How to find a veterinarian who speaks Ukrainian?

Finding a Ukrainian-speaking veterinarian in Calgary is particularly important for the new wave of Ukrainian immigrants, but the reality is that there are very few Ukrainian-speaking veterinarians in the city. Dr. Andriy Prykhodko of Monterey Veterinary Clinic remains the only confirmed Ukrainian-born veterinarian in Calgary who speaks Ukrainian, but there are alternative strategies for finding language support through interpreters, Ukrainian-speaking clinic staff, and professional networks within the Ukrainian community.

Dr. Andriy Prykhodko: the only confirmed Ukrainian-speaking veterinarian in Calgary

Professional biography and experience

Dr. Andriy Prykhodko of Monterey Veterinary Clinic is the most documented veterinarian of Ukrainian descent in Calgary who actively uses Ukrainian in his practice.

Education and career path:

  • 1988: Graduated from the Veterinary Faculty of the National Ukrainian Agrarian University

  • 1988-2000: Worked in mixed veterinary practice in Ukraine

  • 2000: Moved to Ontario with his wife and two daughters

  • 2000-2001: Worked as a veterinary assistant in a mixed practice in Ontario

  • 2001-2005: Moved to Strathmore, AB, began the licensing process in Canada

  • 2005: Obtained a temporary veterinary license in Alberta

  • 2007: Completed practical exams and obtained full license

  • 2013: Began full-time employment at Monterey Veterinary Clinic

  • 2014: Became practice owner

Specializations and Services

Dr. Prykhodko's clinical interests:

  • Soft tissue surgery
  • Dentistry
  • Geriatric patients (senior animal care)
  • General veterinary medicine

Monterey Veterinary Clinic offers:

  • Full range of therapeutic and preventive care
  • Standard vaccinations
  • Nutritional counseling
  • Dental services
  • Geriatric medicine
  • Fully equipped surgical and radiological facilities
  • Treatment of dogs and cats

Contact information:

  • Clinic: Monterey Veterinary Clinic
  • Location: Calgary, Alberta
  • Languages: Ukrainian, English
  • Status: Current practice owner since 2014

Alternative resources and search strategies

Ukrainian-speaking staff at veterinary clinics

Although there are few Ukrainian veterinarians in Calgary, some clinics have Ukrainian-speaking staff who can assist with translation and communication.

Examples:

  • Legacy Veterinary Clinic employs Dr. Monika Marcakova, a veterinarian from Slovakia who graduated from the University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Kosice. Although Slovak is not Ukrainian, Dr. Marcakova can understand some Slavic languages and has experience working with Eastern European clients.

  • Experience from other provinces: In Toronto, Central Vaughan Animal Hospital employs Dr. Arik Vishnevsky, who offers services in Russian and Ukrainian and has Ukrainian-speaking staff (Avital from Client Services), demonstrating possible models for Calgary.

Mobile veterinary services with translation available

  • Dr. Wendy Mobile Vet Care offers house calls, which may be convenient for clients who need more time for explanations due to language barriers.

  • Calgary Housecall Vet Services (Dr. Claire Cooney) specializes in a personalized approach and detailed explanations, which may be helpful for clients with language needs (currently only accepting euthanasia requests).

Utilizing professional networks and resources

Calgary Ukrainian Professional and Business Association (UCPBA)

UCPBA Calgary has experience organizing meetings with Ukrainian medical professionals and may be a valuable resource for finding Ukrainian-speaking veterinarians or recommendations.

UCPBA's historical experience:

  • Organizing meetings with Ukrainian doctors (2018)
  • Support for professional exchange with Ukraine
  • Network of Ukrainian professionals in various fields

Online resources and directories

  • UAConnect Calgary — a local Ukrainian-speaking resource that contains information about Ukrainian-speaking medical professionals in Calgary, although it focuses primarily on doctors for humans.

  • UkrainianPhysicians.com has a section for Calgary, although primarily focused on doctors for people, may have contacts or recommendations for veterinary services.

Alternative strategies for overcoming language barriers

Use interpreters and escorts

  • Professional medical interpreters: Alberta Health Services has interpreter support programs for medical services, although they focus on human medicine, some interpreters may be able to assist with veterinary consultations.

  • Community networks: The Ukrainian community in Calgary often organizes mutual assistance, including accompaniment to medical facilities.

Preparing for the visit

Prepare documents in Ukrainian and English:

  • Description of symptoms in both languages
  • Medical history of the animal
  • List of questions translated in advance
  • Glossary of veterinary terms

Use of technology:

  • Google Translate with voice translation feature
  • Mobile apps for medical translation
  • Preparation of photos/videos of symptoms for better understanding

Specialized support programs for Ukrainian refugees

Alberta Health Benefits for Ukrainian Evacuees

Ukrainian refugees in Alberta have access to special health insurance programs, including coverage for veterinary services in some cases.

The program includes:

  • Dental treatment

  • Prescription drugs

  • Eye exams and glasses

  • Basic diabetes supplies

  • Emergency ambulance services

  • Basic over-the-counter medications

Ukrainian Canadian Congress — Alberta Provincial Council (UCC-APC)

UCC-APC provides information about health services for newly arrived Ukrainians, including tips on finding Ukrainian-speaking health professionals.

UCC-APC resources:

  • Health Link Hotline: 811 (24/7 non-medical advice)
  • Information about health services in Ukrainian
  • Help navigating the health care system

Veterinary schools and training programs

University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

The University of Calgary has an active veterinary medicine program and may be a resource for finding students or young veterinarians of Ukrainian descent.

Opportunities through the university:

  • Student clinics supervised by professors

  • Referrals to alumni of Ukrainian descent

  • Community Care Clinic (planned) for low-income clients

International veterinary programs

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) actively collaborates with the Ukrainian Veterinary Medical Foundation (UVMF), which may create opportunities for exchange and immigration for Ukrainian veterinarians.

UVMF support programs:

  • Ukrainian School of Veterinary Medicine
  • Ukrainian Charity Veterinary Clinic
  • Assistance programs for Ukrainian refugee veterinarians

Practical recommendations for searching

Step-by-step search strategy

Step 1: Direct contact with Dr. Andriy Prykhodko Call the Monterey Veterinary Clinic directly and ask about the possibility of making an appointment with Dr. Prykhodko, indicating that you need Ukrainian-speaking services.

Step 2: Research through the Ukrainian community

  • Contact the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Alberta
  • Join Ukrainian-speaking Facebook groups in Calgary
  • Visit Ukrainian cultural centers and churches

Step 3: Advanced search through professional networks

  • Use UAConnect Calgary for medical referrals
  • Contact the Calgary Ukrainian Professional Association
  • Check the Calgary Academy of Veterinary Medicine directory

Step 4: Alternative solutions

  • Find an English-speaking veterinarian with good reviews

  • Arrange for a professional interpreter

  • Prepare documents in both languages

Criteria for choosing a veterinarian with language support

Ideal scenario:

  • A veterinarian who speaks Ukrainian
  • Ukrainian-speaking clinic staff
  • Experience working with the Ukrainian community

Compromise option:

  • An English-speaking veterinarian with a patient approach
  • A clinic with experience working with immigrants
  • The possibility of hiring an interpreter

Future prospects and trends

Growth of the Ukrainian community

With the start of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, the number of Ukrainians in Calgary has grown significantly, which may stimulate demand for Ukrainian-speaking veterinary services.

Professional immigration programs

Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) provides opportunities for Ukrainian refugees to apply for permanent residence, which may include veterinary professionals.

University initiatives

University of Calgary plans to expand its Community Care Clinic, which may include Ukrainian-speaking students and graduates of the veterinary program.

Recommendations for an effective search

For new immigrants

Document preparation:

  • Keep all veterinary documents from Ukraine with translations
  • Prepare your pet's medical history in English
  • Create a glossary of your pet's favorite terms

Networking:

  • Join Ukrainian-speaking groups on social media
  • Attend Ukrainian cultural events
  • Establish contacts with other pet owners in the community

For pet owners with language needs

Preparing for your visit:

  • Call ahead and explain your language needs
  • Request extra time for the consultation
  • Bring a trusted person as an interpreter

Choosing a clinic:

  • Give preference to clinics with experience working with diverse communities
  • Look for clinics with patient staff
  • Consider mobile services for a more comfortable environment

Conclusion: realistic expectations and effective strategies

Although Dr. Andriy Prykhodko of Monterey Veterinary Clinic remains the only confirmed Ukrainian-speaking veterinarian in Calgary, there are numerous strategies for overcoming the language barrier when caring for pets.

The key to success is a combination of actively searching through the Ukrainian community, preparing for visits through translation technology, and establishing trusting relationships with English-speaking veterinarians who understand the needs of immigrant communities.

The most effective strategies are:

  • Direct contact with Dr. Prykhodko for Ukraine-specific needs and complex cases where language is critical.

  • Developing relationships with an English-speaking veterinarian with a good reputation and experience working with diverse communities for routine care.

  • Using technology and training to overcome language barriers in everyday situations.

  • Actively participating in the Ukrainian community to get recommendations and support from other pet owners.

The growth of the Ukrainian community in Calgary may stimulate the emergence of additional Ukrainian-speaking veterinary services in the future, but for now, a combined approach using existing resources and alternative strategies remains the most practical solution for providing quality veterinary care in Ukrainian.