Our History

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.