Spay/Neuter Clinic at Attawapiskat & Fort Albany First Nation - Jan 2023

After a 8 hour drive to Timmins, Ontario and a 2.5 hour chartered flight, the team arrived at their destination. 

First the team went to Attawapiskat for 2.5 days and then took another chartered flight to Fort Albany, where they stayed another 2.5 days. These are remote fly-in communities, where animals don't have regular access to ​vet care. There are both pets and stray animals found in these communities. We went to these communities to provide vet care to all animals in need of medical attention and sterilization. 

Spay and Neuter Camp Set Up

Surgery Prep Station

Dogs prepared for surgery by shaving appropriate areas, measuring critical values and sedating 

Surgery Station

Dr. Pauline Van Veen and Dr. Jason were the primary vets at this clinic performing spay/neuter surgeries 

Recovery Station

Heart rate, respiratory rate and other critical values were measured in dogs who were recovering from sedation after surgery​

Equipment and Supplies

Equipment such as the gas anesthesia machine, autoclave, and many other surgery equipment were packed and transported from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) to these First Nation Communities. Vaccines and medicine were also ordered in advanced and brought up to these communities. 

Venue 

We used the community hall at Attawapiskat to set up the spay/neuter clinic. Crates were set up for dogs to wait their turn for the surgery and to recover afterwards. 

Representing Animal Care Zone

This clinic was a combined effort of 4 rescue organizations and representing ACZ was Nicole Sapalovski. Nicole is a long time supporter of our work, and she has a lot of hands on experience with dogs. She has worked as a dog-handler for a well known animal shelter in Ontario and volunteered at shelters in Mexico, South Korea and India.

Meet Our Furry Friends

Achievements 

Between 2 communities, we spayed/neutered a total of 100 animals and vaccinated/dewormed 167!

The team spent long days working to make sure we could sterilize as many animals as possible. Everyone who attended the clinic, including the veterinarians, volunteered their time. This clinic was around $20,000 and all costs were divided between 4 rescue organizations, who fundraised the amount. This clinic was done at no-cost to the First Nations community members.