Despite the absence of a full-time veterinarian in their clinic for one-third of the year, the Animal Protection Society (APS) has been able to provide a high level of care to its patients thanks to its very well-trained and dedicated local staff.  

In a newsletter by the society issued on Thursday, it states that registered clients numbered almost 4,200 including 570 who had registered between July 2022 and June 2023.  

During the 2022-2023 financial year APS had provided 77 emergency services outside normal clinic opening hours. 

This was revealed at the Annual General Meeting of APS where Johanna Coyle was once again elected chair.

Vice-Chair is Nynnette Nelson and Jeanne Schoenberger Slade is the Secretary and the Treasurer is Dr Joan Macfarlane. Sose Annandale, Katie De Trafford, Namulauulu Nuualofa Tuuau Potoi, Dr Harriet Thornton, Tanya Grey and Paul Davies make up the rest of the board.

In her remarks, Ms. Coyle noted that clients had continued to receive quality service at the APS Clinic and that the client base continued to grow. 

"The experience and knowledge gained by our local staff has continued to go from strength to strength as they work alongside the professional volunteers who come to the Clinic from time to time.  Joseph, one of our Veterinary Assistants, has completed his first year of academic study and training towards qualification as a Veterinary Nurse," the newsletter reads.

"His online study has been with the Australian College of Veterinary Nursing (in conjunction with the University of Queensland) with the support of a Samoa Government scholarship and assistance with the practical requirements overseen by Dr Harriet Thornton."

The APS Board is now working to obtain further Government assistance to enable Joseph to undertake the final year of study for his formal qualification.

APS said the types of services provided in the Clinic had been increased following the acquisition of new equipment which enabled APS to provide even better care to its patients. 

However, APS continues to face challenges.  With the success of the APS message the problems of size and location of the clinic have become an issue. 

The space currently occupied by the clinic at the MAF livestock compound is now too small as the number of clients and services increases. 

Another challenge is APS’s continuing reliance on international volunteers to provide veterinary care and the struggle to retain local veterinary professionals.

Feedback from the volunteers has been consistently full of praise for APS' clinic staff and dedicated volunteer Board who continue to strive 

"APS would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has made donations to APS or has given their time to us this year.  
Every little bit has helped and we have done everything we can to make it all count. Thank you for helping us and God Bless you all," APS noted.