Coordinating Compassion: VWB Responds to Manitoba's Wildfire Emergency

This blog offers a behind-the-scenes look at Veterinarians Without Borders North America’s (VWB) coordinated wildfire response efforts across Manitoba. Working alongside more than 10 partner organizations, VWB is helping deliver emergency veterinary care, food, and shelter to animals impacted by evacuations. Through collaborative action and a One Health lens, this response sheds light on the urgent needs of communities in crisis—and the power of compassion-driven, cross-provincial coordination.

As wildfires continue to ravage parts of Manitoba and other areas of Canada, communities—especially in remote and Indigenous areas—are being forced to evacuate with little time to prepare. Families are fleeing danger, and too often, pets and animals are left behind or relocated with limited access to food, shelter, or veterinary care. In response to these fires, VWB is stepping up to provide urgent, life-saving support through our growing Emergency Response program.

A rapid, coordinated effort

In collaboration with more than 10 key partners, including the Winnipeg Humane Society, Alberta SPCA, Manitoba Animal Alliance (MAA), Manitoba Underdogs Rescue, Humane Canada, AARCS, and local rescues. VWB is helping coordinate a nationwide response. Together, we’re providing food, shelter, veterinary care, and emergency transport to animals affected by the wildfires.

So far, over 650 animals have been reached across impacted communities like Cross Lake, Split Lake, Wasagamack, Norway House, and Winnipeg. To streamline this response, VWB has hosted cross-provincial coordination calls and launched a centralized drive to manage incoming requests and supply needs.

Part of a bigger picture

This work is part of VWB’s broader Emergency Response strategy, designed to mobilize quickly and collaboratively when disaster strikes. Whether responding to floods, wildfires, or conflict zones, VWB focuses on rapid, community-led veterinary interventions—recognizing that animals play a vital role in the health and resilience of families and communities.

Our goal is not just to respond in the moment, but to build long-term preparedness and strengthen emergency protocols across provinces.

Providing care where it’s needed most

In Winnipeg, the Humane Society has opened pop-up shelters to care for evacuated animals. Food and supply deliveries are being coordinated with help from MAA, Greater Good, and Winnipeg Animal Services. Emergency veterinary care—including vaccinations and deworming—is already underway.

In Alberta, Parachutes for Pets has been invited to Peerless Trout First Nation, where local emergency paramedics have flagged urgent needs for pet housing and supplies. VWB is working to support their efforts, helping ensure that remote and underserved communities are not left behind.

PHOTO: A volunteer loads pet food for transport to fire-affected communities and animals.

PHOTO: VWB's Valli Fraser-Celin, loads pet food for transport to fire-affected communities and animals.

PHOTO: VWB partners support the wildfire response efforts in Winnipeg.

Supporting first responders 

VWB is also collaborating with Alberta SPCA to develop best-practice infographics for first responders who encounter animals left behind during evacuations. These resources will help emergency teams act safely and humanely in the field—while setting new standards for future disaster response.

A One Health approach in action

This wildfire crisis underscores the need for a One Health approach—one that recognizes the deep connections between animal health, human well-being, and environmental resilience. When animals are cared for, families are supported, stress is reduced, and recovery becomes more possible for everyone.

VWB remains committed to filling critical gaps in veterinary care, animal registration systems, and emergency logistics. But we can’t do it alone. As our teams and partners continue to respond, your support helps ensure no animal—or community—is left behind.