VISITING VETERINARIANS IN TUKTOYAKTUK, N.W.T., TAKING A CENSUS OF DOGS
Source: CBC (Extract)
Posted: March 05, 2025
Knowing how many dogs are in the hamlet could help vets provide better service.
A team of visiting veterinarians is seeking to determine how many dogs live in Tuktoyaktuk, N.W.T., in order to improve services for the community.
Since 2023, Veterinarians Without Borders has been collaborating with the Tuktoyaktuk hamlet office, hosting vet clinics to offer spaying, neutering, and medical care for pets.
The team is supported by Arctic Paws, an Inuvik-based non-profit that assists local pets in need.
The hamlet shared the dog census on its Facebook page last week. This week, organizers mentioned they’ve received some responses but are hoping for more input.
“We’ve had a few replies—some think there are around a hundred dogs in town,” said Dr. Michelle Tuma of Veterinarians Without Borders.
“The dog census on social media is one way for us to get a clearer picture of the dog population in the community, which will help guide the programs we are developing in partnership with the hamlet.”
Veterinarians Without Borders has also been providing support to dog mushers in the area, offering check-ups and medications for their dogs.
Musher Bruce Noksana, who has been running dog teams for 30 years, said his estimate for Tuktoyaktuk’s dog population is at least a couple of hundred.
“At least two, three hundred maybe. ‘Cause I’ve got 38, with puppies in my kennel,” he said.
Residents are encouraged to call the hamlet office to book appointments for the vet team next week.