Aurora Veterinary Hospital Steps Up Amid Yellowknife Clinic Closure

The closure of the Yellowknife Veterinary Clinic has prompted the Aurora Veterinary Hospital to offer support to local pet owners in need of veterinary care. The Yellowknife Veterinary Clinic announced its temporary closure for the month of August due to a family emergency, leaving the Aurora Veterinary Hospital as the sole operating veterinary clinic in the city.

Dr. Katie Denroche, who runs the Aurora Veterinary Hospital, expressed her commitment to assisting the community in an email to CBC News. She stated, “We are a small team, and there are a lot of pets out there. That being said, anyone with a pet in need should absolutely reach out; we are happy to help.”

The Aurora Veterinary Hospital began operating in early 2025, formed by staff from the now-closed Great Slave Animal Hospital. Dr. Denroche emphasized that pet owners can reach the clinic via email and Facebook messenger, as renovations at the clinic have delayed the establishment of a phone system. She noted that email is best for appointment requests, food, and medication inquiries, while Facebook messenger is preferable for emergencies.

As the only clinic currently serving the territory, the Aurora Veterinary Hospital is navigating increased demand for services. Dr. Denroche advised the public that they will be triaging appointment requests based on urgency. She also highlighted the use of VetTriage for overnight emergencies, encouraging pet owners to save the contact number for quick access.

In addition to the Aurora Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Michelle Tuma, affiliated with Vets Without Borders, is providing veterinary services in remote communities. She plans to travel to areas including Tuktoyaktuk, Fort Liard, and Wrigley throughout September, although she will not be available in Yellowknife until October.

The temporary closure of the Yellowknife Veterinary Clinic has left many pet owners concerned about accessing timely care for their animals. Dr. Denroche’s proactive approach at the Aurora Veterinary Hospital aims to alleviate some of these worries while the community navigates this challenging period. As the situation unfolds, local residents are encouraged to reach out for assistance and remain patient as the clinic adapts to the increased need for veterinary care.