A veterinary practice in Montana is “jumping through hoops” trying to start a second practice in Fernie.
Staff at the Country Animal Hospital practice in Eureka saw a need for a vet in the Elk Valley, but is finding it hard to work with zoning bylaws and immigration to get started north of the border.
“Even though we all speak the same language and get along great, we are still foreign, and there is a definite border between us,” said practice manager Debbie Marion. “We know you guys up there don’t have a vet and really need one so we are hoping to be able to provide a service, but we have been trying since November last year and it’s been kind of like banging your head against a brick wall.”
Because of the challenges they are facing trying to set up a permanent practice, they have decided to start a mobile vet practice in Fernie.
“We are going to do farm and house calls in Fernie because that seems like all we are able to do at this point,” said Marion. “It was a big blow to Fernie when they lost two vets in about a month a couple of years ago. So at least we can offer a mobile clinic.
“We have organised passports and Canadian credentials for Dr. Marion so he is able to work in Canada. We also have an animal crate so any animal needing surgery can be picked up and brought back to the hospital.”
Staff are hoping to have the mobile practice up in Fernie by the middle of June.
Visit the website www.acountryanimalhospital.com for more information or call 403-800-1554