For one of Labrador's few vets, even working like a dog isn't helping meet demand

For years, this veterinarian in Happy Valley-Goose Bay was responsible for providing care for most animals across Labrador and despite the brand-new addition of a second vet in the region, she says more animal doctors are sorely needed.

Dr. Rebecca Jacksonpractices out of Valley Veterinary Clinic in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.Last month, Jacksonsaid a second vet started working in Labrador City, a six-hour drive away, for the first time in years.

The Big Land relied on locumsto fill the gaps, but with more people adopting cats and dogs, Labrador communities will continue to be underserved in veterinary care.

"We could definitely use a second full-time vet here, and I'm sure Lab City could use at least two full-time vets as well. A third wouldn't go amiss," Jackson told CBC News.

She said her clinic has consistently taken on more clients from the Labrador Cityarea and the region's south coast now that the highway is paved.

The clinic has debated stoppingtaking on new clients, but Jackson said it's harder to do that in Labrador. Most people don't have another choice. Non-urgent appointments are often delayed and rescheduled as a result, she said.

"I do have to prioritize what cases I see every day," she said. "It just depends on what emergencies walk through the door.

"We've had people waiting two hours for their annual checkup and end up rescheduling them because we know they're going to be waiting another couple hours, because too much else walked in that day."

Jackson said the cost of veterinary care is rising due to vet shortages. Fewer clinic workersmeans more overtime, which means higher pay.

"If I get 20 minutes of one lunch break a week, I'm happy. Some days, I get home a little after 5p.m., but most of the other days, 8p.m.," Jackson said.

Base salaries for vets are also increasing to attract people to the profession, she said.

Jackson wants to see the province subsidize more seats at the Atlantic Veterinary College in P.E.I for students from Newfoundland and Labrador, but her main request, for now,is for clients to be patient and kind.

"Everybody is trying to accommodate people as much as we can, Jackson said. "I love this community. We love to support the community and just be patient. We're doing what we can to see everybody."

Department of Fisheries, Forestry, and Agriculture media relations manager Linda Skinner said the province funds three students every year to train as veterinarians.

Private veterinary clinics can also pursue recruitment efforts such as student mentorship and signing bonuses, she wrote.

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