THE LINKS ROAD ANIMAL & BIRD CLINIC - Key Persons
Dr. Dean Axelson (1934-2011), founder of The Links Road Animal & Bird Clinic in 1973, was considered one of the pioneers of avian and exotic animal medicine in Canada since his graduation from the Ontario Veterinary College in 1960. Over the course of his career, he imparted his vast wealth of knowledge to many prominent avian and exotic veterinarians including his son, Dr. Rick Axelson, the current owner/partner of The Links Road Animal & Bird Clinic. He was past president of the Association of Avian Veterinarians (1985). He had written extensively on veterinary subjects, authored a chapter in a veterinary textbook on Avian Dermatology and was the author of "So You Want A Pet Bird" (1981). He had lectured extensively across Ontario and North America. Dean Axelson appeared on many radio and television shows. Dean Axelson received the OVMA Golden Life Membership Award 2004 recognizing individuals who have served the veterinary profession in an extraordinary manner. He retired from full-time veterinary practice in 1997.
Dr. Evan Mavromatis attended the University of Guelph where he completed a B.Sc. prior to being admitted into the Ontario Veterinary College. Evan graduated from OVC in 1999, joining The Links Road Animal & Bird Clinic that same year. He has always had a special interest in exotic animals, having worked at the Toronto Zoo through most of his university career, as well as having owned many of the species to which he now dedicates his care. He is a member of the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association, Association of Avian Veterinarians, Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians, Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians and the College of Veterinarians of Ontario. Evan has appeared in print media and on local television. He also sits on the Animal Care Committee at the Ontario Science Centre.
Evan is a native of Toronto and continues to call this city his home. Together with his wife, they enjoy the company of their 10 crested geckos, one gargoyle gecko named Ellie, cat named Whisper, a corn snake named Maple and two tanks filled with fish. In his spare time, he keeps in shape by playing hockey and working out. He also enjoys participating in a variety of other sports as well as drawing and the outdoors.
In 2004, Evan became a partner of The Links Road Animal & Bird Clinic.
Dr. Evan Mavromatis attended the University of Guelph where he completed a B.Sc. prior to being admitted into the Ontario Veterinary College. Evan graduated from OVC in 1999, joining The Links Road Animal & Bird Clinic that same year. He has always had a special interest in exotic animals, having worked at the Toronto Zoo through most of his university career, as well as having owned many of the species to which he now dedicates his care…(more)
Dr. Melanie Vaughan joined our clinic family in 2020 shortly after graduating from the University of the West Indies School of Veterinary Medicine in Trinidad. Mel also has her B.Sc. in Zoology from the University of Guelph and is a member of the Caribbean Veterinary Medical Association. Mel's passion for exotic animals started from a young age as she grew up with pet birds, reptiles and rodents of all species - and that passion for exotics and birds only grew as her education advanced. Mel has worked and interned at aquariums and zoos both in Canada and Trinidad, further expanding her knowledge of exotic animal medicine and conservation.
In her free time Mel is also a professional dancer, having performed and competed with various artists internationally. She enjoys hiking, scuba diving, traveling the world and hanging out with her rescue conure Rio.
Dr. Rick Axelson graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 1987. He apprenticed with his father, Dr. Dean Axelson, founder of The Links Road Animal & Bird Clinic (1973) until he purchased the hospital in January 1996. Rick grew up in Toronto and still lives in north Toronto with his daughter and cat. He has been surrounded by animals of all shapes and sizes his entire life but has a special passion for birds and exotic species. He is a member of the College of Ontario Veterinarians, Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA), Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV), Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians (AEMV) and Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV).
Rick has lectured to veterinarians, veterinary technicians, the Ontario Veterinary College, local parrot clubs and numerous community groups. He has appeared on local and national television and radio shows. He is the author of a veterinary education handout series for birds and exotic pets for Lifelearn Inc.
Rick passionately enjoys photography and has a camera with him most everywhere he goes. He is an avid bird watcher, hiker and loves to spend time gardening in the backyard. Fitness and being outdoors is a must.
Dr. Rick Axelson graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 1987. He apprenticed with his father, Dr. Dean Axelson, founder of The Links Road Animal & Bird Clinic (1973) until he purchased the hospital in January 1996. Rick grew up in Toronto and still lives in north Toronto with his daughter and cat. He has been surrounded by animals of all shapes and sizes his entire life but has a special passion for birds and exotic species…(more)
Dr. Melanie Vaughan joined our clinic family in 2020 shortly after graduating from the University of the West Indies School of Veterinary Medicine in Trinidad. Mel also has her B.Sc. in Zoology from the University of Guelph and is a member of the Caribbean Veterinary Medical Association…(more)