British Columbia will permanently double the number of subsidized seats for BC students attending the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon.

The number of B.C. seats in the veterinary college will increase to 40, due to an initial investment of $21.8 million over three years.

A dramatic uptick in pet ownership during the COVID pandemic has led to a shortage of veterinarians, especially in rural areas.

B.C.’s increased investment means the Veterinary College at the University of Saskatchewan will have 88 students in the first-year class.

Saskatchewan and Manitoba have also increased funding, and have 25 and 20 first year seats respectively.

Two seats are designated for Indigenous applicants and the other for a student from the northern territories.

The government of Alberta supports students attending the Veterinary College at the University of Calgary.

(with files from cjww)