All posts by portroyal

PRAH is no longer accepting new clients.

If you are fortunate enough to have an animal companion, you understand the importance of being able to access veterinary support, both for preventative and emergency reasons.

Unfortunately, we are no longer accepting new clients.

That being said, if your pet (without a regular veterinarian) is in need of urgent veterinary attention and I am able and available, please call (902)532-7387 and we will address on a case-by-case basis. 

If you happen to need veterinary assistance outside of our business hours, I recommend seeking, instead, service from either Coastal Care Veterinary Emergency (Halifax) (902)703-2323  or  Maritime Veterinary Emergency (Dartmouth) (902)932-0838.

This has been a challenging time for veterinary teams, often mirroring what citizens are experiencing on the human medical side.  This is not exclusive to our area or even our province or country.  The short of it is there are more companion animals than ever, and not enough veterinarians and their teams to service them all, especially in rural areas.  There are steps being taken to improve this, but as with anything, it will take time.

As you may know, Port Royal Animal Hospital is a ONE-veterinarian small animal hospital.  In order to be licensed as a hospital, veterinarians must provide access to 24 hour emergency service for their patients.  Shared after-hours coverage (with neighbouring hospitals) has become necessary for sustaining this impossible expectation.  For quite some time now our accepting of new clients has been restricted, to ensure there is a balance of the human health of the veterinary team and being able to offer appropriate standard of care to its current patient roster.

Even more recently we have ceased keeping a waitlist.  It has also become necessary to define what is an “active client/patient”: although we may have seen your pet in the past, if 2 years or more have passed since their last Dr’s visit, they are no longer considered “active” and with that will not be eligible for afterhours emergency service or outpatient services until the Dr/Patient relationship is reestablished.

With my eventual retirement from hospital ownership by June 2027 (year 35 as a veterinarian), I have been taking action to ensure the hospital and team and services currently provided will continue without me.  In the eventuality a new owner takes over, it is likely they will accept new clients.  Until then, I must preserve my ability to provide care and be responsible for my current patient roster.

We are truly sorry we cannot help everyone.  We encourage you to keep looking and wish you every success in finding your family’s veterinarian.

 

Respectfully yours,

Jody Cunningham, DVM

updated January 22, 2026

 

Check out our online shopping platform! myVETstore

For those of you who like or prefer the convenience of an online shopping experience, please be aware that Port Royal Animal Hospital offers that option!  This is a means of expanding what pet products and diets we can offer you, beyond the walls of our small retail space, and better yet, you can shop from home!  Please follow the link to myVETstore for more information!

Humanitarian Aid to Animals in Need in Ukraine

For those seeking to donate to the humanitarian efforts to support animals in need in Ukraine, the following is the link to a reputable group, Veterinarians without Borders – Canada: https://www.vetswithoutborders.ca/index.php?option=com_civicrm&task=civicrm/contribute/transact&reset=1&id=214

Port Royal Animal Hospital: emergency and general protocols & policies

Dear Clients of Port Royal Animal Hospital,

Please take note of the following information:

For a Veterinary Emergency call (902)532-7387.

            Our regular office hours are:

Mondays, Tuesdays, & Thursdays  8 am to 5 pm

Wednesdays and Fridays  8 am to 1 pm

We are closed Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays

For a Veterinary Appointment or Emergency, call (902)532-7387.

As you may have read, we are not accepting new clients at this time.  Our current client list keeps us very busy and our schedule is full daily: appointments are being planned 3-4 weeks in advance.  We make every effort to remind folks of their appointments, and if you need to reschedule, please make us aware at least 24 hours in advance so we may open up that spot for another needing care.  Please note our “Missed or Late Appointment Policies”.

***Missed appointment policy:  We recognize that stuff happens and you may need to reschedule or cancel your appointment with us.  For those no show appointments or not giving at least 24 hours notice to cancel, a fee of $39 (plus GST) will apply.  It will also forfeit any multipet discounts from future visits.  For repeat occurrences, in order to secure a future appointment, the exam fee will need to be pre-paid in full, and is nonrefundable if the appointment is missed nor cancelled within 24 hours.  Our goal with this policy is to open up otherwise unused appointment time for another pet in need.  Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

****Late to an appointment: Again, we recognize that stuff happens and you may be running late, and maybe that is not how you usually operate (but maybe it is :).  When you are late for an appointment it has a trickle down effect for the rest of the day’s schedule, affecting multiple persons along the way.  If you anticipate being late, please call to alert us (902)532-7387.  Depending on the circumstances, we may need to reschedule your appointment (in which case the missed appointment policy will apply), or limit the scope of that appointment.

*****Medication Refills Policy:

A Doctor is required to have examined your pet within the last year before prescribing medication.  This includes prescription tick and flea preventative medications.

A Doctor’s approval is required before a prescription can be filled.  This takes time for Dr’s oversight.

We will contact you in 2 days with an update on your prescription refill.

We advise contacting us at least 48 hrs prior needing to pick up your pets’ prescriptions to ensure we can have it ready for when you need it.

Please note, it can take 5-10 business days for special order medications.

 

~ please call (902) 532-7387  – for a veterinary emergency; to announce your arrival; to make an appointment

~ when possible, please email: reception@portroyalanimalhospital.com – to preorder supplies or prescriptions

~ where possible, please email reception@portroyalanimalhospital.com, with general questions, or updates on your pets’ condition

~ please be aware that our phone lines are often busy during office hours – if your call is not urgent, please leave a message; but if it is a veterinary emergency, please try again, or, follow the instructions to reach the Dr on call

 

NS Public Health has long given the green light for Nova Scotians to lift COVID 19 restrictions.  Despite these welcomed changes, we will however, be maintaining some of those policies as we feel necessary to continue to practice and serve safely.

~please wear a mask when interacting with our staff inside the hospital when not feeling well

~we have resumed in hospital/in person appointments*,**, however, we will continue to offer curbside service for those who prefer this option, for those who are feeling unwell, and for recheck or outpatient appointments and some sick or prolonged consultations 

*in some cases, we will ask clients to return to their vehicles, particularly if it is a prolonged consultation (while we await test results, or prepare prescriptions), to keep our schedule moving forward

**we may resort to curbside only service when we feel it is in the best interests of all concerned, and may choose to do so without prior warning

~ please do not enter our hospital if you are feeling unwell or are known to be COVID +

From our end, you can expect the following measures are taking place:

~ our staff do not come to work when sick – although this is a must for containing and preventing spread of infectious disease, it is challenging working short-staffed;  if the Dr is sick, it means having to cancel appointments until she is well enough to return;

 

For a Veterinary Appointment or Emergency, call (902)532-7387.

What you might expect if calling after hospital hours:

~ please recognize we are a one-veterinarian hospital with her small but mighty team, serving the needs of many; for this reason we ask you to respect that calling the Dr outside of appointment hours is for emergencies only; please note, there is a telephone consulting fee of $39 plus GST, when your call does not result in an emergency visit

~ even with these boundaries, being on call 24-7 is an impossible task, when also a human being who needs rest and nourishment of the body and mind; that is why emergency coverage is shared with the DVMs of Bayview Animal Hospital (Digby, NS) and also with the DVMs of Bridgetown Animal Hospital (Bridgetown, NS) – this means that on occasion, if calling us after hours for an emergency, you may be directed to contact a DVM other than Dr. Jody, and your pet may need to go to a different hospital than Port Royal AH (Annapolis Royal); please expect a similar, but not necessarily exact protocol at that DVM’s hospital; once your pet’s immediate needs have been addressed, the medical record will be forwarded to us

 

 

~ ADDENDUM: Dr. Jody has been looking for a relief veterinarian in the last year to provide coverage for her (during hospital hours and after hours) to take some planned time away from the hospital, and has yet to secure someone.  Therefore, please be advised and take note of the schedule of times below, when Port Royal AH will not be scheduling any DVM appointments; furthermore, should any of our patients require a emergency or urgent attention, they will be referred to Coastal Care Veterinary Emergency and Referral Hospital (please call, (902)703-2323). They are located in Halifax, Nova Scotia:

       July 2nd, Thursday @ noon through July 3rd, Friday @ 5 pm

       July 30th, Thursday @ 8 am through July 31st, Friday @ 5 pm

       August 4th, Tuesday @ 8 am through August 7th, Friday @ 5 pm

       August 24th, Monday @ 8 am through August 28th, Friday @ 5 pm

       Sept 21st, Monday @8 am through Sept 25th, Friday @ 5 pm

       Sept 28th, Monday @ 8 am through Sept 29th, Tuesday @ 5 pm

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Otherwise, our business hours are as usual, making it possible for technician appointments, laboratory testing, prescription refills and food sales.

 

 

For a Veterinary Emergency call (902)532-7387.

Afterhours Emergency Protocol @ PRAH:

Once you have been instructed to meet at this hospital at a prearranged time by the Doctor, please bring along the following:

1) any relevant medical history that we may not have access to after hours (especially if you are a patient of  Bridgetown or Bayview)

2) cell phone and means to charge it in the vehicle

3) the patient in question, securely and safely contained, in a carrier or on lead

4) water and snacks, and something to read, if desired, while you wait

Upon arrival, please park in one of our designated parking spaces and wait with your vehicle.  The Dr will admit your pet from the parking area.  The hospital doors will remain locked during this time. We ask that you remain with your vehicle with your cell on, while the Dr conducts her exam.  She will then call you on your cell to discuss the findings and what the treatment plan might be.  She will discuss the estimated costs of the plan with you, and if you agree to the plan, will request a deposit if the pet is admitted for any length of time.  In some cases, the issue is addressed in a short period of time and the pet would go home with you, so staying with your vehicle is important for an efficient use of the Dr’s time.  Hopefully, the outcome is a positive one, the pet is discharged, and you will be invited to reception for bill payment and home care instructions.

 

For a Veterinary Appointment or Emergency, call (902)532-7387.

In-hospital Consultation Protocol:

Upon arrival, please park in one of our designated parking spaces and dial (902) 532-7387 to announce your arrival, or, if you don’t have a cell phone with you, please pop into reception to alert us you’re here.  Provided our schedule is moving as intended, you will be invited to enter with your pet at your designated appointment time, and directed to a consultation room.  Please have pets effectively leashed or contained in a carrier.  Please wear a mask while inside the hospital if feeling catchy.

We allow for 30 minute appointments – this starts from the appointed time (check in) and includes the history-taking, physical exam and consultation, treatment or testing, if any, and conclusion (check out).  We appreciate it very much when clients arrive on time, and remain available to speak to the Dr. or her assistants, and to receive their pet within that 30 minute time frame.  At the conclusion of the appointment, you will be asked to return to your vehicle until the receptionist is ready to complete the check out with you.

Curbside Service Protocol:

Upon arrival, please park in one of our designated parking spaces and dial (902) 532-7387 to announce your arrival, or, if you don’t have a cell phone with you, please pop into reception to alert us you’re here.  One of our staff will be out to collect your pet for the appointment, while you remain with your vehicle.  Please have your pet ready for receiving – cats/small dogs in a carrier; dogs on a leash.

We allow for 30 minute appointments – this starts from the appointed time (check in) and includes the history-taking, physical exam and consultation, testing, if any, and conclusion (check out).  We appreciate it very much when clients arrive on time, and remain available to speak to the Dr. or her assistants, and to receive their pet within that 30 minute time frame.  (Rechecks and outpatient procedures are allotted 15 minutes.)  It is very difficult to stay on schedule when we cannot return your pet to you (we have to prepare for the next one!) or the Dr. cannot speak to you during that 30 minutes because the client has physically left the area during their appointment.

For a Veterinary Emergency or Appointment call (902)532-7387.

Thank you for your continued support, understanding and kindness.  We care very much about you and your furry family members and are doing our very best to serve you.

Sincerely,

Jody Cunningham, DVM

updated May 19, 2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pet Loss and Bereavement Resources

A Guide to Pet Loss

 

However difficult the decision may be, euthanasia is the kindest option for an animal who is suffering. The act of euthanasia is an act of love, as you have decided to take on the emotional pain of letting your loved one go in order to prevent your pet from feeling any more physical pain. You may experience feelings of guilt as well as the feelings of sorrow and loss, but please know you have done the right thing for your beloved animal companion.

Regardless of the circumstances of a pet’s death, the immediate aftermath can be an emotional rollercoaster. Animals provide companionship, acceptance, emotional support, and unconditional love during the time they share with you, so when your beloved pet dies, it’s not unusual to feel overwhelmed by the intensity of your sorrow. There is often a sense of numbness, and even sometimes relief that the animal is no longer suffering. You may find that your house is very quiet after your pet dies, even if there are others at home. Some people may initially find comfort staying busy or getting out of the house to avoid reminders. The emotional pain often starts to feel worse after a few days (or a few weeks) than it did on the first day. This can be surprising to many pet parents, but it means that the reality and the permanence of the situation are starting to set in.

When talking to children about the death of a pet, it is important to be as honest as possible. Try not to use the term “put to sleep” with children under 8 years old, as they may associate this with their bedtime and not want to go to sleep. If your children are old enough to have a bond with the pet, they are old enough to hear about the loss. Whether the pet was euthanized or died naturally, we advise that parents avoid telling children that the pet ran away or went to a farm to spare their feelings. These white lies may cause children to spend years looking for their pet rather than being allowed to grieve the loss. Also, it can be good for children to see their parents grieve so they learn that being sad over a loss and expressing those feelings is normal and natural.

The stages of grief after losing a pet are similar to what people experience when losing a human loved one. The initial stage, denial, can come at the time of a terminal diagnosis, resulting in putting off vet visits. It can also occur after the loss, in staying away from home to avoid confronting the pet’s absence. Anger comes next and can be directed at oneself or the vet (for not being able to save the pet) or even toward the pet for not surviving. It can come out indirectly, too, as impatience with family, friends, or coworkers. Pet parents also may feel guilty, replaying the events that led to the pet’s death and second-guessing themselves. Feelings of depression might follow, regardless of whether the person has a history of depression or not, as the pet parent realizes the loss is permanent. Finally, people reach the stage of acceptance, where healing occurs. This stage includes grieving and sadness, but it is mixed with an appreciation for all the joy the pet brought into your life.

There are many healthy ways to cope with the loss of a beloved pet. Talking to others who understand the loss and are supportive and patient can help. Journaling, yoga, meditation, exercise, art projects, or travel may also be beneficial. The most important thing is to be patient with yourself and your family members. Pet loss support groups, where people talk with others who understand their pain, can help normalize the grief process. Individual or family counseling is a wonderful resource to help you cope with and understand your emotions. Grief support hotlines can connect callers with a compassionate listener. The number for the Nova Scotia mental health hotline is 1-888-429-8167, and there are counsellors available 24 hours/day who can help you through the grieving process. We are happy to provide you with a list of numerous online forums and support groups – please don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Some people choose to have funeral services or memorials to acknowledge the significance of the loss. For example, friends or family might gather to share a story or pictures of the animal. These efforts honour the pet and can help people cope with their grief. Consider involving your children in the planning process, as it can give them a healthy way to express their feelings. To keep a pet’s memory alive, consider framed photos, paintings, or drawings. Some people choose to create scrapbooks or shadowboxes to memorialize their lost loved one, and many people keep the ashes in a special place at home or scatter them in a meaningful location. Some people choose to donate money in the pet’s name to an animal charity or give no-longer-needed pet supplies to an animal shelter.

When it comes to getting a new pet after a loss, we advise not getting a new pet immediately after one has passed away. Although there is no “right” time to get a new pet, it may be to your benefit to wait and fully experience the pain of your loss, however uncomfortable it can be – that is how healing begins. You will know you’re ready for a new pet when you can bring a new animal home and not expect them to take the place of the one who died. One person might be ready a week later, while another might need a year. Some people dip their toes back in by fostering a pet. Whatever you choose to do, we are here to answer any questions you may have and to support any decisions that you make.

Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss.

Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.

 

Resources for Dealing with Pet Loss

 

This document is meant to provide some resources for pet owners who are coping with the loss of a beloved animal companion. Animals provide friendship, acceptance, emotional support, and unconditional love during the time they share with you, so when your pet dies, it’s not unusual to feel overwhelmed by the intensity of your sorrow. The first section of this handout provides resources for those who are in immediate crisis or are in profound distress. The second section provides resources to help manage loss and grief over the longer term.

Section 1: At Port Royal Animal Hospital, we know that pet owners often experience profound grief when preparing for an impending loss and when their pet dies. Those emotions can be intense for many people, and if you are experiencing an immediate mental health challenge or are contemplating suicide, please reach out for help:

Crisis Services Canada Call 1-833-456-4566, Text 45645

Visit: www.crisisservicescanada.ca

Centre for Suicide Prevention Visit: www.suicideinfo.ca

Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention

Visit: https://suicideprevention.ca/need-help/

Newfoundland and Labrador Crisis Hotline: 1-888-737-4668

New Brunswick Crisis Hotline: 1-800-667-5005

Nova Scotia Crisis Hotline: 1-888-429-8167

Prince Edward Island Crisis Hotline: 1-800-218-2885

 

Section 2: It is normal to experience intense grief after the loss of a beloved pet, and it is normal to struggle through that process. Many people benefit from support from others who understand what they are going through. This compilation of resources may assist with finding that support.

Online Communities: These are communities for people who have lost a companion animal to come together and share their thoughts and feelings. Several offer additional resources.

http://www.rainbowbridge.com

http://www.chancesspot.org/pet-loss-support/index.php

http://www.letterstopushkin.com

Online Grief/Bereavement Resources:

http://www.helpguide.org/articles/grief-loss/coping-with-pet-loss.htm

http://www.everlifememorials.com/v/pet-loss.htm#articles

http://www.petsatpeace.ca/grief-resources/

http://www.pet-loss.net

http://www.aplb.org

http://www.petloss.com/petlossbooklist.htm (book suggestions)

https://riedelcody.org (for pets with cancer)

http://www.pragmaticmom.com (books for children)

Mental Health Awareness Resources

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major effect on our lives. Many of us are facing challenges that can be stressful, overwhelming, and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Public health actions such as social distancing are necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19, but they can make us feel isolated and lonely, which can increase stress and anxiety. Learning to cope with stress in a healthy way will help you and the people you care about become more resilient over time.

Stress can cause the following:

  • Feelings of fear, anger, sadness, worry, numbness, or frustration
  • Changes in appetite, energy, desires, and interests
  • Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
  • Difficulty sleeping or nightmares
  • Physical reactions, such as headaches, body pains, stomach problems, and skin rashes
  • Worsening of chronic health problems
  • Worsening of mental health conditions
  • Increased use of tobacco, alcohol, and other substances

It is natural to feel stress, anxiety, grief, and worry during the COVID-19 pandemic. Below are some ways that you can help yourself, others, and your community manage stress during this uncertain time.

Healthy Ways to Cope with Stress

  • Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including those on social media. It’s good to be informed, but hearing about the pandemic constantly can be upsetting. Consider limiting news to just a couple times a day and disconnecting from phones, televisions, and computer screens as often as possible.
  • Take care of your body.
    • Take deep, purposeful breaths, stretch, or meditate.
    • Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
    • Exercise regularly.
    • Get plenty of sleep.
    • Avoid excessive alcohol, tobacco, and substance use.
    • Continue with routine preventive measures (such as vaccinations, cancer screenings, etc.) as recommended by your healthcare provider.
    • Get vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine when available.
  • Make time to unwind. Focus on hobbies and other activities you enjoy.
  • Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
  • Connect with your community- or faith-based organizations. While social distancing measures are in place, try connecting online, through social media, or by phone or mail.

Helping Others Cope

Taking care of yourself can better equip you to take care of others. During times of social distancing, it is especially important to stay connected with your friends and family. Helping others cope with stress through phone calls or video chats can help you and your loved ones feel less lonely or isolated.

Mental Health and Crisis

  • If you are struggling to cope, there are many ways to get help. Call your healthcare provider if stress gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row.
  • During times of extreme stress, people may have thoughts of suicide. Suicide is preventable and help is always available. More about the risk of suicide, signs to watch for, and how to respond if you notice these signs in yourself or a friend or loved one can be found at Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention / Association canadienne pour la prévention du suicide – Home.

If you are in crisis, get immediate help:

Crisis Services Canada Call 1-833-456-4566, Text 45645, Visit: www.crisisservicescanada.ca

Center for Suicide Prevention, Visit: www.suicideinfo.ca

Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention, Visit: https://suicideprevention.ca/need-help/

Newfoundland and Labrador Crisis Hotline: 1-888-737-4668

New Brunswick Crisis Hotline: 1-800-667-5005

Nova Scotia Crisis Hotline: 1-888-429-8167

Prince Edward Island Crisis Hotline: 1-800-218-2885