I have been very lucky. Travelling to the outer islands regularly has become part of my job. In the last fortnight I have been to Mauke and Aitutaki. I went for work, but it was still a pleasure, writes Dr Michael Baer, Te Are Manu Vet Clinic medical director.

Our work in Mauke was the third stage in our New Zealand High Commission backed project in the Southern Group. We have been to Mangaia and Mitiaro, and will get to Atiu soon. The grant we received, and the support from Air Rarotonga for freight and travel, made this work possible. And it has been a privilege to travel to these beautiful places, and hopefully to have a positive impact on the animals there.

The animals in the Pa Enua do not have access to frequent vet attention. It seems no vet has been to Mauke or Mitiaro for at least 20 years, if ever. And visits to Atiu and Mangaia have been sporadic. But the animals there need and deserve our help. That is not to say they are unhealthy or mistreated, quite the contrary, health and welfare are generally good. But without vet assistance there remains the problem of overbreeding, and the subsequent impact on unwanted animals. Dumped kittens survive and become feral cats, with all the attendant problems for birdlife and the environment in general.

The team we take is a balance of health and welfare. I am so lucky that Mata and Sarah Nooroa come on these trips. Mata is the welfare officer for the SPCA and his knowledge, skills and personality smooth the way. He and Sarah put their commitment to animals ahead of their personal situation every time. They have to close their shop, The Pacific Fish and Chip Shop in Arorangi, to come on these trips. Without them, our impact would be much reduced. Thanks to them and the SPCA!

The work in Aitutaki is a little different. Once a month we travel up for a day clinic. We see cats, pigs and goats, doing surgery and treating sick and injured animals. It is usually just one vet who goes. We rely on the experience and help of Aitutaki Community Animal Rescue to organise the day. Steph, Yvonne, Vicky and Winnie help out on the day and beforehand, advertising and promoting our visits. On the day they fetch and carry, picking up and dropping off vets and cats as needs dictate. And catering, which is greatly appreciated I can assure you!

The plan going forward will be to visit the Pa Enua once each year. There are many reasons this may be difficult to achieve, but a lack of commitment will not be one of them. And while we strive for that in the Southern Group, the Northern Group is a long-term aspiration. All animals in the Cook Islands are our concern, so we continue to look for ways to overcome the difficulties of providing our services in all of the Cook Islands.