In late August, WestJet Cargo partnered with the Canadian Animal Assistance Team (CAAT), a national non-profit dedicated to improving animal welfare in underserved communities, to provide logistical support for a recently completed a volunteer veterinary mission in the remote Arctic community of Pangnirtung, Nunavut.
WestJet Cargo worked with CAAT’s volunteer veterinary team to move 12 cases of surgical tools, saline and medical supplies from Vancouver to Ottawa (via Calgary), arriving September 1. Working alongside airline partner Canadian North, WestJet Cargo carefully coordinated the 191 kg shipment to ensure a seamless transfer for the final leg to Pangnirtung. After several days of surgery, follow-ups, and community animal care, the equipment returned safely to Victoria on September 16 via WestJet.
CAAT’s “MASH-style” (mobile army surgical hospital) clinics bring fully equipped, temporary veterinary hospitals directly into communities where access to veterinary services is limited or unavailable. Beyond treatment, CAAT works hand-in-hand with local leaders to create Community Animal Care Plans, long-term strategies that promote sustainable animal health and welfare.
“Every community deserves access to basic veterinary care — no matter how remote,” said Taylor Nadeau, Cargo Sales Representative at WestJet Cargo. “These animals are family, workers and part of the community. We were honoured to assist CAAT by transporting the specialized equipment that makes their work possible.”
Transporting critical medical supplies to remote regions demands precision, coordination and care — qualities that align closely with WestJet Cargo’s approach.
“CAAT’s volunteer teams have tight schedules, with flights and accommodations arranged around community needs,” added Nadeau.
“Any delay in the cargo’s arrival could impact the entire mission. We worked closely with Chris from CAAT to prioritize and monitor the shipment at every stage, ensuring it arrived exactly when needed.”
With its extensive domestic network and flexible narrowbody fleet, WestJet Cargo is well-equipped to handle time-sensitive shipments like pharmaceuticals, medical equipment and veterinary supplies.
With WestJet Cargo managing the complex logistics behind the scenes, CAAT’s dedicated volunteers led the effort on the ground — performing surgeries, conducting follow-ups and building lasting animal care programs within the community.
“At WestJet Cargo, we’re proud to support organizations like CAAT whose compassion and commitment reach places few others can,” said Nadeau. “Helping them deliver care where it’s needed most reflects what we believe in — connecting communities in ways that matter.”
The post WestJet Cargo aids volunteer vet mission in Nunavut appeared first on Air Cargo Week.
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Author: Edward Hardy
