Encouraging owners to make informed decisions about their pet’s care is the driving force behind a newly introduced service at the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC).
In response to the ongoing veterinary shortages across the Maritimes and beyond, the AVC Teaching Hospital has taken proactive measures in one of its busiest departments.
Specifically, the college has introduced a transparent information system, accessible through its website, which provides clients with up-to-date estimated wait times at the hospital for its Small Animal Emergency Service.
Shortages within the veterinary profession (including veterinarians, technicians, and support staff) continue to pose challenges on Prince Edward Island, especially as the summer season brings a regular influx of visitors, the college says. The addition allows owners with primary care concerns to plan their visits accordingly and make informed decisions about their pet’s care.
“Recognizing the significance of transparency and communication, we are pleased to introduce our new estimated wait-time strategy,” says the teaching hospital’s client liaison manager, Rebecca MacLean. “We understand waiting can be stressful, especially when it involves the well-being of our clients’ beloved pets. With this system, we aim to inform clients of expected wait times based on their pet’s status and level of urgency, so they can make the best and most appropriate decisions for their pet’s health and well-being.”
Updates will be made to the site when there are changes to the expected wait times for primary emergencies. Referral services at AVC are not part of the system.
To check out the real-time estimated wait-time posts, click here.
