Veterinarian Cliff Redford, better known as Dr. Cliff or Worldwide Vet, has been traveling the world with his son Brandon and daughter Emily to provide lifesaving care to pets, especially in remote communities. The trio recently visited Iqaluit to volunteer their vet services to save and help pets in the cold, distant region.
Dr. Cliff Redford, owner of Wellington Veterinary Hospital in Markham, is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of pets and their owners, especially in remote areas with limited access to veterinary care. He is a passionate veterinarian, media personality, and animal rights advocate, volunteering his services abroad for the past nine years and helping animals in need around the world.
When Iqaluit Animal Hospital reached out for help, Dr. Redford and his team saw it as the perfect opportunity to support a remote Canadian community. Redford has volunteered in places like the West Indies, Panama, India, and war-torn Ukraine. Nunavut has lacked a full-time veterinarian for years, relying solely on short-term volunteers to meet its needs.
Their nine-day-long visit in January was the second time Redford and his team had travelled to Iqaluit to help the pet population. During their stay, they provided surgeries, emergency procedures, and vaccinations. The team completed approximately 25 surgeries, including spays, neuters, an emergency dental procedure, two bladder surgeries to remove stones, and one eye removal, saving animals in critical conditions. The team also organized a free vaccination day for the local community, taking care of the rabies concern. In addition to successfully vaccinating over 70 dogs and cats in three hours, the team also treated other animals, including a Flemish rabbit and a bearded dragon.
Because of the absence of a vet in the region, pet owners have to fly down to an emergency hospital in Ottawa, taking a three-hour and 15-minute flight between airports. After the previous vet left, the community repurposed the clinic building into an animal shelter, which can house and foster animals but cannot provide medical care.
In addition to providing veterinary care, Dr. Cliff and his team rescued seven puppies from an accidental litter, bringing them back to Markham for adoption. The puppies are ready for their “fur-ever” homes, with adoption fees supporting the Iqaluit animal shelter. To further assist the shelter, the team launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for additional equipment and supplies.
Source: CTV News
