What is CNVR? 

CNVR is a phrase we use a lot around here. After all, it’s the only proven, sustainable and humane method of reducing Thailand’s stray dog problem. But what exactly does it mean? 

CNVR stands for the four stages of our clinics: Catch, Neuter, Vaccinate and Release, and it’s one of the most important aspects of our work here at Jai Dog Rescue. So much so, that we even have our very own, purpose-built clinic right here on The Farm, helping us scale up our CNVR efforts. 

The “C” in CNVR 

Most of dogs that we treat at our clinics are strays. Trapping free-roaming street dogs means we tackle the problem of uncontrolled breeding right at the source, sterilising those dogs who would likely go on to breed most freely. 

While “catch” doesn’t sound too pleasant, every care is taken to catch the dogs in a way that keeps stress to a minimum. Many of the dogs we treat need very little encouragement to hop into a crate and enjoy some food: bribery at its finest! But for those who are more fearful of humans, we make sure they’re caught quickly and calmly to avoid excess panic. 

The dogs are darted by our expert catcher P’Som Chai, using a bamboo blow dart. P’Som is incredibly skilled at what he does, meaning there’s no undue injury or panic-induced scramble. 

Once caught, the dogs are taken to our clinic and sedated, ready to be treated.

The “N” in CNVR 

The “N” might stand for neuter, but it would actually be more accurate to say ‘spay and neuter’ – after all, we treat both boys and girls at our clinics! 

The benefits of sterilisation are both wide-ranging and very well-researched: 1 litter of puppies born on the streets can lead to an average of 67,000 more stray dogs in just 6 years! So by sterilising just one dog, we’re preventing thousands more from being born into a life of hardship.

But the benefits of sterilisation aren’t only for future generations: there are significant health and welfare benefits for every dog who passes through our clinics. Sterilised dogs are at much lower risk or developing life-threatening diseases later in life, including ovarian and testicular cancer, pyometra, and prostate disease. 

What’s more, neutered males are less likely to roam and get caught up in road traffic accidents, while spayed females no longer have to face the harrowing odds of keeping their puppies alive. 

The “V” in CNVR 

There’s one element of our CNVR clinics that often get overlooked: vaccinations. 

While sterilising a dog is the best way to prevent future pups from being born into a life of hardship and struggle, we want to make sure that the dogs in the here and now are also given the best possible chance to live a healthy life. 

That’s why vaccinations are administered to every single dog who passes through our clinics, protecting them from the likes of Rabies, Canine Distemper, Infectious Canine Hepatitis, Canine Parvovirus and Leptospirosis. A shot is also given to kill any worms, ticks or fleas alongside a pain relief jab and long-lasting antibiotic to prevent their wound from getting infected – they really do receive the full works! 

It pains us that so many millions of dogs are still subject to such dangerous and unpredictable conditions, but vaccinations at least give them a better chance of thriving within the street dog community. What’s more, it improves harmony between dogs and humans, helping people feel safer around strays in their area and promoting better welfare for all. 

The “R” in CNVR 

The “R” is CNVR stands for: release. 

It might sound odd to release a dog back onto the street but, due to the sheer scale of the stray dog problem, it would simply be impossible to provide safe and sanitary shelter for every single one. It’s tempting to imagine that all dogs would be happier off the street, but this isn’t necessarily true: many dogs wouldn’t cope with the upheaval of moving to a shelter, let alone a domestic home, while cramped, overcrowded shelters can be just as scary and dangerous as the street.

It’s also important to recognise that street dogs are often well cared for, especially here in Thailand. When their numbers are manageable and they don’t pose a threat of violence or disease, street dogs are seen as an important part of the community and locals would be very sorry to see them go. Jai Dog Rescue works hard to support the care of local ‘community dogs’, making it easier for the people in their village to feed and look after them.