In the vast majority of Canadian communities it is unusual to have pets that have not been spayed or neutered or have not had regular vaccinations and basic health care. In fact, for most of us, it is difficult to imagine having little or no access to health care for your pets, however, there are countless pet owners in communities in Canada (and beyond) where this is the reality.

These communities are full of pet owners with dogs and cats that are not sterilized, not vaccinated and do not have access to minimal health care. They are either in very remote locations with no access OR the community members are financially not able to afford to travel to a veterinary clinic (often a fair distance) or pay for the services.

The Canadian Animal Assistance Team (CAAT) is a registered charity that provides volunteer veterinary services for these types of communities. Our main focus is on our Canadian Indigenous and remote communities. Our mission is to assist these communities with pet population control and disease prevention while working toward a locally run, sustainable pet population management plan for the future.

Many communities that we partner with were controlling their population either through mass culls (if very remote and there was no other choice) or, if available, re-homing through rescue organizations that help to transfer the animals out of the community when needed. This is a big job for rescue groups and removing or culling dogs does not solve the basic issue of repopulation on a long-term basis. There is a never-ending supply of new animals to replace those that were removed.

We know that through spay/neuter and vaccination programs and humane education the health and welfare of the animals improves by creating a healthier population, less fighting, less strays, and less unwanted animals that are not cared for. Animal health is also undeniably intertwined with the health of the people in the community (both physically and psychologically) thus helping the animals, helps the people and the community as a whole.

We also understand that the spay/neuter and vaccination programs are only part of the solution. A locally run pet population management plan needs to be set in place in order for a long-term humane solution to be successful and we assist with that. We are continually building a network of resources for the local community leaders to assist them in creating a pet population management plan that works for them. Our model is always evolving and improving. Empowering pet owners with the ability to care for their pets is invaluable in creating an environment for change in the community as a whole.

We provide the following at no charge to the community members in need:
o canine and feline population control (sterilization surgery)
o disease control (vaccinating and deworming)
o humane education on basic animal needs and care
o work with the community leaders to build a network of resources to facilitate local sustainable options for a pet population management plan

Most of our communities are remote access and getting to them is part of the challenge (and also the reason why they need our help!) To get our team members to the location to do the work that is needed, we rely on our Aeroplan program to help get them there. Your Aeroplan donation will make a difference to the animals in need.

Please visit our website at www.caat-canada.org or follow us on social media at:

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CAAT.Canada/

Twitter and Instagram. Caat_Canada