Ontario SPCA MASH-style spay/neuter clinics reach remote communities
The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society has recently been accredited by the College of Veterinarians of Ontario to run remote area companion animal mobile services, more commonly referred to as MASH-style clinics.
“I am very excited about the launch of the MASH-style spay/neuter clinics,” says Jennifer Tucker, Provincial Manager of Veterinary Clinic Services at the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “This style of care gives us the opportunity to provide much-needed animal spay, neuter and wellness services in areas where individuals struggle to access veterinary services.”
What is a MASH clinic?
MASH (Mobile Animal Sterilization Hospital) clinics are a type of mobile spay/neuter program in which surgical equipment is transported to a venue such as a gymnasium, community centre, or other non-traditional surgical location. The equipment is then set up to act as a temporary surgical space within that location.
“It is amazing to walk into an empty room and transform it into a surgical suite within a mere couple of hours,” adds Tucker.
Remote Northern communities are within reach
With these MASH-style spay/neuter and wellness clinics, the Ontario SPCA is now able to reach even more underserved communities than ever before. The portable outreach events are designed to be easily packed up and transported to wherever they are needed. This means that we can now provide much-needed services to animals in remote communities where road access is limited, and not accessible via the Ontario SPCA Mobile Animal Wellness Services unit.
The Ontario SPCA works closely with communities and partner organizations in the North. A lack of access to basic animal wellness services, such as veterinarians and spay/neuter services, has contributed to an increase in animal populations across Northern Canada.
108 spay/neuter surgeries to date
The first MASH-style spay/neuter clinic was held in June 2023. To date, the Ontario SPCA has hosted three MASH-style spay/neuter clinics throughout the province, performing a total of 108 spay/neuter procedures. An additional three clinics are scheduled to take place before the end of the year.
The Ontario SPCA is currently in the planning phase for 2024 to provide even more of these MASH-style clinics to remote Northern communities.
To learn more about the Ontario SPCA MASH-style spay/neuter clinics, visit our website.
