“For the next couple of months, Dr. Roberts is doing the cat surgeries, but she goes on maternity leave in July. So up until then, she will be doing cat surgeries at our public clinic,” Beaulieu said.
Cat surgeries are being offered over the next couple of months instead of dogs because feline spay and neuters require fewer resources and allow for physical distancing.
Beaulieu says they had to make the difficult, yet necessary, decision to hold off on public dog spay and neuter services – potentially until January 2021.
The Executive Director says the potential January 2021 reopening date is due to a few factors, including pandemic related rules and regulations around physical distancing and whether they can find a replacement for Dr. Roberts’ maternity leave.
Beaulieu says they will continue to search for a veterinarian willing to serve our community but notes it could be difficult.
“It’s extremely difficult to find a vet who has high-volume spay and neuter experience, who is willing to work in northern Ontario on a not-for-profit budget is a challenge and has been difficult to do during a pandemic,” Beaulieu said.
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