Brianna HarrisonOne weekend, a friend invited me over to their family farm. After a hearty country breakfast (eggs, bacon, pancakes, the works), we checked out their cattle.
They were so impressive! Mostly Angus and Hereford (I was told), they were big, solid animals with glossy coats and bright eyes.
I complimented their animal husbandry skills, but my friend laughed and gave credit where it’s due—it’s not all them. She told me that they’ve got help from pros in large animal vet care, herd health programs, feedlot consulting—you name it.
So, if you’re also interested in raising cattle, check out my list below. You’ll be in good hands with the best beef cattle services in Toronto.
How much do beef cattle services cost in Toronto?
Beef cattle services in Toronto can cost anywhere from $150 to $300 per animal annually, covering routine vet visits, vaccinations, and herd health programs.
For on-farm vet calls, expect hourly rates near $150 per hour in Ontario. Herd health programs for a 50-head beef herd can cost around $2500 for a single full-visit service.
Specialized consulting (e.g., feedlot, reproduction) may run $250 for two hours, and larger package rates can go up to $700 per day.
1. Dufferin Veterinary Services
For over 70 years, Dufferin Veterinary Services has been taking care of large animals, especially beef and dairy cattle.
If your livestock are sick, they bring in diagnostic and treatment tools. And while they take care of your herd, they can train you a bit, too.
Now, if you want to prevent your herd from sickness (which will save you a ton of money down the road), they can create a custom vaccination program. They’ll tailor it based on your herd size, calving seasons, past disease issues, and more.
Don’t panic if there’s a cattle emergency, either. The clinic provides 24/7 emergency care, a lifesaver if there’s a calving issue, a prolapse, or other serious illnesses.
Note that they may be busier during peak calving seasons, so response time could vary.
Wonderful, compassionate, & honest people
“Honestly wonderful, compassionate, and beyond honest people. I would recommend them all day, every day. The true definition of loving what you do for a living is all you feel with Dufferin Veterinary Services. Always happy to help over and above! Rex is always on-site with me and very happy to educate and explain. Went to the office, and it was the exact same Rudy, Mandy, and everyone in the office were exceedingly helpful. Truly, I could not give these people a higher recommendation.”
Jack Oneil, Google Review
Vets are very knowledgeable & share their knowledge
“I have nothing but good things to say about this place, the staff, and the vets. Everyone here is super helpful. They’re very patient with my weird questions (newish to farm animals), and the prices are extremely reasonable. The vets are very knowledgeable and share their knowledge with you. I am so glad I have these guys when one of my critters needs care.”
Diana Wood, Google Review
2. OVC Health Sciences Centre
OVC Health Sciences Centre has a Large Animal Hospital that is open 24/7. They claim that some of the country’s best livestock and show animals have passed through their doors, so we believe you’re in good hands.
Their Ruminant Field Service team is especially awesome if you’re a beef producer. It’s composed of a group of clinicians and grad students who come out to the farm to provide emergency care, on-farm surgeries, herd health checkups, and more.
In case you need to bring a specific animal to the vet, they have you covered with hi-tech equipment such as MRI and CR scanners, and ultrasound machines.
Just keep in mind that this is a teaching hospital. So, instead of always getting licensed vet care, students would likely handle the cattle from time to time.
This place is the best
“This place is the best not because they have the best doctors, but also because they know how the parents feel and they treat you nicely.”
zhourui huang, Google Review
Great staff from start to finish
“Great staff from start to finish. Easy to get to and very organized. Lots of room to maneuver and get in and out with a large vehicle.”
Chris Wright, Google Review
3. Central Ontario Veterinary Services
Since 2018, Central Ontario Veterinary Services has been a go-to clinic for bovine, equine, and small ruminant care. It’s led by Dr. Rainee Stoddart, who graduated from OVC and focuses on large animal medicine.
They’re known for their Herd and Flock Health Plans. The vet visits your farm and custom builds a plan that will help you boost productivity and cut down on disease.
In addition to health plans, they also create tailored vaccination programs. These can seriously help reduce sick days, increase milk output, and improve calving rates.
Unlike other clinics, however, they don’t offer emergency services. You would want to call another facility for life-threatening, emergent issues.
And while many clients are happy with their service, we have heard reports of no-shows or missed appointments.
We have the best veterinarians in Simcoe County
“We have the best veterinarians in Simcoe County, if not Ontario!!! It doesn’t matter what time of day or night or which vet responds to your phone call, they are second to none. On a scale of 1 to 10, I am going to rate them 10 out of 10 on the following: Response time (emergencies), knowledge, willingness to help, compassion, empathy, client service, client interaction, sharing up to date information as it is available, not to mention their attention to detail regarding COVID precautions. A special thank you to Dr. Drew Hunnisett, Dr. Christie Ryan, and Katelyn in the office for your support yesterday, last night, and especially today! I wouldn’t go anywhere else. THANK YOU.”
Sandi HEART, Google Review
Offers the very best for your animal friends
“Central Ontario offers super services, from the pleasant, helpful receptionists to the well-skilled, compassionate veterinarians, this place offers the very best for your animal friends.”
Julie Anderson Google Review
4. Sharpe Farm Supplies
With over 14 locations across Ontario, Sharpe Farm Supplies is a go-to feed supply and feedlot consultant. Their staff is trained to keep your cattle (and other farm animals) well-fed and happy.
They have beef nutrition consultants who’ll first perform feedlot walks and audits. This will help them assess your herd and create a growth target.
Afterward, they’ll conduct on-site grain and forage testing, as well as Beef Pro ration balancing. These will not only help boost herd performance but also bring about feed cost savings, too.
After their nutrition consulting service, you can also order feed and other products from them (e.g., supplements, mineral blocks, etc.), and they’ll deliver by bag or bulk. We think this one-stop shop approach is pretty convenient.
Just double-check your orders, since we heard about a few order mix-ups.
Great prices and outstanding customer care!
“Great prices and outstanding customer care! Great management that finds the best solutions to accommodate customer needs and build great customer relationships. Amy, the store rep, provides impeccable service every time. She is very pleasant, patient, and also thoughtful, reliable, and resourceful. Highly recommended store!”
Laura, Google Review
Can probably fulfill all your animal feed needs
“A nice place to fulfill probably all your animal feed needs, big factory and warehouses outside, so you know it’s original.”
moe jisri, Google Review
5. Kirkton Veterinary Clinic
Since 1949, Kirkton Veterinary Clinic has been known for large animal vet care. particularly bovines.
In fact, as Canada’s first Boviteq-accredited team, they’re known for their Bovine Embryo Transfer Services. They can boost your herd’s genetics fast and can create a neat revenue stream if you want to sell top-notch embryos or live calves.
To keep you in the loop, they send out monthly Bovine newsletters packed with cattle tips, disease alerts, and handy reminders, which we think are very savvy.
If you’re not sure if your cattle are pregnant, you can call them up for a diagnosis. They can check cows manually for palpation or bust out an ultrasound machine.
Of course, premium services come at a price. So, don’t expect low fees here.
Have never seen a more amazing group of people
“I have never in my life seen a more amazing group of people. The love and support they show for their patients and their parents is immeasurable. Dr.Jeff will be our Vet until he retires!”
Jamie Riffel, Google Review
Their care and understanding are amazing
“We’ve been using Kirkton Vet for 15+ years, and we’re beyond happy with them. Their care and understanding are amazing.”
Larry Bell, Google Review
