By Canadian Press

Veterinarians offer ventilators as they fight to be declared essential service

Mar 23, 2020 | 11:33 AM

Canada’s veterinarians say they’re willing to join in the efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic, but say they’re also fighting to make sure they can keep looking after the country’s animals.

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association says many of its members have offered to make their ventilators available to ease the strain on the health-care system.

The association is in the process of surveying its members to see how much equipment is available if needed.

But it says it’s also hoping to secure assurances that vet clinics can keep performing their primary purpose of treating animals.

The association says animal doctors are not currently classified as an essential service, but should be in order to protect the welfare of everything from family pets to the national food supply.

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The group is calling on all levels of government to consider classifying vets as essential or make provisions in their pandemic-related measures that would allow clinics to keep operating.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 23, 2020.

The Canadian Press