Saipan Humane Society to conduct training this week

Dr. Whitney Collins holds up a cat patient. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

The Saipan Humane Society clinic will be partially closed to the public this week for a training program as Dr. Whitney Collins’ visit to Saipan concludes in early July. The training is aimed at enhancing the skills and capabilities of SHS volunteers and Dog Control Program staff.

While the clinic will be closed to the public, SHS will still accommodate serious appointments, surgeries already scheduled, emergencies, and other specific timeframes announced on social media.

Saipan Humane Society is a newly established 501c3 non-profit animal welfare organization that initially focused on addressing stray animal overpopulation and suffering. Since the unexpected closure of Saipan Cares for Animals, SHS has quickly adapted to meet the community’s needs as the primary provider of animal healthcare in the CNMI. With no veterinary technician program in the CNMI, Collins will provide training in essential skills to SHS core volunteers and Dog Control Program staff.

Additionally, SHS founder Lauren Cabrera has been accepted into the veterinary nursing distance learning program at Purdue University, commencing this fall. Cabrera will work alongside Collins to acquire specific skills required by Purdue’s program during her visits to the CNMI.

Collins emphasizes the need to bridge the gap in diagnostic testing and evidence-based care in the CNMI.

“We are working to change this and equip our volunteers and staff with the necessary skills to provide better care for animals in the CNMI, despite the resource constraints,” said Collins.

During the training program, SHS aims to develop skills such as fecal exams to diagnose parasites, skin scrapes to assess mange or other skin diseases, and sampling of masses utilizing a microscope donated by Brabu Pharmacy. The sampling of masses will initially be limited to a few conditions until partnerships can be established with off-island labs for pathology services.

SHS is also actively exploring options to either acquire a blood analyzer for basic blood count and organ function analysis or establish local partnerships to facilitate this capability.

Additionally, SHS hopes to secure funding for radiology equipment, enabling the clinic to perform X-rays on pets.

The training program will also cover essential skills such as wound care, IV catheter placement, and basic animal health and wellness. Collins will assist in developing policies and procedures to ensure standardized care and consultation with veterinarians in the absence of on-site professionals.

“We want the community to have confidence in the high-quality care provided here. Despite limited resources, we will ensure that your pets receive the best possible treatment. As it is challenging to recruit a full-time veterinarian to the island, we must enhance the skills and knowledge of our team,” said Ruby Ma, clinic director.

“The demand for animal healthcare in the CNMI is significant, and our organization has high aspirations,” said Cabrera. “We appreciate the community’s patience during this training period, as it is essential to ensure that we provide your pets with the highest quality care possible.”

For updates and further information, visit the Saipan Humane Society website at www.saipanhumanesociety.org. (PR)