Veterinary services for the Valley’s dogs and cats will soon be on their way back to Bella Coola thanks to the hard work of two dedicated animal lovers. Rita Svisdahl and Desiree Danielson confirmed that the Canadian Animal Assistance Team (CAAT) has accepted their application to provide veterinary services for the regions animals.
CAAT’s mission is to provide animal health care clinics for cats and dogs in rural and under-served areas in Canada and internationally, as well as provide humane education in the health needs, care requirements and benefits of population control and vaccinations for domestic animals to owners.
Svisdahl, who is well-known in the community for her work with local animals through Big Heart Rescue and other programs, says that the services are badly needed.
“I have sent out over 1300 animals to shelters outside of the Valley in under ten years,” said Svisdahl. “And that’s a conservative estimate.”
Danielson said that the two are also using the opportunity to engage the students at Acwsalcta School, and that the students are creating posters to help spread the word.
“It’s really important the people understand how vital it is to spay and neuter their animals,” she said. “As a community we can help put an end to a lot of suffering for animals simply by spaying and neutering.”
The services will be offered free of charge, so financial barriers are removed for everyone. Danielson and Svisdahl are encouraging people to get in touch and report the pets they would like to be treated by the organization. A visit is being tentatively planned for early June, so pet owners are asked to get in touch as soon as possible.
“The earlier we know the numbers the better they can plan the visit,” said Danielson.
To get in touch with Desiree, email desiree.j.danielson@gmail.com. For Rita, email cotidan@hotmail.com or text 250 302 2992 and keep an eye out for updates and posters around the community.
