Without a full -time veterinarian, residents of Iqaluit are confronted with steep bills for access to care

Access to Veterinary Care in Northern Canada: Challenges and Solutions

Mayah Obadia was on vacation in Toronto when she received a text message from her pets about her cat, Fig. He wasn’t eating or playing. For most Canadians, this would justify a trip to the local veterinarian, but for Fig and Mrs. Obadia, who live in Iqaluit, Nunavut, the nearest option for care is 2,000 kilometers away in Ottawa.

Northern areas like Nunavut often face challenges accessing services that are readily available in the rest of the country. Residents must travel long distances for medical treatment, and the same goes for their pets. The lack of a full-time veterinarian in Iqaluit means pet owners must rely on virtual care or sporadic visits from veterinarians from outside the city.

Nunavut Animal Rescue is currently the only non-profit offering medical animal services in the area. They are working towards finding a full-time veterinarian to provide consistent care. However, recruiting an experienced veterinarian and providing housing in Iqaluit are significant challenges they face.

One unique aspect of a northern veterinary practice is caring for Inuit Sled Dogs, or qimmiit. While these dogs are genetically resilient, having a full-time veterinarian would improve access to care and help manage unexpected diseases.

Despite the challenges, efforts are being made to improve veterinary care in northern Canada. Organizations like Veterinarians Without Borders North America are training individuals to provide animal health services, while Nunavut Animal Rescue is working towards hiring a full-time veterinarian.

In the case of Fig, Mrs. Obadia had to transport him to Ottawa for emergency care, costing her around $3,200. Having a full-time veterinarian in Iqaluit would have been a huge relief and potentially reduced the financial burden on pet owners.

As efforts continue to improve access to veterinary care in northern Canada, pet owners like Mrs. Obadia are taking steps to ensure their pets are covered. The journey towards better veterinary care in the North is ongoing, but with dedication and collaboration, positive changes are on the horizon.