Dre Mélissa Blackburn

Dr. Mélissa Blackburn is a veterinarian and the owner of Méliblack, a veterinary clinic located in La Tuque, Québec. She opened the clinic 13 years ago, after relocating to La Tuque for her spouse’s work in 2009. She immediately adopted La Tuque to the point of building a career project there that would meet a significant need in Haute-Mauricie, since there was no full-time veterinarian in La Tuque. Despite initial skepticism about the clinic’s success, Dr. Blackburn’s passion and dedication to the animals she cares for has led the clinic to grow, and now employs 11 staff members, many of whom are certified technicians. Being a mother, Dr. Blackburn values work-family reconciliation for her team members, which has helped retain staff within the company. In addition to running her clinic, Dr. Blackburn is involved in various community and animal welfare projects, such as a zootherapy program and sterilizing stray cats free of charge every year.