A dog lying on its back against a white studio background

Most clinics aren't owned by vets. Ours are. Most clinics aren't owned by vets. Ours are.

The Founding Story

Dr. Steven Davidson seated inside Upper Village Veterinary Hospital

Dr. Steven Davidson has spent 25 years in veterinary medicine. For much of that time, he worked inside large corporate practices. Over the years, he watched the culture of care become more distant from the people who delivered it: faster, more transactional, and less personal.

Eventually, he decided to step out on his own. He founded Upper Village Veterinary Hospital to build the kind of practice he believed veterinary medicine needed: one where the doctor is present, known, and at the centre of every decision.

That decision was also about the future of the profession. As corporate consolidation changed the market, many experienced veterinarians lost a path to ownership. Clinics that once could be passed to a junior vet or shared with a new partner were increasingly priced beyond reach.

Dr. Davidson believed that opportunity mattered. The best veterinary care is built around a relationship, and those relationships are strongest when vets have the ownership and autonomy to lead their practices.

The Village Vet+ grew from that belief. It gives experienced veterinarians a way to own and operate their own clinics, while giving families the consistency of seeing the same hands, visit after visit.

Meet Our Associate Owners

Dr. Steven Davidson

Dr. Steven Davidson

Founder, The Village Vet+

Associate Owner, Upper Village Veterinary Hospital

Read Dr. Steven's bio

Dr. Steven Davidson embodies our commitment to exceptional pet care. With over two decades of clinical experience, Dr. Davidson has dedicated his career to enhancing the health and well-being of animals, earning the trust and respect of pet owners and the veterinary community.

Dr. Davidson’s journey in veterinary medicine has been both diverse and enriching. He has honed his skills in a 24-hour emergency and referral center, owned a veterinary clinic, and served as the medical director for a bustling downtown animal hospital. These varied experiences have equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of veterinary practices and the ability to handle various medical situations with expertise and compassion.

His areas of professional interest are extensive, encompassing surgery, dentistry, internal medicine, anesthesia, and pain management. Dr. Davidson is particularly passionate about collaborating with pet owners, believing that a team approach is essential to supporting the health and happiness of the entire family. He takes the time to listen, educate, and involve pet owners in decision-making, ensuring that each pet receives personalized and effective care.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Dr. Davidson is a family man who cherishes spending quality time with his loved ones. An outdoor enthusiast, he enjoys skiing, canoeing, and neighbourhood walks with his beloved Old English Sheepdogs, Tilly and Sully. These personal experiences enrich his understanding of the profound connections between pets and their families, further informing his compassionate approach to veterinary care.

Dr. Michael Astin holding a cat

Dr. Michael Astin

Associate Owner, The Village Vet+ Annex

Read Dr. Michael's bio

Dr. Astin has nearly 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine, including several years as the medical director of another successful veterinary clinic. He is passionate about building lasting relationships with clients and loves hearing the unique stories that make every pet and family special.

Dr. Astin provides comprehensive veterinary care with particular interests in surgery, dentistry, senior pet care, and preventative medicine. He enjoys helping pets stay healthy throughout every stage of life, with a special focus on promoting longevity and maximizing both lifespan and quality of life. His practice includes wellness and preventative care, vaccinations, spays and neuters, dentistry, diagnostic imaging, nutritional counselling, and advanced soft tissue surgery.

As the owner of his own practice, Dr. Astin values having the independence to make decisions based solely on what is best for his patients. He believes the best veterinary care comes from truly knowing each pet, building trusted relationships with their families, and making thoughtful, individualized medical decisions. He is committed to lifelong learning and continually incorporates the latest advances in veterinary medicine to ensure his patients receive exceptional care.

Dr. Astin completed his undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science at the University of Guelph before earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Ontario Veterinary College. Following veterinary school, he completed a rotating internship focused on internal medicine, surgery, and anesthesia to further develop his clinical and surgical skills before entering general practice.

Outside of the clinic, Dr. Astin enjoys spending time with his wife and their Sheepadoodle, Murphy.