Dr. Matthew Richardson:
I started working at The Animal Clinic in 1988, as a high school Kennel Attendant. After high school, I completed an undergraduate degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Princeton University with extensive work in Fine Arts/Photography. Upon graduation, I thought I wanted to be a Biology Professor, so went to the University of Washington in Seattle and toiled through a Ph.D. in Zoology. Midway through that degree program, I realized that the life of an academic was not for me and that High School me was right in wanting to be a veterinarian. But I also knew that I couldn't leave things uncompleted, so I finished my dissertation prior to returning to Ontario for a DVM degree at the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph. I have been a partner at The Animal Clinic since graduating from OVC in 2007. My professional interests include surgery, dentistry, diagnostic imaging and nutrition.
When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my wife, Robin, and our 3 boys (Patrick, Xander and Cameron). We share our house with an ever growing menagerie that consists of: 2 dogs (Tenaya the almost 16 year old Weimaraner, and Dublin the 6 month old Flat-Coated Retriever), 7 birds, 3 fish tanks (1 saltwater, 2 freshwater) with untold number of creatures, and an occasional Leopard Gecko.
In my spare time, I enjoy cycling, rock climbing, canoeing, photography and cooking. Every year in September I do a one-day, 160 km bike ride in support of the Farley Foundation, which funds necessary medical procedures for the pets of the elderly, disabled and women at risk of abuse.