Passion Beyond Borders: Proanima’s Heroes Championing Global Pet Welfare

Meet the Dedicated Voices of FAVI

At Proanima, our team’s love for animals goes far beyond our everyday roles. This deep-seated passion often ignites extraordinary journeys, inspiring our employees to make a difference on a global scale. Today, we’re thrilled to introduce you to two incredible individuals whose commitment to animal welfare truly shines: Debra Munn and Carole Lacasse. These dedicated women are vital to the work of FAVI (Fondation Aide Vétérinaire Internationale).

FAVI is a non-profit organization focused on providing life-saving dog and cat sterilization and vaccination in developing countries. Think places like Belize, Tanzania, and Rwanda, where veterinary services are often scarce or completely inaccessible. FAVI’s founder, veterinarian Marie-Josée Simard, was moved to action by the shocking number of unsterilized animals she encountered during her travels. Her vision was to harness these expeditions to address the critical need for animal healthcare services and population control.

This vital mission deeply resonated with Debra and Carole. Both have been valued members of the Proanima family for 12 years. Debra, a veterinarian herself, has served as FAVI’s Vice-President since 2017, working hand-in-hand with Marie-Josée Simard. Carole, who coordinates special programs at Proanima, completed her inspiring first year with FAVI recently! We had the privilege of interviewing them to bring you a personal glimpse into the impactful work of FAVI.

How Many Global Missions Does FAVI Undertake Each Year?

FAVI typically organizes around four missions annually. Some destinations, like Belize, are regular stops, while others, such as Grenada and Rwanda, represent exciting new humanitarian ventures where pet overpopulation is a significant concern. Each trip brings vital veterinary care to communities in need.

Funding Compassion: How FAVI Makes a Difference

Organizing these extensive trips is truly impressive! So, how does FAVI manage to fund such crucial missions for animal welfare?

Carole explains, “As a non-profit organization, FAVI relies entirely on donations to fund its projects. All mission participants are 100% volunteers and cover their own airfare and accommodation. This truly grassroots approach ensures that every possible resource is channeled directly into providing essential veterinary care for the animals.”

Debra adds, “Another unique way FAVI raises funds is through the sale of stylish, reusable surgical hats, handcrafted right here in Quebec!” Your support directly impacts their ability to continue these critical missions.

Joining the Cause: Who Can Volunteer with FAVI?

Have you ever wondered if you could contribute to global pet welfare? Carole sheds light on who can participate in FAVI missions:

“While veterinarians and veterinary technicians are, of course, highly sought after for their specialized skills, anyone with genuine motivation can participate. The core requirements are a strong interest in the cause, flexibility to navigate unexpected situations, and a willingness to adapt to sometimes challenging working conditions, like intense heat. You need an open mind and a readiness for adventure!”

Carole’s Journey: A Blend of Passion and Purpose

Carole’s enthusiasm for these missions is infectious. When asked why she loves participating, she shares:

“It feels like going to summer camp! I get to do what I love alongside incredibly passionate people. I would have never dared to travel to Rwanda alone, but with FAVI, I know I’m well-supported. It’s a chance to live a dream and even see gorillas in the mountains! I adore how these missions combine my love for travel with humanitarian aid. We meet wonderful people and discover places far removed from typical tourist paths, making it a truly enriching experience.”

A Little Goat, a Lot of Heart: A Memorable Mission Moment

Every mission creates unforgettable memories. Carole recounts a heartwarming anecdote from Grenada:

“In Grenada, there are no fences, so animals roam freely. While we were performing spay surgeries on dogs outdoors, a playful baby goat kept trying to join us! She’d try to chew on our bags and inspect our belongings. Her mother was always nearby, but this little goat just loved being part of our team, inspecting our every move. It was a lovely, funny reminder of the joy animals can bring, even in challenging environments.”

Ready to Volunteer? Advice for Aspiring FAVI Participants

If Carole’s story has ignited a spark in you, she offers valuable advice for those considering volunteering with FAVI:

“My main advice is simple: don’t doubt your abilities. It’s easy to think you might not be useful or up to the task, but truly, every single participant plays a crucial role. You also need to be prepared to adapt, meet new people from diverse backgrounds, and experience situations vastly different from your everyday life. These missions offer profound enrichment – professionally, personally, and emotionally. It’s an incredible opportunity for personal growth and contributing to international pet care.”

Behind the Scenes: The Challenges of Organizing a FAVI Mission

Debra, with her extensive involvement, provides insight into the complex logistics of organizing these impactful trips:

“It takes about a year to orchestrate a single mission. The initial hurdle is confirming if a country permits foreign veterinarians to work without exorbitant permit fees. If so, a close partnership with a local organization is essential. We then navigate the intricate process of securing permits for medications and surgical instruments. Finally, we arrange accommodation, transportation, and even some local tourist activities for the team, like snorkeling or safaris. It’s a significant undertaking, all to bring vital animal health services to communities.”

Community Collaboration: How FAVI Identifies Animals in Need

Once on the ground, how does FAVI effectively identify the animals most in need of sterilization and vaccination?

Debra explains, “It depends on the specific location and local needs, but collaboration with the local population is always key. We never coerce anyone into having their pet sterilized if they’re unwilling. Before our arrival, local communities are carefully informed about our work. This ensures respectful engagement and builds trust, leading to successful outcomes for community animal health.”

FAVI’s Impact: Statistics and Education

The impact of FAVI’s missions is truly profound. Debra shares some compelling statistics and insights:

“In Grenada, our team completed three months’ worth of surgeries in just one week, providing immense relief to the local clinic. In Rwanda, we performed 268 surgeries and engaged with various government levels interested in enhancing animal welfare policies. Beyond the numbers, we are incredibly proud of our role in educating local veterinarians on small animal spaying and neutering techniques. This empowers them to continue providing high-quality care long after we leave.”

Cultural Insights: Unique Veterinary Experiences Abroad

Missions often reveal striking cultural differences. Debra recounts a memorable experience:

“In Zanzibar, you had to enter the veterinary clinic barefoot! It was a fascinating blend of local culture and a practice rooted in hygiene.”

Navigating Differences: Respectful Approaches to Animal Care

Did these different approaches to animal care ever create discomfort? Debra’s answer highlights FAVI’s empathetic approach:

“We are not there to judge; it’s crucial not to impose our world view. Instead, we aim to offer alternative practices without dictating. For instance, in Tanzania, to treat ticks and fleas, dogs are sometimes dipped in an insecticide liquid. The dogs naturally struggle, but for the local communities, it’s often the only available method to control parasites. We also encounter severe medical cases rarely seen in Quebec, like a dog’s ear completely infested with ticks or animals with machete wounds. Many are extremely thin or suffer from significant hair loss due to parasites. Our focus is always on providing the best care we can, given the circumstances, while remaining deeply respectful of the local community and their established practices. This delicate balance is vital for sustainable animal aid.”

Addressing Pet Overpopulation: Beyond Quebec’s Borders

We understand the importance of pet sterilization in areas like Quebec, but what are the specific challenges related to animal overpopulation in these developing countries?

Debra highlights the critical issues:

• Rabies Prevention: “Globally, approximately 60,000 people die from rabies each year, primarily in Asia and Africa. The domestic dog is the main vector. Therefore, by controlling dog populations through sterilization and vaccination, we significantly reduce the risk of human contact and bites. Our campaigns always include rabies vaccinations, offering crucial public health protection.”

• Zanzibar’s Cats: “In Zanzibar, the situation is unique. Despite being hot with abundant fish markets, leading to thriving cat populations, rabies isn’t a primary concern among cats. However, it’s a severe overpopulation issue. An estimated 75% of kittens sadly perish due to disease, fights, and other hardships, emphasizing the need for effective cat population control.”

• Belize’s Canine Health: “In Belize, we responded to calls from small villages struggling with dog overpopulation. A major concern was the rampant transmission of diseases like venereal tumors, which cause agonizing deaths. Neutering reduces contact between dogs since they no longer mate and fight far less. This directly leads to a significant decrease in disease transmission, improving overall canine health.”

Profound Lessons from the Field: The Volunteer Experience

What are the most significant takeaways from these impactful missions?

Debra reflects, “These missions offer a fundamentally different perspective on veterinary medicine, highlighting how it’s often practiced under precarious conditions. This experience is incredibly educational, pushing you to adapt to unforeseen challenges and think creatively about animal care solutions. It’s also an exceptional way to immerse yourself in new cultures and connect with passionate individuals dedicated to humanitarian work. The personal and professional growth is immense, reinforcing the human-animal bond globally.”

Proanima’s Commitment: Supporting FAVI and Local Communities

Proanima proudly supports FAVI’s operations by donating leashes and collars, generously contributed by our community. During missions, FAVI empowers citizens to choose a collar and leash for their dog, replacing makeshift tethers like ropes, chains, or even banana leaves. This simple act not only provides a dignified and safe restraint but also signifies that the dog has received veterinary care and is a cherished part of someone’s family.

Whenever possible, we invite a child to select a collar for their pet during the process. This tender gesture profoundly strengthens the human-animal bond and empowers the child, fostering responsible pet ownership from a young age. We are deeply committed to raising awareness and educating local populations on the benefits of these essential services.

Note: Since this article was written, Carole has proudly retired. We celebrate her incredible contributions to both Proanima and FAVI!