Pet Wellness Guide

The Pet Wellness Guide features articles promoting animal health, responsible pet ownership and Animal Services programs and initiatives.  View the complete 2024 Pet Wellness Guide online or check out some of the feature articles below.

Health alert: Watch for more ticks this spring and summer

Tick season began earlier this year than in the past and is anticipated to extend into late summer. Pet owners are urged to take precautions to ensure the safety of both animals and humans. Dr. Karen Sheehan, clinical veterinarian with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Shares essential advice for all pet owners. 

Agency expands continuum of care for animals in our community

In addition to providing animal control services and bylaw enforcement, the Saskatoon Animal Control Agency (SACA) has now been contracted to operate the City of Saskatoon Animal Pound. “We are now wearing two hats,” says SACA president Eva Alexandrovici. “We are not only picking up the stray animals, we are also looking after them if they come to the pound facility.” The agency’s goal remains the same: to reunite pets with their owners. 

How can we co-exist with coyotes and other urban wildlife?

In Saskatoon, pavement meets the edge of nature in a matter of steps. That means residents and their pets are likely to eventually encounter wildlife at some point in their travels, including coyotes, moose, porcupines, raccoons and more. Education is the key to taking the drama out of those meetings, says Bonnie Dell, executive director of the Wildlife Rescue Society of Saskatchewan. Here’s what to do if you have a wildlife encounter. 

Community Veterinary Outreach offers resources to people and pets at risk

For some people living on the streets, the bond with their pets is the most significant relationship in their lives. Community Veterinary Outreach provides preventive veterinary care for animals of those who are homeless and vulnerably housed through pop-up One Health Clinics. The Outreach’s clinics treat not only pets, but also enable health and social service organizations to reach out to the owners.  

Happy pet, happy owner

The City of Saskatoon Animal Services team provides helpful information, resources and programs to educate residents about what it means to be a responsible pet owner. In this article, learn about the benefits of having a valid pet license, the latest dog park developments, upcoming pet-friendly events and helpful programs including the Subsidized Spay and Neuter Program (SSNP). 

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Distribution

Looking for a printed copy of the 2024 Pet Wellness Guide? Limited copies are available for residents to pick up at any City leisure facility, Pet License Vendors and a select number of locations throughout Saskatoon.