VETERINARIAN Whitney Collins, along with the Saipan Mayor’s Office Dog Control Program, served a total of 48 dogs during a walk-in veterinary clinic at the Saipan Dog Shelter on Saturday and on Monday.
Collins vaccinated 30 dogs on the first day of the clinic.
“I’ve enjoyed my time here so much,” she said. “I was part of the spay/neuter clinic that took place at the Mayor’s Animal Shelter in January, and then I went to Guam for several weeks. So, it is great to be back and offer much needed veterinary services to the community. The clinic on Saturday was a great success [with] 30 patients. It seems that people here really want veterinary care, which is great,” Collins added.
With an in-depth experience in wildlife and ecology, she said her main interest is the impact of feral dog and cat overpopulation on an island’s ecosystem.
“Dogs and cats can be considered invasive species, and it is important to control their numbers to keep the island healthy,” she said.
Collins said she wants to help Saipan address its dire need for veterinary services.
“I like to assess health at the human-animal-ecosystem interface,” she added. “With water quality and wildlife known to be directly affected by feral dogs, in addition to the impact on human health, the CNMI is a great place to…see measurable progress over time.”
“I think my perspective is unique,” she said. “Having a background in conservation and ecology allows me to look at the dog overpopulation issues through a different lens. I am concerned for the health of the island’s ecology.”
Collins said she also appreciates local culture and the warmth of the people. She believes the community can come up with sustainable solutions to address issues pertaining to dog control and pet care.
She plans to provide more veterinary services to the community in the next few weeks, and train Dog Control Program staff and Saipan Humane Society volunteers on various veterinary care services.
Visiting veterinarian Whitney Collins, right, and Boonie Flight Guam co-founder Lauren Cabrera.
Dr. Whitney Collins pets a dog during the walk-in clinic at the Saipan Dog Shelter.
