Okotoks' emergency vet clinic SAVE closes August 30 after difficult decision

Southern Alberta Veterinary Emergency (SAVE), the animal hospital at the north end of Okotoks, will permanently close at the end of August, after a difficult decision made following a careful review of the hospital's long-term operational needs and ability to continue providing sustainable emergency care.

The veterinary clinic's parent company, VetStrategy, announced the closure in June. On Sunday, August 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., SAVE will host one final community adoption event, combining a farewell celebration with a push to place rescue animals into homes.

The event will feature multiple rescue partners working to find animals their forever homes. Local businesses, vendors, and food trucks will be on-site throughout the day. SAVE's neighbour, Covet Sips + Sweets, will create a special menu of fancy pup cups with proceeds benefiting the Alberta SPCA.

SAVE practice manager Cheryl Brown said the team wants to use the day to help as many animals as possible. "We want to use the day to help as many animals as possible," Brown said in a statement.

During the event, organizers will announce something new and exciting coming to the Foothills area very soon, though details remain undisclosed. The source has not said what new veterinary service or facility will arrive or when it will open.