Ottawa vets spay and neuter dozens of Iqaluit pets

A veterinary team from Ottawa is spaying, neutering, and vaccinating dozens of dogs and cats at the Nunavut Animal Hospital in Apex this week. So far, they like what they see.

“I’ve been very impressed that there have been very few overweight pets,” said Austin Murray, a registered veterinary technician working at the event. “They’ve all been pretty healthy and happy.”

Murray is one of two vet techs, a veterinarian and a veterinary assistant visiting from Ottawa’s Capital City Specialty and Emergency Animal Hospital to provide the service for Nunavut Animal Hospital. It’s the team’s first trip to the territory. 

So far, the team has treated more than 40 animals, including approximately 20 spay and neuter procedures, several checkups, bloodwork and urinalysis, and lots of vaccinations.

Only five pets needed medical visits for treatment outside of age-related health issues, Murray said, adding all the animals have been well socialized and easy to handle, he added.

The same goes for their owners.

“The pet owners have been very appreciative,” he said. “It’s been a very pleasant experience.”

The team plans to visit Northwinds Arctic Adventures Ltd. Friday to provide checkups for the outfitter’s 15 sled dogs.

On Saturday the team is scheduled to offer a vaccine clinic at Joamie School from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. — or until vaccines run out.

The protocol is to administer rabies vaccines to dogs and cats. Dogs will also receive a shot that includes vaccines for canine distemper, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and canine adenovirus. Cats will receive a shot with vaccines for feline distemper, feline viral rhinotracheitis, and feline calicivirus.

The vaccines will be administered on a first-come, first-served basis.

All pets attending the clinic must be leashed. The vaccines are offered by donation, but any pet owners unable to pay will not be turned away, according to an advertisement for the event.