The Marshall Islands will see unprecedented action next month for animal care.
Majuro has received sporadic visits by volunteer veterinarian teams over the past decade — an occasional occurrence that has ramped up significantly this year with the involvement of Aloha Affordable Veterinary Services and the support of the Australian Embassy and many others.
But August will see an unheard of development in the world of animal care in RMI: four teams of veterinarians are scheduled to come to Majuro and, for the first time, a veterinarian team will see action on Ebeye.
These multiple visits are being coordinated by the RMI Love Animals non-profit, volunteer group based in Majuro.
Dr. Kelly Dowdall-Garberson, along with two other veterinarians and five vet assistants from Oahu-based Aloha Affordable Veterinary Services, will visit and work in Ebeye from August 4-8. They will spay, neuter and vaccinate cats and dogs there.
“This is the first time vets have visited Ebeye, so we’re excited and grateful to have the opportunity,” said Prue Palmer, wife of former Australian Ambassador Brek Batley, who continues to support the animal care program with RMI Love Animals. “We don’t yet have a venue confirmed (on Ebeye), but we hope to very soon,” she added.
There will also be four veterinary teams visiting Majuro in August. Three of the teams are from Aloha Affordable Veterinary Services and one team is coming from Australia.