Dr. Michelle Tuma from Northwest Territories Veterinary Services has arguably one of the coolest jobs in Yellowknife.

Tuma is a vet SA国际影视传媒� on wheels SA国际影视传媒� who operates mainly in Yellowknife and across remote NWT communities offering routine animal services like wellness checks, vaccinations, treatment for eye and ear infections, orthopedic issues, and gastrointestinal upset.

SA国际影视传媒淚 only offer non-emergent housecall services. I can basically see anything as long as the animal doesnSA国际影视传媒檛 require to be hospitalized,SA国际影视传媒� said Tuma.

Since she opened her (car) doors in May 2020, Tuma has continually evolved her services to fit the growing needs of her furry patients and the community.

The recent suspension of the afterhours services at Great Slave Animal Hospital has increased the level of concern and anxiety for pet owners, said Tuma SA国际影视传媒� hence the creation of the teletriage service. SA国际影视传媒淚 wanted to be able to provide something to help ease their worry.SA国际影视传媒�

Tuma will offer an afterhours teletriage service which is slated to launch on May 15, similar to an 8-1-1 for animals.

SA国际影视传媒淭hey (pet owners) will be connected with an animal health professional who will provide advice on next steps ie: monitor for this symptom, call your vet in the morning and get an appointment or, worst case scenario if it is a life threatening emergency, to start driving to the nearest emergency vet clinic.SA国际影视传媒� said Tuma will charge a small fee to callers.

TumaSA国际影视传媒檚 average day starts 9 a.m. and ends around 6 p.m. She see around 10 animals SA国际影视传媒� dogs, cats, and the occasional pot bellied pig.

She notes that a good portion of her time is spent driving between homes, scheduling appointments, and invoicing.

SA国际影视传媒淢y clients have been very pleased with my services mainly because pets can be much more comfortable in their home instead of a high-stress environment like a vet clinic,SA国际影视传媒� said Tuma.

Mary Lou MorganSA国际影视传媒檚 9-year-old Husky-Shepherd cross has been a patient of TumaSA国际影视传媒檚 for over six years.

SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 so nice to have her come into my home and give the dog that comfort. ISA国际影视传媒檝e had my dog on the table at the vet and shake like a leaf and never want to go back,SA国际影视传媒� said Morgan.

Adiditiontally, Tuma offers home euthanasia services.

She helped one client, Karen Kuronen, say goodbye to her 17-year-old mixed breed dog, Jake.

SA国际影视传媒淚t came time for us to put him down. Doctor Tuma came to our house and put him to sleep right on the couch that he loved for so many years,SA国际影视传媒� said Kuronen. SA国际影视传媒淚t was gentle on Jake and us as well.SA国际影视传媒�

The KuronenSA国际影视传媒檚 have another dog that Tuma see regularly, Sage, a 40-pound tan mixed breed that came to them as a four month old feral pup from the NWTSPCA.

SA国际影视传媒淪he has come a long way, but she is still extremely nervous and would be almost impossible to bring into a vet clinic. Doctor Tuma comes to our home and treats Sage in the living room,SA国际影视传媒� said Kuronen.

SA国际影视传媒淪age is still nervous, but not nearly as much as she would be if we had to bring her to a vetSA国际影视传媒檚 office.SA国际影视传媒�

People choose housecalls for a variety of reasons.

SA国际影视传媒淚 have a lot of clients who have multiple pets and who have children, so it is easier for me to come to them for their vet appointment then for them to have to find childcare or pack everyone into their vehicle and drive to a clinic.SA国际影视传媒� said Tuma.

However, she is quick to explain that her service is not a replacement for a vet clinic or hospital.

SA国际影视传媒淚 have always encouraged my clients to continue an ongoing relationship with their brick and mortar clinic of choice because of my inability to provide emergency services. Sometimes I will see a pet that would benefit from hospitalization and will refer them to another clinic immediately,SA国际影视传媒� she said.

And if thereSA国际影视传媒檚 anything Tuma is equipped to do for a pet in the comfort of their own home, she will.

SA国际影视传媒淗ome visits are a lifesaver for our dog,SA国际影视传媒� said Kuronen.