SPCA Mobile Animal Wellness Services helps address pet overpopulation

By Patricia Leboeuf | September 19, 2019 | Local
Six people stand beside large enclosed trailer
The Ontario SPCA unveiled their mobile animal wellness unit on June 24 in Pembroke. It will travel to different locations and offer much-needed services. In front of the 38-foot trailer are, from left Chief of Humane Programs and Community Outreach with the Ontario SPCA Daryl Vaillancourt, Manager of Shelter Health and Wellness Monica Seto, Provincial Centre Provincial Educator Katie Lewis, Pembroke Manager Amanda Eckersley, Senior Inspector Bonnie Bishop and Kate MacDonald, Chief Executive Officer, Ontario SPCA. (Photo by Patricia Leboeuf, Petawawa Post)

The Ontario SPCA unveiled its newest mobile animal wellness services unit, which is part of a project to help people in rural and outlying areas spay and neuter their pets.

The 38-foot trailer is equipped with two operating tables and provides services such as vaccinations, spaying and neutering, microchipping and exams to pets all over the province. It is responding to a deep need in the community and has all of its appointment slots booked for the 2019 season.

Its first stop was in Pembroke in June, where it stayed for a few days before moving on to its next location.

Through the Ontario SPCA over the last 10 years, more than 120,000 pets have been spayed or neutered, prevent the births of over 5.3 million unwanted pets, said Kate MacDonald, Chief Executive Officer, Ontario SPCA.

“The humane response to pet overpopulation is prevention,” she said, “so today, we are very excited to open up this clinic.”

The unit was made possible through many partnerships and a grant provided by the Pet Valu family of stores through its Giving Back Project.

Man stands with hands on counter in empty exam room
Chief of Humane Programs and Community Outreach with the Ontario SPCA Daryl Vaillancourt shows off the inside of the mobile animal wellness unit. (Photo by Patricia Leboeuf, Petawawa Post)

“We are extremely proud and excited for this initiative,” said Melissa Robinson, owner of Pet Valu in Petawawa and Pembroke. “Bringing affordable spay and neuter services to not just this community, but all across Ontario, something we have been working towards.”

Over the upcoming months, the Ontario SPCA is planning on broadening access to animal wellness services. They are looking forward to working with communities in the province as well as veterinarians to ensure that pets receive the care they need.

Not only does the mobile unit provide medical services, it also acts as a tool to spread awareness and educate people about animal care and the importance of fixing pets.

The unit will be staffed with a veterinarian, three veterinary technicians and volunteers to keep the pets safe, happy and cared for.

Though the unit is up and running, it requires about $65,000 to stock it with medical supplies, to fund operating costs and help the mobile unit travel from place to place. To make a donation to assist with these expenses, visit ontariospca.ca.