‘Less animals in danger’: Vet field hospital sees demand slow

After helping more than 100 animals displaced by wildfires from across Northwestern Ontario, a team of veterinarians say emergency response is beginning to slow, but their work is far from over.

Vets Around the Corner (VAC) support team manager Georgia Stephenson says the team has seen fewer animals arriving at its temporary field hospital at Grandview Arena, which she described as a positive sign.

“I would definitely say the numbers have slowed down, which is great,” Stephenson said. “That means fewer animals in danger.”

Since arriving in the region, the team has provided veterinary care to well over 100 animals, with Stephenson estimating the total could be between 150 and 200. An exact number was not available.

The animals have included pets brought in by evacuees, as well as animals rescued from communities affected by evacuations, including Whitesand First Nation and Armstrong.

While many of the animals arrived in better condition than expected, Stephenson says the team has provided preventative care to help prepare them for post-placement and reunification with their owners.

“There are a lot of puppies just because of not having access to veterinary care,” she said. “They get all their vaccines and their dewormer parasite prevention, just making sure they have that extra level of protection.”

The team continues to monitor communities where animals may still need assistance. Stephenson says they have remained in contact with residents in Armstrong but have not needed to return at this time.

“There are still a few dogs out there, but it’s so much waiting for permission from owners as well, so it’s kind of a standstill at the moment,” she said. “But as soon as we get the call to go back up, we will.”

The field hospital at Grandview arena is expected to remain open until July 31, with the possibility of extending operations depending on demand.

The organization is also looking at ways to bring veterinary support directly to remote communities where residents have chosen to remain during the wildfire situation.

“We are hoping to reach out to more of the remote communities where we have to go there by air to see if we can help provide care because some of them, that is their home and they don’t want to leave,” Stephenson said.

Along with veterinary care, the team has received support from residents through donations of supplies and funding. Stephenson says the organization’s GoFundMe campaign has raised over $60,000, while additional supplies are being collected at the VAC’s Port Perry location for transport north.

“We have almost a basement and dog kennel full back home in Port Perry ready for us to bring it up,” she said.

Stephenson added that donations continue to help foster families caring for animals displaced by the fires.

“Honestly, anything helps,” she said. “A lot of the fosters, are doing this so last minute they don’t necessarily have the supplies. So when they come in, we just tell them that they can take whatever they need.” – snnewsatch.com

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Its FEWER animals not less animals.

In the article, the quotes of the vets use the term FEWER NOT LESS!!!!!

Nowhere do they use the word LESS. They use the word FEWER which is the proper word to use when you are talking about things that you can count.

Why is it sooo hard for people to understand?    Fewer cars…less traffic.  Understand?