Okotoks residents fight to keep emergency animal hospital from closing
Posted Aug 6, 2026 4:58 pm.
A fight is underway in Okotoks to save a long‑standing emergency veterinary clinic that many residents say has become essential to the community.
Southern Alberta Veterinary Emergency (SAVE), a 24/7 hospital that has operated for more than two decades, is set to close on Aug. 31.
The news has sparked an emotional response from local pet owners who rely on the clinic during late‑night emergencies, wildlife rescues, and unexpected injuries.
Pet owner and community advocate Janet Kapitan says she was devastated when she learned SAVE would shut down. She quickly began urging neighbours on Facebook to write letters and speak out.
“I want to be a voice for our dog parents and cat parents, and I want to be a voice for the animals,” she said.
Kapitan’s concern reflects what many in Okotoks say the clinic represents, a place people rush to in the middle of the night when a pet suddenly falls ill, or where injured wildlife are brought for care.
Staff continue to treat animals as usual inside the clinic, but manager Cheryl Brown says the closure announcement came as a shock.
“It was surprising to all of us because we’re very busy,” she said.
CityNews obtained an email sent by the clinic’s owner, VetStrategy, to clients. It reads in part: “This was a very difficult decision, made after carefully reviewing the hospital’s long‑term operational needs and our ability to continue providing sustainable emergency care.”
VetStrategy directed clients to Fish Creek Pet Hospital in Calgary, a clinic located about 17 kilometres away. Brown worries that extra travel time could be dangerous.
“It could potentially mean life or death, those extra 20 minutes driving into the city,” she said.
As the end of the month approaches, residents continue pushing back, hoping SAVE’s doors won’t close for good.
