4408 42nd Avenue, Innisfail Alberta, T4G 1P6
Announcements
Dear Valued Client,
In Alberta, there is a severe shortage of veterinarians, which is putting a great deal of pressure on the veterinarians who are currently practicing. This is affecting their clinics, their team members and you, our valued client. We are excited to be an integral part of a growing trend to address this. Our clinic is adding value to our patients and their humans, continuing to support the great work that veterinarians do every day and mobilizing our highly skilled professionals, Registered Veterinary Technologists (RVT’s).
We have provided further education for our RVT’s to see clients and patients for wellness appointments and vaccines. The RVT’s in our practice have completed a 5-day workshop with interactive sessions including; communication skills, critical thinking, behavior, nutrition basics, and current vaccine and deworming protocols. This focused, intensive training enhanced their current knowledge and skill base and we are embracing this by adding value to our provision of exceptional patient care and client service.
How does this affect you and your pets?
When you bring your pet in for regular vaccination, wellness examination, or consult, you may be seeing a Registered Veterinary Technologist. You can expect to share your pets history, be asked questions about their health and wellness, and be part of a comprehensive physical examination and discussion about vaccines, deworming, behavior, and nutrition. When discussion and physical examination are complete and your questions are answered, your pet will receive their appropriate vaccination and dewormer(s) based on the protocols determined by the Veterinarian in our practice and delivered by the RVT in your appointment.
What if my pet has a health concern?
The RVT will complete an assessment physical which includes a complete head to tail examination. If there is a concern or abnormality noted by the RVT, they will inform the supervising veterinarian, who will follow up either at the time, with a phone call, or an additional appointment. During that follow-up appointment, the veterinarian will review the examination record and spend their time with you focused on the noted problem and your concerns.
What will change with fees?
The fee for your annual and wellness will remain the same. You will be seeing a veterinary professional who will review your previous health records, complete an assessment examination, answer your questions and administer the appropriate vaccinations and dewormer.
Are RVT’s just like human nurses?
While RVT’s are often compared to human nurses, our roles are different in that we learn and manage many different animal species and are skilled in areas from diagnostic testing to client education. RVT’s are educated and skilled and are an integral part of the veterinary team. They are highly competent in many clinical skills, procedures and protocols and are dedicated to patient care and client comfort. RVT’s work very closely with the veterinarians that direct and supervise the medical aspects of patient care and client services, following the guidelines of our provincial legislation, the Veterinary Professions Act.
What will the veterinarians be doing now?
By having RVT’s manage and care for wellness appointments (vaccinations, nail trims, nutrition consultations, etc) this frees the veterinarian to see patients that require surgery, a diagnosis and diagnostic work up, or require a prescription or treatment protocol. This provides high level veterinary care for your patient for all stages of their lives and as a team, we can meet the needs of your animals when they are well and when they are in need of additional care.
We continue to advocate for patient care, client service and professional wellness within the industry of Veterinary Medicine. We are so excited to be offering a high level of care for you and for the animals you entrust to us.
Sincerely,
Your team at Poplar Grove Veterinary Services
Santa Photos
Photos will be held at the clinic on December 04, 2021 from 10 am - 2 pm.
We will be offering photos with Santa to your furry family members only this year.
Families are welcome to pose together with their pets without Santa if they like though.
Upon arrival at the clinic please have one family member come in through the first door to sign in while the rest of the family waits in their car.
A staff member will come out to your car to bring you in when it is your turn. Please wear your masks.
Cash and food donations will be accepted to support our local food bank.