Volunteers bringing veterinarian care to pets, owners in remote areas of Alaska

Pet owners in remote areas of Alaska have long struggled to get routine medical care for their pets, and the lack of spay-and-neuter procedures has led to an overabundance of animals, many of whom are sick, the Anchorage Daily News reports. Alaska Rural Veterinary Outreach, a non-profit organization, is trying to improve the quality of life for pets by bringing veterinary services to areas in need (Photo by College Village Animal Clinic: Veterinarians providing service in Nondalton)

Nondalton, located on the western shore of the Cook Inlet, has a population of 167, but no resources for pets. The outreach program, manned by volunteers, recently visited the village, providing care for 28 dogs in desperate need of basic services, such as vaccines, the News reports. Nondalton’s community health aide, Ron Lotsfeld said, “Our community has needed this service for a very long time. Their efforts will result in a healthier canine community here, and a more manageable dog population. We hope they can do the same thing for many other villages.”

Outreach founder and President Sally Clampitt said "Reaching out to Alaska’s rural pets and their people is long overdue. We are just getting started, but have received requests for help from all across Alaska.” The group said their biggest challenge is finding "enough veterinarians and trained volunteers willing to donate their time, and sponsors who are willing to pick up the cost of the needed medications and supplies." (Read more)