The Ontario SPCA is proposing a wellness clinic with the goal of preventing diseases, specifically Parvovirus, and promoting health and safety in the community. Health and wellness are the cornerstones of protecting animals and the first step to a healthy community is ensuring every animal has access to life-saving vaccinations.
Parvovirus is a deadly, highly contagious disease, but it is preventable through regular vaccinations. 
In response to a spike in Parvovirus cases in the community in 2017, the Ontario SPCA hosted free vaccine clinics. Over a three-year period, these clinics vaccinated approximately 450 dogs and by 2019 only three cases of Parvovirus were reported in the community according to veterinarians and Ontario SPCA.   
As a result of Covid-19, we were forced to discontinue our free vaccination services to our at-risk population and the pets and people needing it the most in our community. Since 2019 we have seen a significant spike in the number of Parvovirus cases in the Cornwall area. The need to bring back these wellness clinics to the pets who need them most is now more prevalent than ever.  For people living on fixed or low-income access to veterinary care is a daily reality.  These people often have to choose between caring for their pet or themselves.  Preventative care such as lifesaving vaccination is rarely something they can afford.   

Through community wellness clinics the Ontario SPCA would be able to l provide lifesaving  preventative care for at-risk populations including physical examinations, full vaccinations including rabies, and minor preventative treatment (fleas, ear mites).  Clinics will be organized in collaboration with local social service agencies and services to ensure those most at risk receive access, including puppies and dogs with no vaccination history, who are more vulnerable to Parvovirus. The booster shots will be administered 3-4 weeks after the initial clinic in the same location the clinic was held. This all-day event will begin in Cornwall at an accessible location.

 A dedicated team of veterinarians and volunteers will provide care and compassion to each animal and their families during the examination and vaccine. We will provide collars, leashes, and other needed items such as food and resource material to the families to ensure the animals we see are going home with the best possible care. 

Our goal is to provide 100 animals with vaccines in the Cornwall community and the surrounding areas with the overall goal of reducing Parvovirus in our community and saving the lives of dogs.

Budget- per event: 
Includes 1st vaccination and booster vaccination one month later
200 vaccinations- $1,000
Veterinarian/RVT- 1500.00
Facility – donated
Total 1,500/ event

It is our goal to offer two clinics per year. Total 3,000

Parvovirus has no prejudice, it affects all dogs whether they are in homes, shelters, or a part of our at-risk population. Any dog is vulnerable to this virus and as cases rise in our community, so does the risk. The Ontario SPCA’s goal with this Wellness clinic is to keep animals and families healthy, informed and help reduce barriers related to access of veterinarian services. 

For many people, pets are a member of their family who are always by their side, even during difficult times. Studies have demonstrated that the human-animal bond can improve mental wellbeing and physical health. Studies in the U.S. indicate pet ownership saves the U.S. health care system $22.7 billion every year. Part of keeping people and pets together is ensuring animals are vaccinated and healthy.

Estimated Cost: $3,000

Date of Completion: March 1, 2025

What do you wish everyone knew:   The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is a registered charity that has been operating for over 150 years. The Society provides care, comfort and compassion to animals in need in communities across Ontario. It values all animals and advocates treating them with respect and kindness. The Society strives to keep pets and families together.

The Ontario SPCA does not receive annual government funding and relies on donations to provide programs and services to help animals in need.