Our Approach and Philosophy
OHSA is a family-based organization that approaches veterinary care with relationships as a keystone. We work in a small group and recognizing that caring for animals may extend beyond individual human–animal relationships into broader, community-wide systems of support and shared responsibilities.
We recognize that colonialism is not confined to the past but continues to shape the systems we are part of, including animal welfare and human health services. We acknowledge the harm this has caused, and continues to cause, to both people and animals. We have established OHSA in an effort to actively build systems that reduce and combat that harm - led by First Nation community partners within the Sea to Sky corridor and beyond. OHSA is committed to listening, learning, and respectfully honoring Indigenous leadership, which is grounded in deep, ongoing relationships between people, animals, and the environment.
OHSA takes a community-led approach to care. In our efforts to reduce barriers to veterinary services in remote and First Nation communities, we recognize that these communities are best positioned to identify effective accessibility solutions.