Veterinary team provides vital care for displaced pets in Northern Ontario
When wildfires forced many Northern Ontario families to leave their homes, veterinary support became an important part of emergency response efforts. An Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) veterinarian stepped in to provide care for pets affected by the evacuations according to the OVC website.
Dr. Jamie Freeman-Braganca, a veterinarian with the Kim and Stu Lang Community Healthcare Partnership Program (CHPP), worked with the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society's Northwest Animal Centre in Thunder Bay to support displaced animals and their families.
Many pets arriving at the shelter needed basic veterinary care, including vaccinations, health checks, and preventive treatments. Families also requested spay and neuter services to help manage pet populations once they return to their communities.
During six days of service, Freeman-Braganca completed 82 spay and neuter surgeries and supported 103 wellness and vaccination appointments. The work helped reduce pressure on local veterinary resources and improve animal health during a challenging time.
The CHPP focuses on providing veterinary care in underserved and remote communities. Through partnerships with Indigenous communities, shelters and animal welfare organizations, the program helps improve access to veterinary services across Northern Ontario.
Freeman-Braganca said listening to local needs was the key to providing effective support. Preventive care was one of the most requested services among evacuees, especially in areas where veterinary access has been limited for years.
She noted that keeping pets healthy helps families remain together and can improve access to long-term housing. The experience also highlighted the strong bond between people and their animals during emergencies.
The veterinarian praised shelter staff for their dedication to animal welfare and emergency response efforts. She also emphasized the need for continued support for veterinary services in Northern Ontario, even after the wildfire crisis ended.
The response demonstrated how collaboration between veterinarians, shelters, and community organizations can help protect both animals and families who depend on them during emergencies.
Photo Credit: OVC-CHPP-Freeman-Braganca-cat