The CNVR (Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return) scheme is widely recognized as the most humane and effective method for managing community dog populations. This approach not only improves the quality of life for stray animals but also addresses public health concerns by reducing the risk of disease transmission. According to the World Health Organization, CNVR programs are essential in controlling the spread of zoonotic diseases and stabilizing stray animal populations.

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Did you know that just one unaltered female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 puppies in only six years? Street dog populations would be unmanageable without sterilization programs.

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To sterilize dogs at scale, Happy Doggo partners with organisations in Thailand and across South East Asia and funds their sterilization programs. Over 20,000 dogs have been sterilized, which means we have prevented over 100,000 puppies from being born on the streets this year. You can find out more about our CNVR work as well as our wonderful partners here.

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Why CNVR?

CNVR is more than just a population control method; it is a comprehensive program designed to stabilize and reduce the number of stray animals, improve their health, and foster a safer, more harmonious coexistence between humans and animals. This method tackles the root causes of overpopulation and reduces public health risks, making it a critical strategy for managing stray animal populations effectively

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What is CNVR?

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1. Catching the Animals

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The first step in CNVR is catching the animals. This phase involves a pre-capture assessment, community involvement, and trained personnel who use specialized equipment to ensure a humane and stress-free capture. The goal is to minimize anxiety and harm to the animals, who are then safely transported to veterinary facilities for the next steps.

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2. Neutering the Animals

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Neutering is a crucial part of CNVR, involving the surgical sterilization of both male and female animals. This process includes:

• Pre-surgery Examination: To ensure the animal is healthy enough for surgery.
• Anaesthesia: Administered to prevent pain during the procedure.
• Surgery: The reproductive organs are removed through a small incision, followed by sutures to close the wound.

Neutering not only prevents reproduction but also reduces the risk of certain cancers and aggressive behaviors, such as roaming and marking territory.

Fun fact: After neutering, normal feeding can resume within 24 hours, although small amounts are recommended initially to avoid nausea from anesthesia.

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3. Vaccinating the Animals

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Vaccination is essential for protecting animals against diseases like rabies, distemper, and parvovirus. Administered while the animal is still under anesthesia, these vaccines not only improve the health of the animals but also reduce the spread of diseases within the community. Effective vaccination programs can significantly reduce the incidence of rabies and other zoonotic diseases among humans, creating a win-win situation for both animals and people.

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4. Returning the Animals to Their Original Location

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Returning sterilized and vaccinated animals to their original territories is a key concept in CNVR. This approach allows organizations to efficiently use their resources by focusing on treating more animals rather than long-term care. Moreover, returning animals helps maintain a stable population, as neutered dogs prevent new strays from moving into the area. These dogs are often marked with an ear notch or tattoo to indicate they have been sterilized.

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CNVR vs. Sterilization

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While sterilization is a critical component of CNVR, it's important to understand the distinction:

• CNVR is a comprehensive program that includes catching, neutering, vaccinating, and returning animals to their habitats. It is focused on population control and health management.
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• Sterilization refers specifically to the surgical procedure that prevents animals from reproducing. While it is part of CNVR, sterilization alone does not include the additional steps of vaccination and returning animals to their communities.

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Conclusion

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CNVR is a humane and effective approach to managing stray dog populations, improving their quality of life, and reducing public health risks. By understanding and supporting CNVR programs, we can create safer and healthier communities for both animals and humans.

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Want to find out more about what we do at Happy Doggo land? Check out Our Work. 

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