The Alberta Spay and Neuter Task Force (ASNTF) is an organization that I have been a volunteer with for the past 3 years. The task force provides community based wellness clinics for pets and owners, in order to assist with pet overpopulation concerns, as well as improving the health and well being of animals in the community. Other issues that are addressed through these clinics are human health concerns that have presented as a result of pet overpopulation.
The ASNTF is a registered charity that is volunteer driven. Care is provided to animals living in First Nation communities and other municipalities throughout Alberta. At any given clinic, a team of licensed veterinarians, Animal Health Technicians, and general volunteers provide care and support to the community over a weekend.
My experience with these clinics has been amazing. My role in the clinics is to go into the community and find animals in need of spay/neuter or medical care. After obtaining owner consent, the animals are brought back to the clinic site. From here, they are given an examination, prepped for surgery, and returned to their homes following recovery from surgery. Dogs are fed, walked, and cared for by the many volunteers who participate in this incredible weekend. A team of volunteers cares for cats as well, in a separate area from the dogs. Over one weekend, several hundred animals will be cared for by this awesome team of volunteers. This has made a huge difference in the communities with respect to safety and issues with unhealthy or aggressive animals.
The days are long but extremely rewarding. The best parts for me are to be able to help animals in these communities to be healthy and happy. I also love that I am able to assist owners to live in a safe environment, with less worries about pet overpopulation.
Did you know that According to SPAY USA, an intact female dog, her mate and the resulting offspring (if none were spayed/neutered) add up to 12,288 puppies in 5 years? As well, an intact female cat, her mate and the resulting offspring (if none were spayed/neutered) add up to 11,801 kittens in 5 years (Alberta Spay and Neuter Task Force, 2015).
For more information or if you would like to volunteer or donate, please go to Alberta Spay and Neuter Task Force .