In an exciting development for pet owners in our community, the Thompson Humane Society (THS), in collaboration with the Winnipeg Humane Society (WHS), is formally unveiling the Lay Vaccination Program, set to make a significant impact in the City of Thompson. This initiative marks a vital partnership aimed at enhancing the health and well-being of animals across the Northern region.
Importantly, this program is not limited to just the residents of Thompson; it extends its compassionate reach to animals from surrounding communities as well. The aim is to create a comprehensive network of care that encompasses all animals in the area, ensuring that every pet has the chance to receive essential vaccinations, regardless of their location.
The official launch of the program is scheduled to take place in January of 2025, providing a reliable and accessible resource for basic vaccinations against prevalent and dangerous diseases such as parvovirus, distemper, and rabies for both dogs and cats. This initiative is crucial for our region, where these illnesses can be particularly severe, and access to veterinary services is often limited.
Reflecting on the recent distressing events within Thompson, THS recalls the devastating distemper outbreak that tragically affected numerous dogs, resulting in unnecessary fatalities. This heartbreaking scenario highlights the urgent need for a program that can effectively prevent such outbreaks in the future. With broader access to vaccinations, THS hope to safeguard pets from illnesses that could otherwise be prevented.
Endorsed by the Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA), which approved the implementation of the Lay Vaccination program in January of 2024, this initiative is specifically designed to deliver essential basic vaccination services to underserved areas. The THS’ focus is primarily on communities located north of the 53rd parallel, such as Thompson, which often struggles with limited access to veterinary care.
Through this program, THS are empowering non-veterinarians to provide vital vaccination and deworming services to pets in need. This expanded service framework ensures that even in areas that lack ample veterinary resources, animals can still receive the preventive care necessary to keep them healthy.
By facilitating access to these important vaccinations, THS will significantly enhance ability to control and prevent the spread of serious diseases like rabies, distemper, and parvovirus. These diseases pose a considerable health risk in communities that are underserved in terms of veterinary access, and this program aims to mitigate that risk.
To guarantee the highest standards of safety and efficacy in service delivery, all Designated Vaccinators are scheduled to receive extensive training and will operate under the close supervision of their Sponsoring Veterinarian, Dr. Sarah Regehr. This ensures that all vaccination processes adhere to the best practices and protocols, reinforcing our commitment to animal health and welfare.
“I want to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt thanks to Dr. Sarah Regehr for her role as our sponsoring veterinarian. It is with her support and expertise that we can successfully launch the Lay Vaccination Program in 2025. This is a historic moment, as the THS will be the first Humane Society in the province to implement this progressive initiative,” stated Co-founder Oswald Sawh, underlining the significance of this program for the community.
The THS will assemble a dedicated team of designated individuals, including board members and staff, who will undergo specialized training from a veterinarian affiliated with the WHS. This collaborative effort is designed to ensure that volunteers and staff are well-prepared to deliver these essential services effectively and safely.
As a precautionary measure to safeguard the health of Designated Vaccinators, all individuals involved in the vaccination process must first receive rabies vaccinations themselves. This step is crucial to protect them in the unlikely event of a bite from an animal that may carry rabies. Following this, they will undergo thorough training on the proper administration of vaccinations to ensure a safe and effective process.
The Lay Vaccination Program is set to be available on a monthly basis, with specific dates to be announced soon on the THS Facebook page. This regular availability ensures that pet owners can easily access vital vaccination services for their beloved animals.
Moreover, THS has expressed how thrilled they are to formally announce the 2025 clinic dates, made possible through continued partnership with the Winnipeg Humane Society. The clinics are scheduled for February 6-10, April 10-14, July 5-8, and November 28-December 2.
The launch of the Lay Vaccination Program by the Thompson Humane Society represents a pivotal step toward improving animal health and welfare in the North. By extending vital vaccination services to underserved communities, THS is taking proactive measures to prevent serious diseases and protect the well-being of pets. The collaboration with the Winnipeg Humane Society and the expertise of Dr. Sarah Regehr as the sponsoring veterinarian showcase a commitment to excellence in animal care. With the program anticipated to begin in early 2025, pet owners can look forward to accessible and reliable vaccination services that will ultimately enhance the quality of life for animals across the North. Together, we can ensure that every pet has the opportunity to live a healthy, happy life.
