May 16, 2025
Manitoba Government Investing in $1-Million Partnership for Veterinary Care Services
– – –Supporting Northern and Remote Vet Care Reflects Commitment to Animal Welfare: Kostyshyn
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The Manitoba government is increasing funding for the Northern and Remote Veterinary Care Initiative to advance animal health and welfare across the province and ensure Manitobans have access to affordable veterinary care services, Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced today.
“Providing northern and remote communities the support they need to access veterinary services including mobile spay and neuter services is crucial, bringing essential services to pets and their owners wherever they are,” said Kostyshyn. “This funding continues our commitment to animal health and welfare across Manitoba and is a step toward a future where every animal receives timely and compassionate care.”
The Manitoba government is increasing funding to the Winnipeg Humane Society (WHS) by $100,000 for a total of $250,000 for its One Health Program, which provides mobile animal health services as well as spay and neuter clinics. The province is also investing $100,000 to assist the WHS in its work with community-based groups that support animal health services in northern and remote communities. The WHS has committed $250,000 in matching funds to support the One Health Program.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Province of Manitoba for their commitment to sustainable funding,” said Christina Von Schindler, chief executive officer, WHS. “This ensures the WHS’ One Health program will not only be able to increase the reach of these critical services but ensure their long-term availability to truly make an impact on animals and communities in Manitoba.”
A new pilot project will also receive funding of $400,000 over four years to support community-led planning and activities that increase the health of animals and people, and position communities for greater success in managing dog populations, noted the minister. This pilot project will work to identify two northern or remote communities, and work closely with them to develop and evaluate the best ways to meet the animal care needs of those communities.
The province will also contribute $50,000 toward the Community Vaccinator Program, administered through the Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA). The funding will support training, supplies and logistics.
“Veterinarians can’t be everywhere at once – but by working with local vaccinators, we’re creating a network of care that actually reaches northern and remote Manitoba communities,” says Dr. Joe King, president, MVMA. “It’s about trust, consistency and showing up in communities that have long been left waiting.”
The Manitoba government will also be creating two new positions within the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian – Animal Health and Welfare, noted the minister, adding this additional staff will focus on working with northern and remote communities to support animal welfare capacity and regional enforcement of the Animal Care Act.
The Manitoba government created the Northern and Remote Veterinary Care Initiative in 2024, in order improve animal health services in northern and remote communities. The WHS’ One Health Program was developed to address the need for increased veterinary care in remote and northern communities, build trust, learn and work with local communities to co-create and deliver engaging and effective animal care programming.
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