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The Winnipeg Humane Society (WHS) and Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA) are launching a joint campaign to raise awareness about the benefits of spay/neuter, not just for pets, but for people and the community.

“When people think about spaying or neutering their animals, they tend to think about it from a reproductive perspective. But there are a whole host of other upsides to animals having this simple, yet effective procedure, ranging from increasing their lifespan to eliminating undesirable behaviours to protecting other people and pets in the community,” explains Dr. Gina Bowen, Director of Veterinary Services at the WHS, pointing to the concept of One Health, the interconnectivity of animal, people, and environmental health.

She adds, as Manitoba faces an overpopulation crisis, the procedure is also a critical part of the solution to reducing the pressure on the province’s rescues and shelters which continue to be at capacity.

While the campaign highlights benefits, it also acknowledges some of the barriers to spay/neuter surgeries.

“As the demand for veterinary care grows, especially in rural and remote communities, the rising costs and limited access to services have become significant challenges,” said Corey Wilson, Executive Director and Registrar of the Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA). “Through this campaign, we’re aiming to bridge that gap by providing a comprehensive list and map of clinics that are currently accepting new clients or offering discounted spay and neuter services for families in need. This includes the Winnipeg Humane Society’s SNAP program, ensuring more pet owners can find affordable, accessible care across Manitoba.”

To date in 2024, the WHS has performed 5,328 in-house spay and neuter surgeries, with another 1,155 being completed through the organization’s One Health program, which serves remote, Indigenous, and urban communities that have barriers to vet care.

For more information on the WHS and MVMA’s campaign, visit mvma.ca/spay.

Released November 4, 2024