A total of 739 dogs were vaccinated at the shelter – also known as the government dog pound – against six diseases, including rabies, distemper and parvovirus. Bravecto was also dispensed to 16 dogs with severe skin problems, and Soi Dog will be dispensing the tick and flea treatment to the remaining dogs in the coming weeks.
Tawin Sawangsin, the newly instated head of the Phuket DLD, attended the vaccination drive and expressed his support for the collaborative effort being taken to improve the welfare of the dogs at the shelter.
“The team here has been doing everything they can to look after these dogs; however, when more and more dogs arrive, taking care of them all is a huge undertaking,” he said.
“With the help of Soi Dog and volunteers, these dogs will receive better care, and all of the work here will be more effective which the DLD is willing to support,” he added.
Mr Tawin added that the health of staff and volunteers was of utmost importance and that COVID-19 safety regulations must therefore be adhered to at all times.
It was thanks to Mr Tawin that Soi Dog and local volunteers were permitted to reenter the shelter after it was closed to external assistance in January. The vaccination drive therefore marked a positive step forward.
Starting next week, Soi Dog’s veterinary team, community outreach team and animal rescue officers will resume their regular work at the shelter to ensure that all dogs housed there are neutered, vaccinated, dewormed, protected and against ticks and fleas and treated for any other health issues.
The teams – who last year alone administered over 4,600 treatments on-site and admitted over 250 dogs to Soi Dog’s hospital in Mai Khao for further care – are looking forward to continuing to support the shelter for the benefit of the dogs who call it home.