According to a report by Luke Carroll for CBC News, Yellowknife residents are currently down to a single veterinary clinic after the Yellowknife Veterinary Clinic, operated by Dr. Michael Hughes, announced a temporary closure for the remainder of August due to a family emergency. A notice on the clinic’s door and a recorded voicemail inform clients of the closure and encourage them to contact other veterinarians in the city.

The city’s only other veterinary facility, Aurora Veterinary Hospital YK, led by Dr. Katie Denroche, has seen an increase in inquiries as pet owners adjust to the temporary loss of services. Dr. Hughes’ voicemail also listed local veterinarians Dr. Denroche and Dr. Michelle Tuma as alternatives for care. Aurora Veterinary Hospital reminded clients via social media to use official channels rather than personal contact numbers to schedule appointments.

The situation highlights broader challenges across Canada, as veterinary services grapple with staff shortages alongside a surge in pet ownership that accelerated during the pandemic. In the Northwest Territories, Yellowknife is the only community with permanent veterinary clinics; some smaller communities rely on visiting veterinarians for care.

Aurora Veterinary Hospital recently acknowledged the strain on resources, noting that after-hours access is limited due to staff constraints and the presence of only one veterinarian. The hospital recommends an on-call service for potential emergencies, which assesses each case and determines whether an appointment with Dr. Denroche is needed, at a cost of $50 US per consultation.

All information in this article is sourced from CBC News.