Calgarians line up for affordable pet care at new animal hospital

A new, first-of-its-kind pet hospital in southeast Calgary is focusing on making veterinarian care affordable for families who might otherwise struggle with the cost.

And it’s already off to a busy start, as the not-for-profit Task Force Animal Hospital in southeast Calgary has received more than 300 applications in just days since officially opening on Saturday, Aug. 16.

One pet owner says it’s making all the difference.

Natoma Houston brought her dogs to the new hospital and says she couldn’t be more grateful for the affordable care now available.

“That initial visit with Winston (her dog), they did 17 X-rays … any other vet clinic that would have been a minimum of $1,000. I walked out of there, and my bill was $200,” she told CityNews.

“Saving them is saving me.”

Houston says the new hospital has brought her peace, knowing her furry friends can get the care they need.

“Knowing that I can go there and I can afford it … It means more to me than I can even describe,” she said.

“It’s peace of mind–it’s knowing that they are taken care of without me missing a meal.”

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Executive director RJ Bailot said the calls to the hospital have been “overwhelming,” but says they have heard from many showing support.

“We are getting a lot of calls of people supporting us, saying, ‘This is amazing, it’s happening in Calgary,'” he said.

“But we are also getting dozens and dozens of calls and emails wanting to access our services, and that’s just a reminder to us why this is so important.”

Bailot points to a recent study showing nearly half of Canadians are skipping vet visits because of cost, something this hospital hopes to change.

“This was a no-brainer… we had to do it,” he said.

The Canadian Animal Task Force is still raising funds for the hospital, with donations being matched up to $100,000.

The affordable animal hospital is found on 3610 Burnsland Road SE.