In the first half of 2023, approximately 18,000 animals received treatment at the Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Animal Hospital.

Located on the OMU Kurupelit Campus, the Animal Hospital operates 24/7, providing animal services, including an emergency department and inpatient care when necessary.

"Increased Pet Adoption Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic"

Dr. Ümit Özcan, Deputy Chief Physician of the OMU Education, Practice, and Research Animal Hospital, highlighted the rise in pet adoptions during the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing the number of patients.

Dr. Özcan noted that the animal hospital was established in 2011 and has witnessed a steady increase in patient numbers. He provided the following information:

"In 2022, we had 25,000 patient visits; in the first six months of this year, that number has already reached 18,000. We anticipate this number will reach 30,000 to 35,000 by year-end. This substantial increase reflects the surge in pet adoptions, particularly after the pandemic."

"Providing Services with a Team of Nearly 70 Personnel"

Dr. Özcan explained that they serve animals with a team of nearly 70 personnel in surgical, internal medicine, wildlife medicine, obstetrics, and gynecology departments, covering the entire Central Black Sea Region.

He also pointed out a high incidence of cats falling from heights in the region, possibly suggesting a need for warnings such as closing windows or using screens. He added, "Our hospital is open 24/7, even outside regular working hours, and you can come here for emergencies. In 2022, we received nearly 4,000 emergency cases, most of which were due to falls from heights."

"60% of Cases Involve Cats"

Dr. Özcan emphasized that the range of diseases and patients they treat is extensive when looking at annual data. He stated, "Since cat adoption rates are high worldwide, it's the same in our country. When we look at our patients, we see that 60% of them are cats, followed by dogs. However, in terms of location, we are in an area where farming is prevalent, such as Bafra, Çarşamba plain, and even in regions like Amasya and Suluova, where livestock farming is significant. Therefore, we also have a substantial demand for farm animals like sheep, goats, cattle, and calves."

Dr. Özcan concluded by underlining that they are the most well-equipped center in the region for diagnosis and treatment and advised citizens to use the appointment system to ensure they are not inconvenienced when bringing their animals to the hospital.