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Québec Veterinarian Honoured for Global Leadership in Animal Welfare
June 26, 2025
Victoria, B.C. – Dr. Enid Stiles was presented with the 2025 Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) Humane Award for her tireless commitment to the well-being of animals and the advancement of veterinary medicine, both in Canada and around the world. The award was presented during the Annual CVMA Awards Gala on June 25.
Dr. Stiles is a Past-President of the CVMA, current chair of the World Veterinary Association’s (WVA) Animal Welfare Working Group, and founding member of Veterinarians Without Borders Canada. She opened Sherwood Park Animal Hospital near Montréal in 2009 and is known for her progressive, low-stress approach to care. Her impact spans advocacy, public outreach, clinical innovation, and international policy leadership.
“Without a voice, we will never be heard and without passion, we will never be felt,” says Dr. Stiles. “We must continue to speak for those who cannot speak and work hard to provide healthy lives for the animals we share our earth with.”
Dr. Stiles has played a vital role in banning medically unnecessary surgeries in Québec, including declawing, tail docking, ear cropping and devoicing. “Her efforts paved the way for the banning of non-therapeutic surgical interventions in the province of Québec, and she is currently involved in Ontario’s movement to do the same,” says Dr. Jordyn Hewer, CVMA Council member representing Québec.
Through her work with the WVA, she has addressed high-impact topics such as the donkey skin trade, extreme breeding, working equids, and animal welfare in disaster zones. “Her vision and leadership continue to be on display… championing global awareness and action on high-visibility issues of societal relevance,” says Dr. Brian Evans, former Chief Veterinary Officer for Canada and Deputy Director General at the World Organisation for Animal Health.
A passionate educator and advocate for preventive care, Dr. Stiles also played a leading role in establishing the Global Vets program at the Ontario Veterinary College and has helped develop veterinary services in underserved communities across Canada and abroad.
“Dr. Stiles does not simply practice veterinary medicine – she helps evolve the profession,” says Ms. Sophie Gaillard, Director of Animal Advocacy and Legal Affairs at the Montréal SPCA. “She embodies what veterinary medicine should be: a profession rooted in animal well-being, practiced in the service of animals first.”
The CVMA Humane Award, sponsored by Merck Animal Health, recognizes leadership in the care and well-being of animals. It is presented to a veterinarian whose work is judged to have contributed significantly to the welfare and well-being of animals.
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The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) is the national and international voice for Canada’s veterinarians, providing leadership and advocacy for veterinary medicine. Each year, the CVMA proudly recognizes individuals and groups for their outstanding contribution to veterinary medicine. Visit canadianveterinarians.net to learn more about the CVMA.
Contact:
Ashley Dupont
Communications Officer
Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA)
613-236-1162 ext. 125
adupont@cvma-acmv.org