VWB hosts webinar about what's next for dogs following rabies ban
Skip to Main Content

Vets & animal welfare experts discuss Canadian decision to ban adoptable dogs from countries with high incidences of rabies

Posted Sep 20th, 2022 in Media Releases, News

OTTAWA, ON (September 20, 2022) – In response to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s decision to ban the importation of dogs from other countries at high-risk for rabies, including dogs that could otherwise be available for adoption or purchase, Veterinarians Without Borders (VWB) is hosting a free virtual roundtable discussion to explore what comes next for international animal rescues. This ban will come into effect on Wednesday, Sept. 28, which is World Rabies Day and focused on eradicating dog-mediated human rabies deaths by 2030.  
 
“VWB is committed to our international partnerships, to make sure they are able to pivot towards spay/neuter projects and vaccination programs,” said Charmaine Brett, executive director of VWB.  “The way forward is to eradicate rabies internationally, so there is no need for bans like this.” 
 
Webinar speakers will include animal and policy experts, Michelle Tuma DVM, (Veterinarians without Borders / Vétérinaires sans frontières – Canada (VWB/VSF), Gregg Tully (Save the Dogs and Other Animals), Kathy Duncan (Humane Canada), and Nina Lozinska from Happy Paw in Ukraine. VWB is currently working on-the-ground with partners in countries such as Ukraine, Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, South Sudan, Laos, and Vietnam, which will experience bans on dog importation following this decision.  
 
Details as follows
 
WEBINAR: DOG IMPORT BAN – WHAT’S NEXT FOR CANADA AND THE COUNTRIES FACING A BAN ON EXPORTS? 
 
When: Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. ET 
Where: Online; register here
 
Media Contact  

Charmaine Brett  
Executive Director  
E: Charmaine@vetswithoutborders.ca  
C: +1-613-880-1655  
 
About Veterinarians Without Borders 


Using a One Health approach, Veterinarians Without Borders (VWB) works for, and with, communities in need to foster the health of animals, people and the environments that sustain us. VWB works in Africa and Asia to improve the living conditions of the most disadvantaged rural populations through veterinary and agricultural services, sustainable animal production, training, value chain development and sustainable natural resource management. Additionally, we support remote Northern Canadian communities to improve animal health through temporary spay and neuter clinics, reduce the spread of rabies, and work to create the conditions for long-term, community-led sustainable animal health services. 
 
Learn more at vetswithoutborders.ca 
 
-30- 

Stories From Around The World

VETS Volunteer Voices: Growing Stronger Together in Cambodia

VETS Volunteer Voices: Growing Stronger Together in Cambodia

Posted Jul 9th, 2026

In this edition of #VETSVolunteerVoices, we shift perspective — from volunteer reflections to the voice of a local VETS program partner helping shape sustainable agriculture from within. Meet Sophoan Min, Country Representative of AVSF Cambodia, who has spent more than 25 years working alongside farming communities and VETS volunteers to strengthen farmer organizations, promote sustainable agriculture, and build more resilient rural livelihoods.

Read more

Where Care Begins: How Helen Klengenberg Is Helping Strengthen Animal Health in Nunavut

Where Care Begins: How Helen Klengenberg Is Helping Strengthen Animal Health in Nunavut

Posted Jul 9th, 2026

From coordinating veterinary clinics to supporting future Community Animal Health Workers, Helen Klengenberg's story highlights the importance of local leadership in strengthening animal health across Nunavut. As communities continue to build local capacity, we explore how VWB is working alongside northern partners to improve access to care.

Read more

Different Approaches, One Goal: Bringing Veterinary Care Closer

Different Approaches, One Goal: Bringing Veterinary Care Closer

Posted Jul 8th, 2026

Access to veterinary care looks different in every community. This blog explores how mobile clinics, local veterinary partners, and Community Animal Health Workers help bring care closer to animals and families in Northern Canada, Ukraine, Senegal, and beyond.

Read more

  • I loved being placed in Ghana and believe I made a significant impact to the communities.
    - Madison Russel

Become A Part Of The Big Picture

By supporting Veterinarians Without Borders through donations or volunteering, you become part of the Big Picture solution. 

Volunteer  Donate  

+1(343) 633-0272 Contact