This is an open letter to the vets and other newcomers to Prince George with pets. Having worked in health care in B.C. for the last 12 years, I understand that vets in B.C. and all over Canada are overwhelmed with animals to care for and do not have enough vets to serve the animal population.
Veterinarians are retiring faster than we can train them. I get it. I have taken a dog first aid course and purchased first aid supplies for my pets in an effort to be proactive and responsible.
I am currently on a waiting list at three vet clinics in PG and have no way of knowing if I am moving up a list or just wasting time. I have two dogs - a 15-month old and a senior. I have been phoning and begging vets to please allow me a 15-minute appointment to vaccinate my younger dog. No takers. The one clinic that said they were having a vaccination clinic said they weren't accepting dogs over one year old.
My question to the vets in town is this - how long can we ignore immunization of animals before it presents a threat to the entire community? Surely there has to be a solution.
I for one would be more than happy to volunteer a few days at a vaccination clinic for newcomers to town.
Lynn Blatta
Prince George
