A dedicated veterinarian from the Greater Toronto Area, Dr. Cliff Redford, is making a difference in the lives of pets in remote communities lacking veterinary services. Redford, affectionately known as a 'worldwide vet,' has been traveling and volunteering his expertise for the past nine years, most recently to Iqaluit, Canada. His dedication shines through as he provides critical care to animals in need, including surgeries, emergency procedures, vaccinations, and even rescuing stray puppies.
A Greater Toronto Area veterinarian is making a significant impact on the lives of pets and their owners in remote communities lacking veterinary access. Dr. Cliff Redford , who describes himself as a 'worldwide vet,' has been travelling and volunteering his services for the past nine years. When the Iqaluit Animal Hospital reached out, it ticked a box on his list to serve a remote area in Canada .
\Redford shared his experiences with CTV News Toronto, explaining how he's volunteered in places like the West Indies, Panama, India, and even war-torn Ukraine. Word has spread among animal rescuers about his willingness to travel, particularly to remote locations. He noted that Iqaluit, in January, certainly qualifies as remote. Redford explained that Iqaluit had a veterinarian four years ago, but they left due to a life change. Since then, there hasn't been a full-time veterinarian in the entire territory. While volunteer vets visit for short periods, Redford is the only one who goes during the winter. \His nine-day visit in January marked the second time Redford and his team travelled to Iqaluit to assist the pet population. They provided a wide range of services, from surgeries to emergency procedures and vaccinations. Redford stated they completed approximately 25 surgeries, including spays, neuters, an emergency dental procedure, two bladder surgeries to remove stones, and even an eye removal. They treated a dog with a broken leg sustained two weeks earlier after a snowmobile accident. The team also organized a free vaccination day for the community, as rabies is a concern due to the high number of infected arctic foxes. They vaccinated 70 dogs and one cat in just three hours. Redford mentioned they treated various animals, including a Flemish rabbit and a bearded dragon. \Redford highlighted the lack of veterinary care in the area, forcing pet owners to fly to an emergency hospital in Ottawa, a three-hour and 15-minute flight away. He explained that after the vet left Iqaluit, the community sold the building to the animal shelter, which can provide fostering but lacks medical capabilities. In addition to veterinary care, Redford and his team rescued seven puppies from an accidental litter resulting from neglect. They took the pups back to Markham, as they would be ready for adoption by the time they left. Redford emphasizes that all seven puppies are prepared for their 'fur-ever' homes. Interested adopters can contact them, noting that an adoption fee goes towards the Iqaluit animal shelter's operational costs, including transporting the dogs to Toronto. The fee also helps support the shelter by providing essential equipment and supplies for the animals in their care. Redford expressed his desire to return to Iqaluit in the summer but acknowledged that other veterinarians are willing to assist during that time. He states he is readily available during the winter, so he will go whenever the animals need him, likely every January.
Veterinary Care Remote Communities Animal Rescue Iqaluit Canada Dr. Cliff Redford
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