Dr. Cathy Furness
Former CVO for Ontario, 2019-2023
Cathy received her veterinary degree, with Distinction, from the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph in 2000. Following graduation, Cathy practiced in both small animal and equine practice prior to returning to the Ontario Veterinary College to complete an MSc in Clinical Studies and a residency in Large Animal Internal Medicine. Cathy is board certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine – Large Animal Internal Medicine.
In 2013, Cathy joined the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs’ (OMAFRA) Animal Health and Welfare Branch. There, she continued to build her knowledge and experience in emergency management as Lead Veterinarian for Planning and Preparedness. In this role, Cathy was responsible for provincial-level disease planning and preparedness, disease outbreak response and supporting various commodity and stakeholder organizations to enhance their respective emergency preparedness.
In July of 2019, Cathy was appointed Chief Veterinarian for Ontario (CVO). In her role as CVO, Cathy worked in partnership with veterinarians, farmers, industry and the community as well as provincial ministries, provinces and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to support animal health and welfare needs in Ontario.