“We patronize them for their incompleteness, for their tragic fate for having taken form so far below ourselves. And therein do we err. The animal shall not be measured by man [sic]. In a world older and more complete than ours, they move finished and complete, gifted with extensions of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear.”

-Henry Beston

About Valli Fraser-Celin, PhD

  • I hold a PhD in Geography from the University of Guelph, where my research focused on human–African Wild Dog conflict and conservation in Botswana, Africa. This work combined ecological and social science perspectives to understand the complex interactions between wildlife and human communities, producing actionable insights for conservation strategies and policy.

    Following my doctoral studies, I pursued postdoctoral research in Community Health Sciences at the University of Calgary, where I examined the role of dogs in Indigenous communities within a One Health and reconciliation framework. This research highlighted the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, and informed strategies to support community-driven, culturally sensitive interventions.

    Building on this research, I spent nearly three years implementing humane dog population management initiatives in remote communities in Manitoba, designing and managing programs that addressed local needs, promoted animal welfare, and integrated community engagement and education. Subsequently, I served as Project Manager for an equitable access to pet care project at the Ontario Veterinary College, where I coordinated research, program delivery, and stakeholder engagement to improve access to veterinary and pet care services in underserved communities.

    Over the past 10+ years, I have accumulated extensive experience in research and writing, including qualitative research design and analysis, grant writing, peer-reviewed publications, and professional reporting. I have successfully secured funding from major animal welfare donors, including PetSmart Charities of Canada and Pet Valu, as well as provincial government grants supporting veterinary care initiatives.

    In addition to research and program management, I provide consultation and strategic guidance across a range of topics, including conservation social science, human–wildlife conflict, human–companion animal relationships, humane dog population management, equitable access to veterinary care, community engagement, and Indigenous reconciliation. I also support organizations through the development of learning modules, presentations, science communication blogs, social media strategy, and content creation, translating complex research into actionable insights and public-facing communications.

    My approach is collaborative and results-driven, combining subject matter expertise with practical experience to help organizations design evidence-based strategies, engage communities effectively, and maximize impact. Whether supporting research, program development, grant writing, or public engagement, I bring a consultative perspective and a focus on translating knowledge into meaningful outcomes for people, animals, and communities.

Additional Certifications

Engagement and Relationship-Building with Indigenous Communities, Red River College

Rabies Educator Certificate, Global Alliance for Rabies Control

The First Nations Principles of OCAP (Ownership, Control, Accessibility, Possession): Fundamentals of OCAP, The First Nations Information Governance Centre; Certified through Algonquin College

Fear Free Shelters, Fear Free: Leaders in Animal Wellbeing

Shelter Consultation Mentorship - Foundational Course, Maddie’s® Million Pet Challenge

Publications (selected)

Rutherford, S., Fraser-Celin, V.-L., Hager, H.A., Fox, L. & Hofman, A. (2024). The social landscape of wolves in Canada – preliminary findings. Human Dimensions of Wildlife. https://doi.org/10.1080/10871209.2024.2360741

Fraser-Celin, V.-L. & Rock, M.J. (2022) One Health and reconciliation: media portrayals of dogs and Indigenous communities in Canada. Health Promotion International, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/heapro/daab110

Fraser-Celin, V.L. & Hovorka, A.J. (2019) Compassionate Conservation: Exploring the Lives of African Wild Dogs (Lycaon pictus) in Botswana. Animals, DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9010016

Fraser-Celin, V.L., Hovorka, A.J., Silver, J.J. (2018) Human conflict over wildlife: exploring social constructions of African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) in Botswana. Human Dimensions of Wildlife, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10871209.2018.1443528