Expertise: Veterinarian
Languages: English
Location: Toronto, Canada
Overview
Dr. Erika Sullivan is an active animal advocate through her work as a veterinarian. Her passion lies in promoting humane alternatives to live animal use for veterinary surgical training. She graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) in Guelph in 2005. She is a spokesperson for several local, national, and international animal projects and movements that dedicate their cause and time to helping animals. As a clinician, Dr. Sullivan educates clients on the realities of declawing cats, pet cosmetic surgery, shelter adoption, pet stores and puppy mills, and ownership of exotic animal species in captivity. She has delivered formal presentations on the health benefits of vegetarianism, wildlife conservation efforts — including her experiences with gorillas in Africa and elephants in Thailand, and alternatives to harmful animal use in veterinary surgical training. Dr. Sullivan believes that as a society we too often make selfish decisions that fail to consider the inherent interests and needs of animals, therefore rendering animals victims of humankind.
Publications & Presentations
Dr. Sullivan is an author of summary articles on alternatives to harmful animal use in veterinary surgical training. Her published works include articles in veterinary medical journals on her experience with wildlife rehabilitation projects in Africa and Thailand. Her oral presentations have covered vegetarianism, veterinary medicine and surgical training. She has been featured as a guest on the radio show Animal Voices, and recently spoke at the 2010 National Animal Rights Conference in Washington DC.
Athletic Events
Dr. Sullivan enjoys athleticism and uses it as a means to promote animal welfare by wearing creative t-shirts with positive messages. From adventure sports to regular sporting events, she has a fond interest in sky diving, fast-pitch softball, jogging and running, and recently bungee jumping!
Other accomplishments
On graduation from OVC, Dr. Sullivan received 11 veterinary academic awards and honors in recognition of her academic performance and class rankings. One was the OSPCA Veterinary Student Award, which is awarded by classmates to the student showing most compassion toward animals. Dr. Sullivan also achieved the Dean’s Honour List during her undergraduate studies at the University of Guelph, before receiving her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree with Distinction.
