Winnipeg Animal Services is Run by Superheroes
Performing physical examinations at Winnipeg Animal Services
Hi there, it’s me again. Your friendly neighbourhood veterinarian with a passion for animal welfare.
If there were a place in Winnipeg that was doing AMAZING work for stray, and abandoned dogs, would you want to know about it? If this place were to be run by animal welfare champions, that respond to emergency calls regarding all different types of animals, would you want to know more about them? And better yet, if they helped dogs in need find forever homes, directly through adoptions and collaboration with local reputable rescues, would you even believe me that this is true?? Welcome to Winnipeg Animal Services (WAS), located at 1057 Logan Avenue.
I started spending time at Animal Services in March of this year, when there was an immediate need for veterinary care for the shelter dogs. I don’t have to explain how the pandemic has affected everyone’s lives, and so it’s not a stretch to understand why essential veterinary care was needed. I have been fortunate to continue my weekly veterinary visits since March, and I have to say that I have become quite attached to this place, and everyone who works there.
The first thing that I am so excited to tell you about, is how every dog is treated with endless respect and kindness. This is important in any shelter setting, but you have to consider the situations in which the dogs arrive to WAS. This includes scared strays roaming the streets, animals in an emergency involving the Fire or Police Department , dogs that have bitten someone, and even a handful of dogs form northern communities. Every staff member that handles the dogs is certified in Fear Free handling techniques, such that every dog’s stress can be minimized during their time at the shelter. Clicker training, muzzle training, easy walk harnesses, high-reward treats, and even anti-anxiety medication can be used to ensure that every dog has a fair chance for a future outside of the shelter.
Every dog also receives top-notch veterinary care! And though that sounds like self-promotion, what I actually mean is that every dog receives the care that they both need and deserve. All incoming dogs receive a complete physical exam, appropriate vaccinations (Rabies, Distemper/Parvo, Bordetella), 4DX test for heartworm and tick-borne disease, heartworm prevention and general deworming. Any dog presenting with medical issues are assessed thoroughly, and a medical plan is determined, including blood work, radiographs, and sometimes surgery when needed. Given that WAS does not have a veterinary clinic on site (remember, I’m just the Tiny Vet that shows up every week with my stethoscope), we rely on external laboratory testing and collaboration with other veterinary clinics to get the work done. One especially important shout out goes to The Winnipeg Humane Society, whose veterinary clinic continues to support WAS shelter dogs especially when it comes to surgical cases.
On the subject of collaboration, let’s talk about some important relationships that have been built with WAS. Did you know that the Red River Veterinary Technologist program comes to WAS to learn about proper dog handling techniques, including the administration of vaccines and blood collection? Did you know that WAS partners with various rescue organizations, both locally and out of province, to coordinate dog adoptions? This is especially important for certain behaviour cases or senior pets that tend to become too stressed in a shelter environment. And finally, did you know that (during non-pandemic times) the WAS relies on a team of volunteers and other community supporters to provide “doggie dates” during which time a dog gets to go home to enjoy time away from the shelter. They wear an “Adopt Me” vest so that when they inevitably praised by strangers for being “so darn cute”, everyone knows that they can be adopted at WAS. And though WAS will process 300-400 adoptions per year, their bigger claim to fame is reuniting lost pets who have been picked up as strays on our city streets. All of their amazing programming is primarily funded by pet licensing.
So there you have it. An amazing organization, powered by compassion-centred people, whose collective enthusiam for animal welfare drives their daily care for animals. Who could ask for more when considering the well being of our city’s pet population?
If you would like to know how YOU can get involved with Winnipeg Animal Services, or if you are interested in adopting a shelter dog, they may be reached via 311 or online at: www.winnipeg.ca/animalservices
