A temporary veterinary clinic in Nain is doing brisk business.
The Nain Animal Wellness Clinic and the Chinook Project, in conjunction with the Nain Inuit Community Government and the Nunatsiavut Public Health Rabies Vaccination Clinic, are holding a non-profit clinic at the Nain Fire Hall.
The clinic unofficially started the evening of Wednesday, May 25, and goes through this weekend, ending the evening of Sunday May 29, 2016.
Health workers are treating pets for free, but donations are being accepted.
Dr. Peter Foley is an Assistant Professor of Companion Animal Medicine at Atlantic Veterinary College at the University of Prince Edward Island.
He says they are vaccinating and de-worming animals, as well as spaying and neutering, and dealing with other problems and emergencies that come in.
The clinic has no x-ray or ultrasound capabilities, but the health workers provide recommendations for referrals based on their diagnosis.
There are three veterinarians participating in the clinic, including Dr. Foley, Dr. Heather Gunn-McQuillan, Hospital Director of the Atlantic Veterinary College, and Dr. Rebecca Inkpen, a veterinarian from Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
A team of five veterinary students from Atlantic Veterinary College are also participating in what for them is a great learning experience.
This is the third time Dr. Peter Foley has participated in the clinic, having already been here in 2012 and 2014. He says pet owners here have given them great support, and have become quite knowledgeable about the services provided.
Click here to hear more from Dr. Foley on the clinic, as well as some audio from the clinic, including how the vets handled an emergency situation that came in.
UPDATE: Pet owners wanting to bring their pets in can book an appointment by calling the Nain Fire Hall at 922-2951.