About

In the vast majority of Canadian communities it is unusual to have pets that have not been spayed or neutered or have not had regular vaccinations and basic health care. In fact, for most of us, it is difficult to imagine having little or no access to health care for your pets, however, there are countless pet owners in communities in Canada (and beyond) where this is the reality. These communities are full of pet owners with dogs and cats that are not sterilized, not vaccinated and do not have access to minimal health care. They are either in very remote locations with no access OR the community members are financially not able to afford to travel to a veterinary clinic (often a fair distance) or pay for the services.

Some communities work with a local animal rescue group to re-home some of the unwanted and struggling animals. These rescue groups are often stretched to the limit of their resources and the reality is the supply of dogs and cats in need of homes is often overwhelming. The key is to prevent the pregnancies and provide basic health care and that is the mission of the Canadian Animal Assistance Team (CAAT).

The Canadian Animal Assistance Team (CAAT) is a registered Canadian charity that sends in veterinary teams that volunteer their time and expertise to provide the much needed services locally. Providing these services assists the animals, the community as a whole and also dramatically reduces the burden on organizations that are trying to rehome animals every year. In one community that CAAT has been working in Northwestern British Columbia, the local animal rescue group has reported a 50% drop in their intake of animals in need of new homes since we began our program there in 2011.

Every Clinic takes a great deal of funding for medical and surgical supplies and educational materials. Historically, CAAT’s volunteer team members have paid their own transportation costs to travel to the locations where we are needed most. Each year, we have had enough Aeroplan points to be able to cover some of the transportation costs for some of the projects. However, for the past two years, with the help of Aeroplan’s new program for charity donations, we have been able to completely cover the cost of transportation to these, often remote, locations. It has opened up the opportunity to reach so many more animals.

Aeroplan customers who donate their miles to our charity are making a difference. Making a difference in the animals lives makes a difference in the humans lives and the entire community. The donations have made it possible to send more team members to more places than ever before making the possibility of change a reality for many animals and many communities.

Please visit our website at www.caat-canada.org