Great Slave Animal Hospital in Yellowknife unexpectedly closed its doors earlier than anticipated, just one day after announcing it would close no later than March 31. Staff at the clinic were informed they had to vacate the premises by noon that day, and personnel were seen loading materials into vehicles as the lunch hour approached. A notice reading “Closed For Ever” was posted on the clinic doors.

According to CBC News, the clinic, founded and operated by veterinarian Tom Pisz, had been facing operational challenges following his death on June 11, 2024. The sudden closure came after the veterinary clinic sent a notice to the media, stating it would close by March 31. The notice cited the clinic could no longer provide the necessary care for patients at its current location due to circumstances beyond their control. CBC News reports that the clinic attempted to retract the notice email less than an hour after it was originally sent, promising an update on the situation soon.

One of the clinic’s veterinarians, Katie Denroche, will remain at Yellowknife. Her team has launched a new Facebook page for Aurora Veterinary Hospital YK, reassuring the community that they were not leaving and promising “a lot of really positive things coming.”