals could receive the care they needed. 

Pioneering Accessible Care 

Dr. Ward’s contributions to advancing veterinary medicine extend beyond her work in Indigenous communities. As part of the University of Wisconsin and University of California, Davis Shelter Medicine Fellowship program, she has mentored shelter veterinarians and helped improve shelter practices across North America. Her work has led to the development of more accessible treatments, shortening recovery times for conditions like heartworm, which in turn improves the mental health and welfare of animals. 

Her vision is not just about providing top-tier care to individual animals but about creating systems that allow more animals and people to access veterinary services. “The advancements in medical care are wonderful, but they leave many pets and people outside of a veterinary-client-patient relationship,” she observes. Dr. Ward believes that one of the greatest challenges facing veterinary professionals today is finding ways to expand access to care, especially for underserved populations. 

A Team Effort 

Despite her impressive achievements, Dr. Ward is quick to share the credit with her colleagues and community partners. “I didn’t do this alone. Everything we’ve accomplished is the result of teamwork,” she insists. From fellow veterinarians such as Dr. Linda Jacobson, Director of Science and Advancement and Phil Nichols, Chief Executive Officer, to community volunteers, Dr. Ward recognizes the importance of collaboration in achieving meaningful, lasting change in animal welfare. 

A Vision for the Future 

Looking ahead, Dr. Ward remains hopeful but acknowledges the challenges the veterinary profession faces. From navigating the impacts of climate change to addressing the increasing demand for advanced medical care, she believes that the future of veterinary medicine will require creative, inclusive solutions that prioritize accessibility and sustainability. 

For those considering a career in veterinary medicine, Dr. Ward offers a piece of heartfelt advice: “Explore it first. Volunteer. Understand what the work is really like before you start the long educational journey.” Her words underscore the importance of finding a path that aligns with one’s strengths and passions—a path that can truly make a positive impact on the world. 

As Dr. Karen Ward continues to lead by example, her work serves as a reminder that veterinary medicine is not just about treating animals—it’s about improving lives, building communities, and caring for the planet we all share. With her holistic approach, unwavering compassion, and vision for the future, she is helping to shape a better, more compassionate world for animals and people alike.