Terry Halifax
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Mar 15/02) - Thanks to some support from the local SPCA and generosity of some business, Inuvik pets will be able to have regular checkups from a visiting vet.

Dr. John Overell from Dawson City arrived here last week for his first appointments with his furry patients.

Originally from Ontario, Overell has been practising in Dawson City for three-and-a-half years.

"Most people have done an excellent job doing what they have themselves, but being a vet, I can provide extra services beyond what they can do at home," Overell said. "I disseminate information who have a lot of information about animal care up here and pass it along to others."

In town for a week, he's been performing standard vet services, but also did have an emergency last week, when a dog who was hit by a snowmobile in Tuk was brought in.

"Mostly I've been doing spays, neuters and vaccination schedules," Overell said. " a sprinkling of older dogs and dog care education."

He says there is about a 50-50 split with pets and working animals in the North, consisting mostly of cats and dogs, but does get quite a variety in the Yukon.

"There are a lot of pets who are just pets, but I also do a lot of work on sled dogs," he said.

"There isn't a lot of livestock, but I also work with horses, cats, dogs and a few exotic animals, like parrots, lizards and turtles," he said. "I also do some work with wildlife if needed."

Linda Eccles is the manager of the Inuvik SPCA also runs the animal shelter from her house.

She says Dr. Overell's regular visits are a much-needed service in Inuvik.

"We've been fully-booked from the second week we advertised," Eccles said. "We've got appointments right through to the end of this visit."

"As soon as people found out the vet was coming, we had people phoning and coming by to see if they can get in, so we've extended our hours to after 6 p.m. for people needing shots or examinations," she added. "We've only had one cancellation and we were able to fill that right away --it's been a big success."

To keep the service reasonably priced, Eccles sought the support of Air North, who are supplying free flights for Dr. Overell. As well, Eccles secured free accommodation for the doctor at Arctic Chalets for his visit.

"We are looking for further sponsorship from hotels and B&Bs for future visits," she said.

The vet will return again in June. For further information contact Linda Eccles at the SPCA at 777-5417.