Northern Canada

VWB's Northern Animal Health Initiative aims to improve animal health in Canada's North by providing services for underserved communities across Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. 

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.

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