In July, wildfires in northwestern Ontario forced families to evacuate their homes, and Dr. Jamie Freeman-Braganca from the Ontario Veterinary College stepped up to provide vital care for the animals affected.
Freeman-Braganca works as a clinical veterinarian with the Kim and Stu Lang Community Healthcare Partnership Program (CHPP). This initiative unites veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and community partners to deliver primary care in areas that lack resources, including Indigenous communities and individuals facing housing challenges, as well as animals in shelters.
The Ontario SPCA and Northwest Animal Centre in Thunder Bay reached out to Freeman-Braganca for assistance due to a significant increase in animals that were either displaced or surrendered because of the wildfires.
Upon arriving at the site, she discovered that many of these animals required basic care like vaccinations. Additionally, several evacuees expressed interest in spaying or neutering their pets, which can greatly influence animal population control when these pets return home.
During her six-day stay at the Northwest Animal Centre, Freeman-Braganca successfully helped with 82 spay and neuter surgeries and conducted 103 wellness checkups and vaccine appointments.
Community Healthcare Partnership Program
A main goal of CHPP is to offer veterinary services where they are needed most. The program was established in 2019 thanks to an $11 million donation from Kim and Stu Lang’s Angel Gabriel Foundation, along with a renewed $7 million grant planned for 2024.
Through the CHPP, OVC frequently partners with various organizations across northern Ontario such as First Nations groups, humane societies, the Ontario SPCA and other animal welfare entities. They provide community medicine via on-site veterinary clinics as well as telemedicine options.
This year, Dr. Wesley Cheung, who is a shelter medicine resident with CHPP, traveled to Lahaina, Hawaii. He joined a team of experts working on innovative solutions for caring for outdoor cats while considering their unique welfare needs.
The University of Guelph along with Lakehead University is focused on training a competent veterinary workforce tailored for northern Ontario through the Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program (CDVMP). This program merges OVC’s globally recognized veterinary education with Lakehead’s commitment spanning over six decades towards northern rural communities and Indigenous populations.
Below is more about Freeman-Braganca’s experience providing veterinary aid during this wildfire crisis.
Dr. Freeman-Braganca checked on the health of dozens of pets whose families were evacuated and displaced. (Photo: Ontario SPCA)
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