Dr. Bernhard Pukay BA (Biol/Chem), DVM, AAVD
Veterinary Dermatology & Allergy Services
Contact Information
dermatology@avah.on.ca
Phone number: 613 731 6851
Personal Bio
Dr. Pukay began his life's journey as a grade five elementary school teacher before being accepted into the Ontario Veterinary College. As a student, he spent time in the backcountry of Antigonish County in Nova Scotia where, in his own words, "my adventures rivalled those of James Harriot." After graduation, he settled in Ottawa and he became a Partner and eventually CEO at Alta Vista Animal Hospital.
He and his wife, Eva (his high school sweetheart) have shared their life with all kinds of pets, from dogs and cats, to horses, snakes, birds, chinchillas, nutria, rabbits, and pocket pets such as rats, guinea pigs, hamsters, etc. He is the very proud father of two incredible boys, Michael (a videographer) and Greg (a physician).
Professional Bio
Dr. Pukay has been involved in all aspects of veterinary medicine. Dr. Pukay was Executive Producer, Co-director and Host of the popular television series, PET CONNECTION, a series of 65 one-half hour television shows televised world-wide on The Discovery Channel's Animal Planet. He also hosted a CBC Radio Noon phone-in talk show for more than 20 years and has been writing a syndicated pet care column for the Canwest and Southam Group of newspapers, including the Ottawa Citizen, for more than 30 years.
He is active in clinical research and lectures extensively to veterinarians on Dermatology as well as Practice Management in Canada, the United States, Australia, Central America, and Japan. He has published several research articles and chapters in the veterinary literature, specifically on veterinary dermatology and small animal nutrition. of Veterinary Dermatology (CAVD). He is also a Full Associate Member of the American Academy of Veterinary Dermatology (AAVD).
He was voted Ontario (OVMA) Veterinarian of the Year in 1986 and in 1995; he was awarded the CVMA Public Relations Award. In 2006, he was awarded the Canadian Animal Health Institute (CAHI) Industry Leadership Award.
Dr. Pukay has spent much of his long and distinguished veterinary career with the Alta Vista and Bayview Animal Hospitals. As a 35+-year veteran of the practice, he led as President and Chief Executive Officer until he stepped down in 2008. He currently operates a Dermatology and Allergy Referral Service through the Alta Vista Animal Hospital location. Dr. Pukay enjoys being able to express his passionate love of both medicine and animals, helping people by helping their pets.
