THUNDER BAY - A low-cost spay and neuter clinic has reopened its doors, but due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, only certain animals are being accepted.
The Thunder Bay District Humane Society’s low-cost spay and neuter clinic opened last week and is only accepted cats for surgeries.
“In respect to our social distancing protocol, unfortunately we had to make the difficult decision to postpone dog surgeries until potentially January 2021,” said Shawna Beaulieu, executive director with the Thunder Bay District Humane Society.
“Dog surgeries require a lot more staff on site, a lot more resources on site that just doesn’t allow for safe distancing between staff and even the community, so it was just the safe thing to do.”
The clinic was forced to close due to restrictions related to COVID-19, however, veterinary care was included in the essential services permitted to reopen during stage one of the province’s framework for reopening the economy.
Appointments are being accepted online for cats to be spayed or neutered and bookings are available two weeks in advance. Beaulieu said bookings are filling up fast but the clinic does have the capacity to accommodate most people looking to schedule surgeries.
And while the clinic has reopened, it may have to close again as the veterinarian who performs the surgeries will be leaving in July on maternity leave for six months.
“I think it’s important to note that if we do have a veterinarian who is willing to serve our community during Dr. Robert’s absence, we will definitely welcome them with open arms,” Beaulieu said.
“It’s extremely challenging to find a veterinarian who is experienced and skilled in high volume spay and neuter. To find a veterinarian to come to Northern Ontario on a non-for-profit budget is also a challenge and during a pandemic is an even bigger challenge.”
Beaulieu added she is hopeful a local veterinarian might be willing to fill in during the absence.
The local shelter has seen a steady number of both animal surrenders and adoptions. New protocols have been put in place and no contact adoptions are available and can be arranged online or by phone.
“Starting early next week we are going start offering meet and greets for pre-approved adopters to come in and meet the animal in a safe environment before they take them home,” Beaulieu said.
