OVC Launches New Pet Weight Care Program with Support from Hill’s Pet Nutrition

The Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) is excited to announce the launch of the Hill’s Pet Nutrition Weight Care Program, which includes a new referral service designed to help pets achieve and maintain a healthy weight for a longer, happier life. Sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, a global leader in science-led pet nutrition, the program offers a comprehensive approach to weight management tailored to each pet’s unique needs. 

Pet obesity is a growing concern, with recent studies showing that more than 50% of pets in North America struggle with obesity. Many pet guardians share that they have tried to help their pets lose weight but have had little to no success. Excess weight can significantly reduce a pet’s quality of life, leading to joint pain, diabetes, heart disease and even a shorter lifespan. OVC’s new program will help address this urgent issue by providing veterinary professionals and pet guardians with proven solutions to take proactive steps toward better pet health. 

“Our team is passionate about improving the lives of pets, and weight management is critical to that goal,” says Dr. Adronie Verbrugghe, associate professor of canine and feline clinical nutrition in OVC’s Department of Clinical Studies. “With generous sponsorship from Hill’s, we can now offer a unique program in Canada that leverages technology, tailored nutrition plans, physical therapy and ongoing support to keep pets on track.” 

The program will also support vital student learning and build competencies among Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) students to ensure that OVC graduates are equipped with expertise in healthy pet weight practices as they begin their professional careers. 

Program Features 

The Hill’s Pet Nutrition Weight Care Program offers holistic return-to-wellness services for both cats and dogs and includes: 

• In-person or Virtual Care: Services can be delivered via telehealth consultation or on-site at OVC.
• Flexible Programming: Services can be used individually or in combination to meet pet weight goals.
• Personalized Consultations: Veterinary nutrition experts assess each pet’s weight, lifestyle and health.
• Body Composition Assessments: Each animal’s total body composition and body fat content can be measured quickly and accurately using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), an advanced imaging technology.
• Tailored Nutrition Plans: Pets receive science-backed nutrition to safely reduce and maintain weight.
• Physical Rehabilitation: OVC’s Fitness and Rehabilitation Service can provide optional physical therapy services to support each pet’s recovery and well-being.
• Progress Tracking: Regular weigh-ins and progress reports help to track milestones and adjust plans as needed.
• Education: Tools and tips can help pet guardians create a healthier lifestyle at home. 

Specialized Team of Experts 

A key advantage of the new program is its dedicated team of pet weight care experts. 

“Thanks to this generous support from Hill’s, we have been able to add several specialized roles to our existing team of veterinary nutritionists and rehabilitation specialists,” explains Verbrugghe. New members of the multidisciplinary team include: 

Shoshana Verton-Shaw, RVT, VTS (Nutrition), RLAT Hill’s Pet Nutrition Coordinator 

A Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) Specialist in Nutrition and long-time member of the OVC Pet Nutrition Team, Verton-Shaw will manage all aspects of the program, focusing on clinical practice, scientific development, education and outreach. 

Dr. Zahra Rahimi, DVM, PhD, Hill’s Pet Nutrition Veterinary Intern

Dr. Rahimi is the first of three interns supported by the Hill’s sponsorship. This one-year specialty internship allows veterinarians interested in nutrition and rehabilitation to gain practical experience in these under-explored areas of veterinary medicine. In this role, Dr. Rahimi will be responsible for patient care. 

Rebecca Hunt, RVT, VTS (Nutrition), Hill’s Pet Nutrition Registered Veterinary Technician 

Rebecca is a Registered Veterinary Technician Specialist in Nutrition. Working in collaboration with Dr. Rahimi, she will play a vital role in providing patient care and developing tailored patient dietary plans. 

Hill’s Pet Nutrition Summer Students – Summer 2025 Applications Now Open

The Hill’s Pet Nutrition Summer Studentship runs from 2025 to 2027 and supports one DVM student each summer to gain experience in the pet weight care field. Students interested in the 2025 studentship can learn more by visiting the Experience Guelph website and searching for “Hill’s Pet Nutrition” in the catalogue.

“We are grateful to Hill’s for supporting these specialized roles that really set our program apart,” says Verton-Shaw, who is already processing the program’s first referrals. “The combined expertise on this team means that each pet will receive the comprehensive and tailored care they deserve.” 

Now Accepting Referrals 

The Hill’s Pet Nutrition Weight Care Program is now open and welcomes referrals for feline and canine patients from across Ontario. 

Veterinary professionals can refer patients by completing an online Referral Form, and a member of the Hill’s Pet Nutrition Weight Care Program will follow up to support the next steps. 

“Hill’s Pet Nutrition is proud to support this important program,” says Jill Zigomanis, DVM, MBA, Director of Professional Veterinary Affairs for Hill’s Canada. “Our mission is to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets, and proper weight care is essential to achieving that. Together, with veterinary partners like OVC, we can make a lasting impact.” 

“Treating clinical obesity and maintaining a healthy weight should be considered as part of a comprehensive approach to achieving optimal pet health,” says Verton-Shaw. “If your patients or your pets are struggling, we can help. It’s not just about weight loss; it’s about giving pets more quality years with their families.” 

If you have questions about the Hill’s Pet Nutrition Weight Care Program or the referral process, please email ovc.petweight@uoguelph.ca.