Veterinarian
Dr. Helen Douglas is a native of Nova Scotia but was raised in Ottawa. She graduated from Ontario Veterinary College in 1978. Helen worked at Valley Veterinary Clinic for its founder, Dr. John Stinson, from 1979 until 1986 as a farm and small animal veterinarian. During this time, she developed an abiding love for Lanark County. Always active in the equine community, Helen bred showed Sport Horses and Hunters as well as breeding Dobermans and Siamese cats. She left in 1986 to pursue additional training in equine practice. During her time away, she practiced in the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia for six years.
In 1995, Dr. Douglas purchased Valley Vet from Dr. Stinson. Since that time, Helen and her associates have treated dogs, cats and horses for the local community and the equestrian community surrounding west end Ottawa. Helen is extremely proud of Valley Veterinary Clinic and its staff. Endeavouring to constantly improve our service and equipment and to educate our vets and staff about the latest medical and academic advancements is a primary focus. In 2000, Helen studied acupuncture and is pleased to be able to provide this treatment modality to the three species we care for. Many of her original clients still visit Valley Vet regularly. It is Helen’s goal that they trust us to be an important part of overall health maintenance for their pets and horses as well as education for themselves.
In 2009, Helen published her first book of memoirs William’s Gift and is proud to be publishing a second book called Horse of a Lifetime in 2011. She is also the CTV News at Noon regular veterinarian, appearing monthly to answer phone-in questions for Ottawa viewers. Combining her love of travel with her love of horses, Dr. Douglas has gelded horses on a polo field in the Bahamas, filed teeth in Ecuador and done pregnancy checks on cattle in South Africa. A devoted career veterinarian, she believes she is incredibly blessed to have a job she loves and to work with animals every day.
