In the last few months, I had the privilege of coordinating and delivering veterinary services to the southern Pa Enua — Mangaia, Mauke, Mitiaro and Atiu — alongside our partners at CISPCA (Cook Islands Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).

This initiative focused on improving animal health and welfare in these remote communities, with a primary focus on desexing dogs and cats, providing general health checks and parasite control, and supporting the Ministry of Agriculture with livestock assessments and treatments.

Access to veterinary care in the Pa Enua is limited due to financial, geographic and logistical challenges. These outreach treks are a vital part of our ongoing commitment to ensure animals in all parts of the Cook Islands receive appropriate and humane health services.

Over the course of the visits, we desexed a significant number of dogs and cats, treated animals for parasites, and addressed various medical concerns. We also had the opportunity to collaborate with the Ministry of Agriculture, assessing and treating a range of pigs, goats and cattle.

This work would not have been possible without the generous support of our funding and logistical partners. We sincerely thank the New Zealand High Commission for providing grant funding. The funding received was used to purchase six new cat traps – which were vital in catching and desexing most of the cats we saw, it was also used to purchase the medications and supplies to be able to provide the veterinary care.

We also extend our appreciation to Air Rarotonga for sponsoring flights and freight. Their continued support is essential in enabling us to transport surgical equipment, supplies and team members to each of our treks.

On each island, the success of our clinics was made possible through strong local coordination. We acknowledge and thank the island councils and their representatives for facilitating accommodation, transportation and clinic spaces. Their practical support was critical to the smooth operation of each outreach.

Finally, we would like to thank the communities of Mangaia, Mauke, Mitiaro and Atiu for their cooperation and engagement. The turnout at each clinic was strong, and we were encouraged by the level of community interest in our work. Delivering veterinary services to the Pa Enua is both a great pleasure and a privilege. We are so grateful for the warm hospitality shown to our team on each island, and we hope that we can continue to return and strengthen this important service in the years to come.

• Dr Rose Hasegawa, medical director Te Are Manu Vet Clinic