This weekend, the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA’s remote community veterinary services team is stepping in to assist pet owners in two small towns in northwestern Ontario.
Residents of Nipigon and Schreiber who are struggling to find local veterinary care can bring their dogs and cats to a special two-day wellness clinic on Saturday and Sunday at the Nipigon Community Centre.
“Our mission really is to enhance access to veterinary care,” stated Dr. Tammy Hornak, head of the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA’s team.
“This area is often called a veterinary desert. There’s about 700 kilometers between veterinarians, so there’s definitely a need,” Hornak mentioned during an interview on CBC Radio’s Superior Morning.
“We aim to provide and improve access to care. We believe that pets and people in these communities deserve routine care that keeps them healthy throughout their lives.”
LISTEN | Township of Nipigon is bringing in a vet from the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA:
Superior Morning12:33Brianna Bell/Dr. Tammy Hornak: Nipigon Vet Clinic
In light of the lack of available vets, a small community along the north shore has taken matters into its own hands. The Township of Nipigon is welcoming a veterinarian from southern Ontario for a special clinic this weekend. Hear more about their motivation to assist local pet owners.
Brianna Bell, economic development officer for Nipigon township, said obtaining vet care poses significant challenges in northern Ontario.
“Many residents have to travel long distances or may not even have any access at all for routine” or preventive care.
Survey shows strong demand for vet services
A survey conducted earlier this year revealed local needs, according to Bell, with an overwhelming response from residents.
The municipality received 166 submissions covering 294 pets, most coming from Nipigon.
“That response clearly showed us there was a strong local need for an affordable and accessible service like this.”
After searching unsuccessfully for veterinarians closer by, the township teamed up with the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA, whose mobile veterinary team travels across underserved areas throughout the province.
Every dog attending the two-day clinic at the Nipigon Community Centre will be offered heartworm and tick-borne disease testing. (Hamilton/Burlington SPCA/Facebook)
The organizers say that pet owners from various parts of northwestern Ontario are heading to this two-day clinic, including Thunder Bay, Red Rock, Marathon, Longlac and Kakabeka Falls.
Bell noted that interest has been driven by both necessity and appreciation.
“If you’re in our area without a vet, your only options are driving up to Dryden or down to Sault Ste. Marie, which can be very expensive and time-consuming for most folks.”
To help keep costs manageable, appointments will cost $100 per pet for residents of Nipigon and Schreiber, while those from outside these communities will pay $120.
The clinic will provide various pet health services
The clinic will emphasize preventive care such as vaccinations, deworming treatments, wellness exams and minor ailment treatments. Each dog attending will also get tested for heartworm and tick-borne diseases.
“We’re not sure if Lyme disease exists among pets here or if heartworm is present in local mosquitoes,” Hornak explained. “If you don’t test for something, you’ll never know it exists.”</P
Despite facing challenges while working in underserved regions, Hornak expressed that being able to help makes it worthwhile.</P
“We can improve lives quickly and easily. Coming into a community and making things better feels like a win.”
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