From porcupine quills to pond-dwelling parasites, Muskoka can present many dangers for our four-legged companions.
Luckily, a duo of experienced local veterinarians have recently brought many of the services only available in larger centers right here to Muskoka.
“Some days it’s straightforward – healthy pets and vaccinations – and there are other days where you see all types of different things,” says Dr. Patricia Anders. “Living in this area, you need to be equipped to handle anything.”
In January, Anders and Dr. Molly Robinson opened the Muskoka Road Veterinary Hospital at 365 Muskoka Road South in Gravenhurst. The duo are no strangers to offering veterinary care locally, having worked together at another local practice for seven years before deciding to branch off on their own.
“We always wanted to start our own practice someday and the timing was right,” says Patricia. “We love it here in Muskoka and we love our clientele so we wanted to open our practice here in the area.”
Despite having only been open for a couple of months, the practice already has a steady clientele.
“Throughout COVID, many clinics found themselves at capacity, we were finding clients were having to travel far distances to find a clinic that could accommodate them or pursue specialized procedures only available at larger referral centers in the GTA,” says Molly.
Both women have extensive veterinary training. Anders obtained her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the prestigious Ontario Veterinary College in 2015. Robinson graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2017 after completing her clinical year at Cornell University in New York State.
“I had a million pets growing up and I’ve been telling everyone I want to be a vet since I was five years old,” says Molly. “As I got older I found I really loved problem-solving and the sciences and it all came together.”
In addition to preventative care like check-ups and vaccines, the facility also offers emergency care for sick or injured pets during regular hours (Mon-Fri, 8 am to 5 pm). They can also assist with transfer to other facilities when outside of regular hours.
Muskoka Road Veterinary Hospital currently employs five full-time and one part-time staff member.
“We are very fortunate to have a very experienced staff here,” says Molly. “It can be a roller coaster trying to manage clients and pets and the emotions that can be involved but our staff have a long track record of offering compassionate care.”
Having completely retrofitted their location, Muskoka Road Veterinary Hospital offers a variety of in-house services including lab work, surgery and even ultrasounds.
Visit Muskoka Road Veterinary Hospital’s website at muskokaroadvet.com or call 705-687-PETS (7387).
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