International
Vanier Animal Health Technology Staff Participate in CCF Rabies Vaccination Outreach
In mid-October, Vanier College Animal Health Technology teachers and veterinarians Dr Nancy Paquin and Dr Stephanie Laett travelled to Namibia to join three days of the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) 10-day Rabies Vaccination Outreach Campaign, conducted in partnership with the Global Alliance for Rabies Control GARC). In addition to participating in the campaign, the Animal Health Technology instructors also explored future pedagogical exchange and internship opportunities for Vanier students.
“For two days we visited distant farms travelling with the CCF team to remote communities to vaccinate dogs and cats against rabies. Residents were informed in advance that the vaccination team would be in the area and farmers were genuinely happy to see us, often proudly retrieving last year’s rabies vaccination certificates. These certificates hold real value and are stored carefully from one year to the next,” explained Dr. Stephanie Laett.
“Thanks to a generous donation from Montreal’s Mark Hagen of Rolf C. Hagen Inc., we were able to offer collars and leashes to dog owners during the campaign. The recipients were absolutely thrilled — many could not afford such items. A big thank you to Mark Hagen for his kind and thoughtful contribution!”
Most dogs came when called, but if some escaped, determined owners often caught and brought them to the next farm to ensure they received their vaccine. Detailed records were kept for each vaccinated animal, and new certificates were issued immediately. All data was entered into a Tablet as a form of centralized digital record keeping.
The team also vaccinated a number of cats, which was a greater challenge. Cats are clever and often reluctant to be caught, but their owners made impressive efforts. On several occasions, when a cat escaped, the owner would re catch the cat and follow us to the next farm to make sure it didn’t miss its vaccination.
“During the outreach, the campaign veterinarian, Dr. Maleagy Awene also attended to other sick or injured animals in need of medical attention or care. It was especially touching to witness the genuine affection and sense of responsibility these farmers and families showed toward their animals. Even though the dogs and cats may not live inside their homes, there is a clear bond and concern for their wellbeing — a reminder that the human–animal connection transcends culture and circumstance,” observed Dr. Laett.
This collaboration reflects Vanier College’s commitment to providing students with meaningful international learning experiences that foster global awareness and professional growth.
Click here for Video: CCF Rabies October 2025
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