The Jasper Veterinary Clinic is back in action.

Dr. Janet Jones is the longtime owner/operator of the clinic in Jasper. Although much of the clinic’s specialized equipment was lost in the July 24 Jasper wildfire, clinic staff made a huge milestone on October 29 when they reopened their doors in Jasper to offer basic services with a triage service, 24 hours a day, for emergencies. 

So while Jasper pet owners may have to look elsewhere for  x-rays, ultrasounds, dental procedures, laser therapy and complicated surgeries, the temporary clinic, newly located at 25 Stan Wright Drive, is a step in the right direction.

“There’s all kinds of things that worked to get us here,” Jones said. 

“Even though for some procedures there’s simply not the space.”

Thanks to the Edmonton Humane Society and a dedicated group of supporters, however, there is a space. Jasper veterinarian Dr. Sara Regher helped procure the donated trailer from the EHS’ Dr. Michelle Meckelborg. Janet’s husband Bob towed it to town. Arts promoter Wendy Wacko lent them a garage to house it while it was winterized and the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association waived the inspection fees to ensure it could get licensed. 

“It’s been truly a group effort,” Jones said. 

With a home to move into in Jasper, the time came to relocate equipment from the Valemount clinic. Since 1997, Jones had also run the vet clinic there, but after the fire, Jones and her two teams made the decision to consolidate operations. For a good portion of September, vet staff cleared out equipment, cleaned, packed, transported and set everything up again in Jasper. 

“I certainly could not have gotten through this without the team I have,” Jones said.

And they’re making do: the clinic still doesn’t have a phone hooked up, so until they do, clients should email reception.jvc@telus.net with inquiries, to make appointments, or to order food or prescriptions. 

Clients can also access an emergency triage number (Animal Health Link: 780-800-2402).

Both Jones and Nicole Klopfenstein, a registered veterinary technician at the clinic, are deeply appreciative of the Jasper community.

“It’s mutual; they help you, you help them,” Jones said. “People here are always appreciative of what we do.”

The temporary clinic will be open until springtime, when the trailer needs to go back to the Edmonton Humane Society, so they can use it for their northern community clinics.

With step one having been realized, step number two will be an ATCO-style trailer that is fully winterized. Longer term, Dr. Regher will be directing the rebuild when Jones retires. 

For Jones, who at that time plans to practice veterinary medicine via locums, handing over the reigns will be bittersweet. But she can rest assured that pet health in Jasper will continue to be in caring, capable hands. 

No matter where the clinic calls home.

The Jasper Vet Clinic is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Joanne McQuarrie // info@thejasperlocal.com