Veterinarians Without Borders partners with Makerspace YK to build doghouse kits for remote northern communities

Veterinarians Without Borders/Vétérinaires Sans Frontières (VWB/VSF)?is excited to partner with Makerspace YK to build doghouse flatpack kits for remote communities across the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. VWB/VSF’s Northern Canada Veterinary Specialist, Dr. Michelle Tuma (DVM), will join leaders from Makerspace YK ON Wednesday, July 26, at 1:30 PM MT to learn how to construct all-season houses for dogs living in remote areas, where access to supplies for dog houses is limited. The kits will then be shipped to a remote community where they can be assembled and distributed. This project is part of VWB/VSF’s Northern Animal Health Initiative (NAHI), which is focused on increasing capacity for animal health across Canada’s North.?

“Providing animal guardians with houses for their dogs is an important step in increasing the health of dogs, and other animals, across northern communities,” said Dr. Michelle Tuma. “Given the North’s harsh winters, and other inclement weather, along with risk of potentially dangerous wildlife encounters, these shelters will provide dog guardians with an additional resource in helping keep their dogs healthy and safe,” said Tuma.??

The NAHI program is focused on increasing access to animal health services in the Canadian North by providing services and resources to strengthen capacity in remote communities in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. VWB/VSF develops partnerships with remote communities in the Canadian territories upon their invitation. Together, they work to identify needs and build a plan with community representatives and leadership to strengthen local capacity to address animal care needs year-round. This includes offering annual temporary veterinary clinics with a team of volunteers. VWB/VSF’s goal is to build a sustainable framework that will create the conditions for lasting, community-driven animal health.??Read more...