David Kennedy

Cape Breton University is honoured to recognize a man whose lifelong dedication, compassion, and professionalism have profoundly shaped animal healthcare across Cape Breton Island and who has been a shining example of what an entrepreneurial spirit can accomplish, Dr. David Kennedy.

For nearly four decades, beginning in 1974, Dr. Kennedy served the people and their beloved pets of Cape Breton with unwavering commitment, compassion, and excellence. Following in the footsteps of his father, who founded Kennedy Animal Hospital in 1951, Dr. Kennedy modernized veterinary medicine on the Island and built a legacy rooted in community care. Working ten-hour days, six days a week, and often answering calls late into the night, his practice became synonymous with trust, expertise, and compassion.

A graduate of the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph, Dr. Kennedy brought state-of-the-art advancements to local practice, including gas anesthesia, on-site blood chemistry analysis, and refined orthopedic surgical techniques. His vision for accessible, high-quality veterinary care led to the expansion of the family practice — first to Reserve Mines in 1978 and later to North Sydney — serving communities from Donkin to Ingonish.

Beyond his clinical expertise, Dr. Kennedy was a mentor and teacher. He continued his father’s tradition of hiring veterinary students for summer placements, providing hands-on experience and mentorship that launched careers across Canada. His dedication and belief in education ensured that every young veterinarian who trained under him carried forward the same values of skill, compassion, and service.

Despite the long hours and emotional demands of his work, Dr. Kennedy found balance in family and sport. Supported by his wife, Bev, and their three children, Jeff, Jodi and NAME he managed to stay active in hockey, sailing, squash, and skiing — and, even in retirement, remains an enthusiastic curler and golfer.

Now retired for more than a decade, Dr. Kennedy continues to embody the spirit of lifelong learning and service that defined his career. His name remains synonymous with veterinary excellence across Cape Breton — a reflection of a man whose dedication ensured that generations of families and their beloved pets received care marked by both compassion and skill.