Exploring impacts of the vet shortage in rural & remote Ontario communities

By Ethan Wallace

Director, OFA

Rural and remote communities in Ontario are experiencing a shortage of veterinary access. 

What does this look like? 

• It looks like waiting four hours or more for a veterinarian to come out to your farm – if they can come at all. 
• It looks like being forced to euthanize livestock to uphold animal welfare standards, even though the animal could be treated if timely service were available.
• It also looks like veterinarians are exhausted, overworked, and doing their best to provide farmers and their livestock the quality service they require and deserve.