EDMONTON, May 13, 2016 /CNW/ - The Alberta Veterinary Medical Association is inviting media to the Nexus Centre where an overwhelming volunteer veterinary effort is currently underway to care for pets separated from their families following the wildfire that devastated Fort McMurray.
Since animal intake began at Edmonton's Nexus Centre on Monday, May 9th, nearly 150 veterinarians and registered veterinary technologists (RVTs) have contributed well over 1000 hours of volunteer time, fulfilling a vital role in the coordinated rescue effort to reunite Fort McMurray's animals with their owners.
"Our members have been working around the clock to provide triage and entrance examinations as animals arrive, as well as ongoing monitoring of animal health. There are also over 170 practices across the province that have offered assistance to help meet the needs of these animals." said Alberta Veterinary Association (ABVMA) spokesperson, Dr. Phil Buote. "It is inspiring to see our veterinary health teams volunteering their services without hesitation, to ensure these animals receive the medical attention they need during this stressful and temporary separation from their loving family members."
In times of crisis when animals are cared for in temporary facilities such as the Nexus Centre, the risk of disease outbreak and other potential animal health issues becomes a legitimate concern. Through their contributions, Alberta veterinarians and RVTs are helping to manage these risks so that pet owners are reunited with happy and healthy pets.
"Pet owners can help in this effort," says Dr. Buote, "by ensuring they reunite with their pets as soon as possible," adding that the safest place for any pet is in the loving care of his or her owner.
Media availability will be held on Saturday, May 14th, between 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. Dr. Phil Buote and Dr. Karen Allen, registered veterinarians with the ABVMA, and Tracy Grey, registered veterinary technologist, will be available to speak with media and demonstrate the veterinary care being provided to animals who are temporarily sheltered at the centre.
The Alberta Veterinary Medical Association (ABVMA) is the professional regulatory organization governing the practice of veterinary medicine in Alberta under the authority of the Veterinary Profession Act. As a self-governing profession, the ABVMA performs its regulatory and professional enhancement functions in accordance with the law and in a manner responsible to the public of Alberta. Providing leadership in animal health and welfare is a core objective of the ABVMA.
SOURCE Alberta Veterinary Medical Association
Image with caption: "Alberta Veterinary Medical Assocation (CNW Group/Alberta Veterinary Medical Association)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160514_C3457_PHOTO_EN_690516.jpg
please contact Travis Grant at 780-709-8994.
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