Visiting veterinarians in Tuktoyaktuk, N.W.T., taking a census of dogs

A team of visiting veterinarians want to know how many dogs live in Tuktoyaktuk, N.W.T., to help them provide better service to the community.

Veterinarians Without Borders has been working with the hamlet office in Tuktoyaktuk since 2023. They have since put on vet clinics to help spay and neuter pets and give medicine when needed.

The team is assisted by Inuvik-based Arctic Paws, a non-profit organization that helps local pets in need.

The hamlet posted the dog census to its Facebook page last week. This week, organizers said there have been a few responses but they are hoping for more input.

"We have had a few replies to our post — some think there are a hundred or so dogs in town," said Dr. Michelle Tuma of Veterinarians Without Borders.

"The dog census that you see on social media right now is just one way for us to hopefully get a better idea of how many dogs there might be in the community to better shape any sort of programs that we are working on with the hamlet."

Veterinarians Without Borders has been assisting dog mushers in the community as well with medication and check-ups at their dog yards.

Musher Bruce Noksana, who has been running dog teams for 30 years, said his estimate for Tuktoyaktuk's dog population is at least a couple of hundred.

"At least two, three hundred maybe. 'Cause I've got 38, with puppies in my kennel," he said.

Residents are encouraged to call the hamlet office to book appointments for the vet team next week.