The Government of Ontario continues to fail animals in remote locations. While they have introduced some incentives for large animal vets to venture north….companion animal care continues to be woefully unsupported.
Most of us take for granted when our pet is ill and needs to see the vet, we make a phone call and bring them in – often on the same day. Wellness exams are easily scheduled.
In northern/remote communities, having their pets seen by a vet could mean hours and hours of driving if driving is even an option. Vet clinics are few and far between in these communities. Animals are dying from mere infections left untreated, from 100% preventable diseases.
Overpopulation is a massive problem. Offering spay and neuter surgeries for both domestic and feral (or stray) dogs and cats is an important strategy to contend with this issue. Many dogs and cats in remote communities are unvaccinated and have never been dewormed. This poses a public health risk to the people living in these communities. Offering vaccination and deworming programs in remote communities reduces the spread of disease in both domestic and stray animals, thereby reducing the risk in the human members of the community, particularly those who, due to their own lack of accessible care, may be especially vulnerable.
Dogs and cats in remote communities are often just left to roam freely, not socialized, not vaccinated with no veterinary care provided.
While there are charitable organizations developing solutions like mobile vet clinics, a massive stumbling block is the College of Veterinarian’s of Ontario (CVO). The CVO has intentionally made it difficult for licensed vets in Ontario who wish to visit these remote areas and provide critical care by adding red tape and substantial expense. Why won’t they approve the expansion of what care Registered Veternary Technicians (RVT) can provide. This would be a substantial step forward in improving access to care.
Data care of Canadian Animal Shelter and Community Medical Association
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