Dr. Debra Bear grew up on a farm in Saskatchewan and received a BSc from the University of Saskatchewan before graduating from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 1983. Dr. Bear practiced for 7 years in a mixed-animal practice in Spruce Grove before buying the Riverbend Veterinary Clinic in 1990. She has a special interest in ophthalmology and general surgery and sees dogs, cats, ferrets, pocket pets and some reptiles.

Dr. Bear was also awarded the Richard Christmas Award at the VCA Canada regional conference 2018. Each year, VCA Canada proudly recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to the veterinary profession, the well-being of their hospital team and who illustrates the exemplary principles upheld by Dr. Richard Christmas.

Currently, her pet family includes 3 cats, 2 dogs, a 21 year old Pacman Frog and 4 horses.