Virden Pet Network was founded in 2007 when two neighbours decided to do something about the stray cat problem in Western Manitoba. 

They created a no-kill rescue in which every cat or dog taken in would be provided vet care for injuries or illness, mandatory spay-neuter, vaccinations, and testing for feline viruses before being rehomed.

VPN was one of the first rescues to advocate for FIV and FeLV positive cats that are asymptomatic. Instead of euthanizing, we place them in suitable homes where they can live out their lives in safety and love without risk of infecting other felines. This policy has resulted in a dramatic decline in the number of FIV and FeLV viral cats in the community.

We have no shelter building. Instead, animals in our care are placed in foster homes across the region to wait for adoption, which means we have no infrastructure costs. In fact, 95% of our revenues (donations, grants and gifts in kind) goes directly towards the animals' vet care and food.

Our very popular Low Cost Spay Neuter program, offered in partnership with the local vet clinic, has been accessed by hundreds of pet owners who couldn't otherwise afford to alter their dogs or cats. This has prevented countless unwanted litters and made for a healthier owned-pet population.

VPN is guided by a four-person volunteer board and is a registered Canadian charity under the CRA.