Paws for a Cause: Thunder Bay Steps Up, One Paw at a Time

Access to veterinary care in northern communities is becoming increasingly limited, and for many pet owners, that reality is hitting close to home. Fewer veterinarians mean longer wait times, increased travel, and added stress when care is needed most. It’s a challenge that continues to grow, but one that local efforts are working to address in meaningful, community-driven ways.

This April, local Pet Valu owner, Jeff Palmer (HBComm'02), is stepping up to be a part of the solution.

From April 1–30, all three Thunder Bay Pet Valu locations are partnering with Lakehead's Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program (CDVMP) to raise funds to support the training of future veterinarians in the north and for the north.

For Jeff, this initiative is deeply personal. A Lakehead alumnus born and raised in Thunder Bay, Jeff has spent years in the pet industry building a career grounded in care for animals and the people who love them. This is his way of giving back—to the community that raised him, the university that helped shape him, and the pets (and people) he serves every day.

Throughout the month, customers are invited to purchase a paw (ranging from $5 to $100+), add their name (or your pet’s), and watch it join a growing wall of paws displayed proudly in-store, each one representing our community's commitment to bringing veterinary care closer to home.

This is more than a donation. It’s an investment in supporting the training of future veterinarians right here at home, strengthening access to care for animals across Northern communities. It’s about making sure that our furry companions can receive the care they deserve, when they need it most.

Visit your local Pet Valu this April, support CDVMP, and leave your mark, one paw at a time.

Participating locations: