Veterinarians from the Anchorage-based Alaska Rural Veterinary Outreach (ARVO) performed dozens of surgeries and exams during their trip to Cordova last month.
The June 19-21 clinic was the second annual ARVO trip to Cordova, a town that lacks full-time veterinary services.
“Our rural clinics are part of our mission to improve access to veterinary care across rural Alaska,” ARVO Vice President Julia Harry said. “It is an absolute pleasure to get to meet individuals in different communities and build those relationships over years.”
In total, the clinic conducted:
- 18 rabies vaccines;
- 14 exams: Seven dewormer; one microchip;
- 12 canine parvo/distemper vaccines;
- Nine surgeries: Five dog spays, two dog neuters, two cat spays;
- Three feline FVRCP vaccines;
- Two labs sent out;
- Two euthanasias.
This year the ARVO vets, vet technicians, administrators, and veterinary students conducted the clinic in Nathan Widman’s garage on Orca Inlet Drive. The team was put up at the Red Dragon, Widman’s garage apartment, and Mayor Kristin Smith’s home.
Last year the city helped fund ARVO’s trip to Cordova, however this year the city did not.
ARVO will begin planning traveling clinics for 2027 starting this fall.
