Northern Animal Health Initiative (NAHI)

Goal: To build capacity for animal health care across Canada's North by providing veterinary clinics and training to remote communities that have no access to veterinary professionals. In doing so, we aim to help strengthen the health of both community members and domesticated animals living in Canada's territories.

Location: Northwest Territories and Nunavut

Groups We Work With: Remote communities, including Indigenous communities, across northern Canada. VWB works with each community on an invite-only basis.

The Situation

Those who live in large urban communities in North America are fortunate to have access to veterinary professionals who can provide our animals with care, including vaccinations, spay/neuter surgeries, and general care when our animals are injured or sick. For the majority of pet guardians across Canada's remote North, these services are simply unavailable.

In fact, a 2017 study conducted on behalf of VWB/VSF found 54 remote communities of 100 or more people in Canada’s three northern territories had little or no access to veterinary services. In the entire territory of Nunavut, there is not a single veterinary office.

What We Are Doing

VWB uses the One Health model to partner with remote communities in the Canadian territories upon their invitation. We work with each community to identify needs and build a plan with community representatives to build local capacity to address animal care needs year-round. This includes offering temporary veterinary clinics with a team of volunteers.

While at these clinics, we offer:

Vaccinations against deadly diseases, including rabies
Spay and neuter surgeries
Consultations with pet guardians/animals and general veterinary check ups
Community training programs, including pet first aid and lay vaccinators

Sustainable Veterinary Care

Sustainable veterinary care means more than flying in veterinarians once a year. Community members trained in certain procedures, access to telemedicine, and other solutions tailored for specific communities are essential components of sustainability.

Click the infographic to download / enlarge it.

Resources for Northern communities

Nunavut Rabies Awareness & Prevention Education Program: A free Grades 5–6 curriculum designed to support rabies education in Nunavut schools. This educational kit can be used by teachers across northern communities.
Northern Animal Health Resources: We work with communities to identify practical tools that strengthen local animal health capacity. Access available resources and translations here.
Pet Emergency Preparedness Checklist: Help keep your animals safe during extreme weather events and other emergencies with this practical preparedness checklist for pet owners.
How to Trim a Dog's Nails (CAHW Training Video): This easy-to-follow training video demonstrates safe nail-trimming techniques you can use at home. Regular nail care supports your dog’s comfort, mobility, and overall health.

Meet Our NAHI Program Partners:
VWB’s northern work is made possible thanks to the generous support of these incredible partners.

The Angel Gabriel Foundation
The James A. And Donna-Mae Moore Foundation
Benson Medical Supplies

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