Dr. Jane Pritchard
Former CVO for British Columbia, 2013-2016, 2018-2020
Dr. Jane Pritchard is a retired veterinarian with a distinguished career in animal health and public service. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Ontario Veterinary College, and a Master of Veterinary Science in Anatomical Pathology from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Pritchard served as Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) of British Columbia for eight years, where she was key in the development and national acceptance of the Standard for Slaughter without Stunning. Her time as CVO also included promoting collaborative relationships among CVOs, notably during the 2014 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreak in British Columbia. She emphasized the importance of strategic planning and open communication among CVOs to address national animal health issues effectively.
Her career with the BC Public Service spanned 17 years, during which she held several key positions including Executive Director of the Plant and Animal Health Branch, Director of the Animal Health Centre, and Chief Veterinarian for the province. She also managed the Regulatory Unit overseeing dairy farms, bees, fur farms, and game farms, as well as the Plant Health Unit and served as a Public Health Veterinarian.
Following her retirement from the BC Public Service in 2021, Dr. Pritchard served as interim registrar for the College of Veterinarians of BC (CVBC) for 18 months. She was later elected to the CVBC Council and currently serves as its President.
Originally from British Columbia, Dr. Pritchard has lived and worked across Canada, Europe, China, and briefly farmed mixed cattle and grain in Alberta. In her retirement, she is currently involved in training her young dog in agility, obedience, and scent work.