Earlier this spring, I was privileged to take part in a remote spay and neuter clinic with the Canadian Animal Assistance Team (CAAT). I have long wanted to partake in one of these amazing clinics, so when a project came up serving some of the communities in Clayoquot I jumped on it.
CAAT provides vaccination/deworming, and spay/neuter to remote communities that otherwise would not have access to veterinary care. In this case, the Coastal Animal Rescue & Education Network (CARE Network) worked with CAAT and First Nations communities to ensure as many animals could access the clinic as possible.
We headed out early on a Friday morning to Tofino and from there took a small boat (SEVERAL trips with all the people and equipment) over to Opitsaht. The Opitsaht community was our host for this event with the clinic being held in their community hall.
Beautiful community of Opitsaht
The team flowed so well, it was as if we had all been working together for years. Everyone pitched in, and before we knew it an entire clinic (including surgery/prep, intake, vaccine/exam station, recovery and education area) was set up!
Kennels set and up ready to go for intake!
After a busy night of set up a good night sleep was in order, but not before checking out the wild cow population on the island!
Wild cow munching on eel grass
Enjoying the beautiful beaches of Meares Island
The next day, we were up early and began the clinic! We saw many members of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations who were so happy and thankful to receive this care for their pets. Many owners stayed with their pets often chatting side by side while we were performing surgery on their animals, and assisting during the recovery!
Cat spay with a veterinary student looking on
Getting a heart rate on this beautiful boy before his neuter surgery
Stunning mama cat with her kittens. She was spayed and quickly reunited with her little fuzzy bundles
The clinic was held over Saturday and Sunday, and included trips into neighbouring communities to vaccinate, and bring as many animals to the clinic as possible. All in all 27 surgeries and 55 vaccinations/dewormings were completed!
I can't wait to do my next CAAT project. They are one of the most amazing organizations I have ever come across and the work they are doing in simply incredible!
See you again soon!