Our Phases
Canine Action Project strives to work collaboratively with both leadership and community members in order to provide a positive and strong relationship to ensure the project's success.
Great successes have been achieved to date, through a collaborative effort among community members, CAP volunteers, veterinary personnel, public health, university researchers and community based health representatives. The phases of our project are designed to improve animal and human health, increase animal and human health literacy and benefit community well-being in indigenous communities.
Phase 1 – Stakeholders Meeting
This meeting engages community leadership about CAP services, local dog-related concerns, on-going dog management practices, options for humane dog population control, and the relationship between human and animal health.
Phase 2 - Elder's Teas
Elder's Teas ensure that CAP provides culturally relevant programming by facilitating conversation between residents and community elders, who share their traditional knowledge of dogs, past and present.
Phase 3 - Community Information Session
A town hall style gathering for community members to learn more about Canine Action Project, what we offer and how it would be beneficial for their pets and their community.
Phase 4 – Dog Demographics
Comprehensive surveillance to quantify dog populations, including reproduction, vaccination and health status. All data is entered into a central database accessible by public health officials and CAP to be used in cases of dog-related injury (e.g. rabies vaccination status) and ensuring up-to-date preventative veterinary services.
Phase 5 - On-Site Spay/Neuter Clinic
On-site spay/neuter clinics are hosted in the community to stabilize the dog population. All dogs attending clinics are spayed/neutered, vaccinated against rabies and other preventable canine diseases, dosed with parasite control and tattooed for future identification. Data is entered into a central database.
Phase 6 - Engagement for Sustainability
This phase focuses on long term sustainability in communities who have already completed Phases 1-5. Creating a community action plan and employing Dog Management Workers are essential components to ensuring continued success of the program.
These phases empower Indigenous communities to create safer, healthier environments for people and their dogs by providing the knowledge and resources that enable them to play a greater role in maintaining their animal's health.