Animal Wellness in NWT: Healthy Pets, Healthy Community

The NWT SPCA is applying to the Field Law Community Fund for support to host a community-based spay/neuter and wellness clinic in a YKDFN (N'Dilo or Dettah) community. They both have very limited access to veterinary services. This 3–4 day mobile clinic will deliver 25 spay/neuter surgeries and 20 exams and vaccines to dogs ( and cats). Roaming dogs from N'Dilo end up in Yellowknife and then at the NWT SPCA Animal Shelter. This clinic will help mitigate this issue.

The Objective

Reduce pet overpopulation through accessible spay/neuter services.

Improve animal health with vaccinations, parasite control, and wellness checks.

Enhance community safety by reducing roaming and aggressive dog issues.

Build local capacity by supporting the creation of a Dog Committee to coordinate future clinics and share educational resources.

With Field Law’s support, this clinic will serve as a pilot initiative in N'Dilo. The long-term goal is to:

Secure additional grant funding for annual or semi-annual clinics.

Establish a local Dog Committee to coordinate future clinics and educational events.

Encourage community ownership and leadership in ongoing animal wellness programs.

The benefits of an animal wellness clinic would be significant for

Pet Owners in N’dilo

Families will gain affordable access to veterinary services that are otherwise difficult to arrange.

Reduced stress and financial burden from unplanned litters.

Peace of mind knowing pets are vaccinated, healthy, and less likely to roam or get injure

The Pets Themselves

Dogs and cats will benefit directly from spay/neuter surgeries, which reduce risks of disease, injuries, and unwanted litters.

Pets will receive vaccines, parasite control, and wellness checks that improve their overall quality of life. 

The Community as a Whole

Fewer roaming or aggressive dogs improves safety for children, Elders, and families.

Reduced noise, property damage, and dog-related complaints.

Stronger sense of community care and responsibility toward animals.

Local Leadership and Governance

Chief and Council can demonstrate leadership by supporting a proactive, community-driven solution.

Establishing a local Dog Committee creates a framework for future planning and education.

The Broader Yellowknife Area

With fewer strays or surrendered animals from N’dilo, there is less strain on the NWT SPCA shelter in Yellowknife.

Builds stronger partnerships between Indigenous communities, the shelter, and regional services.