Animal Welfare Professionals

 View Only
Back to discussions
Expand all | Collapse all

Community Conversations - 2/12/24 - Small Team, Big Impact

  • 1.  Community Conversations - 2/12/24 - Small Team, Big Impact

    Posted 02-08-2024 11:14 AM

    Updated 2/12 at 2:12pm PT - Recording now available to watch on-demand!

    We hope to see you on the next Community Conversations call on Monday, 2/12/24 at 11am PT.

    The team may be small, but it is mighty! Join us for a conversation with Dr. @Kelsey Gerbig, Field Services Veterinarian at Humane Rescue Alliance and community member Denita Brown as they discuss the creation of the Field Veterinary Program and its impact in Washington, DC. This program is unique, integrating access to veterinary care into Humane Rescue Alliance's field services department (the branch that houses humane law enforcement and animal control). This innovative approach of collaborating with animal control and humane law enforcement officers to reach community members and reduce unnecessary animal surrenders has shown great success in its first year. We will discuss the importance of reducing barriers to care, the challenges the team has faced, and the impact we have made so far.

    Register here for our Weekly Community Conversations Calls taking place on Mondays at 11am PT: maddies.fund/CommunityConversationsRegistration. There is no call on Monday, Feb 19th in observance of the President's Day holiday. 

      
    If you are unable to make it live on Monday, this thread will be updated with the recording and resources so you can watch and share whenever you'd like.  After you watch the recording on-demand or attend the call live, be sure to complete this new February 2024 entry form to enter to win up to a $5,000 grant: https://www.maddiesfund.org/weekly-community-conversations-feb24-giveaway.htm.


    #AccesstoCare
    #CaseManagement*
    #CommunityPartnerships*
    #FieldServicesandPublicSafety*
    #Medicine,SurgeryandSterilization
    #PetSupportServices*

    ------------------------------
    Maddie's Pet Forum Admin
    Maddie's Fund
    ------------------------------



  • 2.  RE: Community Conversations - 2/12/24 - Small Team, Big Impact

    Posted 02-12-2024 12:03 PM

    Such an amazing call. Thank you Dr. Gerbig and Denita!! So impressed by the community support and engagement, and always happy to see puppy pictures :D !



    ------------------------------
    Shonyae Johnson - CPDT-KA
    Program + Operations Management
    Behavior Manager
    Operation Kindness
    www.operationkindness.org
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Community Conversations - 2/12/24 - Small Team, Big Impact

    Posted 02-12-2024 02:19 PM

    Thank you Shonyae. What an incredible webinar!  It is truly inspiring and I have not stopped smiling since this morning. This reminds me of the story of "the little engine that could" that I read to my girls when they were little. I learn so much from your organization as well. Cheers! 



    ------------------------------
    Julielani Chang
    The Life of Kai: Compassion Connections Inc.
    Davis CA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Community Conversations - 2/12/24 - Small Team, Big Impact

    Posted 02-12-2024 02:49 PM
      |   view attached

    Thanks to the 201 people who joined us live on today's Community Conversations call! The recording is now available to watch on-demand. You'll find a recap of today's call below and a copy of Dr. Gerbig's presentation slides are attached. Please note that there will be no call next Monday, Feb. 19th in observance of the President's Day holiday. We'll see you back on Monday, February 26th!

    Call Recap

    • Welcome from Hosts
    • Question of the Day: "Are there any specific initiatives or programs in your community aimed at providing veterinary care to underserved pet populations? (i.e., low-cost microchip/ vaccinations clinics, low-cost vet appts, low cost grooming, etc.)"
      • "Free vaccination, microchip clinics" - Kate Marshall
      • "Yes! We offer monthly community pet clinics and low cost spay neuter." - Shannon Glenn
      • "Yes, TNR Berkeley Community Cats" - Myriam Martinez
      • "No-cost vaccine and microchip clinics" - Nicole Nolte
      • "We are fortunate to have several in our community." - Alison Kennedy-Benson
      • "We have several mobile vets." - Vincent
      • "Yes, we have Village Pet Foundation in Incline Village, NV that offers grants to families." - Tracy Horton - Wylie Animal Rescue Foundation
      • "low-cost wellness clinics" - Kelly Furnas
      • "Low-cost spay/neuter." - Nicole Nolte
      • "Our non-profit!!  SAGE Compassion for Animals (www.sagec4a.org) provides financing for veterinary care in acute crisis situations." - Julie Smith
      • "San Mateo county provides basic for pets of the unhoused and those in transitional housing" - Roxane Fritz
      • "We are working on low cost spay and neuter!" - Suny Simon
      • "low cost spay/neuter, low cost microchip, pet food pantry, TNR" - Ashley Vargas
      • "Yes! One Tail has a program called Pet Mutual Aid which hosts monthly pantries, regular microchip and vaccine clinics, etc." - Maggie OTAT 
      • "Yes! BARCS in Baltimore has a monthly low-cost vaccine and microchip clinic in addition to a "Keeping Pets with Families" program that provides free services to low-income pet owners." - Michelle Pease Kalaskey
      • "We have both low-cost and no-cost spay/neuter. We also have a foundation that assists w/ veterinary costs. My group does TNR" - Victoria (she/her) - Street Cats Club
      • "Hello from Spca of Brevard Titusville- we provide free cat and dog food, vaccines and spay/ neuter as needed" - Robyn James-Copeland
      • "When we get food surplus we offer that out and TNR" - Michelle Russillo 
      • "Humane Society of Catawba County provides several programs:  A no-cost Feline Spay/Neuter, a no-cost canine spay/neuter, and Pet Food Pantry." - Erin Hooks
      • "Yes. Vouchers for spay/neuter/ rabies/microchip in specific zipcodes" - Sandy Parker
      • "We provide TNR for the community through our fund called Find, Fix, Free Fund!" - Jenna Schroer
      • "New Hope Dog Rescue has partnered with 2 First Nations Communities in northern Saskatchewan to provide spay and neuter for owned pets, includes vaccines, basic care, and microchips" - Sandra Archibald 
      • "food for those that need it mostly  to feed community cats" - Amanda Gra
      • "now for Hispanic community AVER. Atrapar Vacunar  Esterilziar Retornar" - Myriam Martinez
      • "Vaccination clinics , low cost spay and neuter , microchipping" - Virginia Brantley
      • "vouchers for spay/neuter at WCRAS" - Ashley Vargas
      • "Animal Services provides TNR, shot clinics, S/N services!!!" - Vincent
      • "Yes! low cost spay/neuter, wellness clinics, TNR, dentals" - Jordan Craig
      • "Pet Deposits" - Stephen Knight - Dogs Matter
      • "Regular spay/neuter clinics in rural communities" - Nicole Nolte
      • "TNR" - Janette Martin
      • "health certificates for other rescues doing transport" - Kelly Furnas
      • "We hold free monthly vaccination clinics to owned pets, we also have a Homeless Outreach Assistance Program that assists pets via the shelter and through our non-profit Friends Veterinary Assistance program for owned pets through private practice veterinary clinics." - Phil Zimmerman - City of Sacramento Front Street Animal Shelter 
      • "Not really, but just yesterday I emailed our local shelter about doing a microchip clinic" - Johanna Spielman
      • "Our ORG takes in lots of medical cats and does work up for what they need. We do whatever they need and then either release them or get then back to their owner." - Jessica Hoberg
      • "TNR in the Portland Metro area but also help with food support for caregivers, medical services for community cats, and facilitating pets  of colony caregivers into medical care as well" - Karen Jealous
      • "Monthly low cost rabies, food pantry, 2X year free rabies, vouchers spay neuter, safekeeping of animals while pet guardians go through tough time" - Jennifer Salan
      • "Veterinary financial assistance" - Nicole Nolte
      • "Yes, in Seattle there are two specific clinics for unhoused or low-income pets, including spay-neuter; And Rainier Animal fund runs vaccine clinics and surgeries/dentals  for pets of low income" - April King
      • "we provide low cost spay/neuter, vaccines, microchips" - Jo McDermott
      • "Low-cost, spay and neuter, vaccine clinics, tag/microchip clinics, PALS senior assistance program." - Katie Pauli
      • "PAWS NY - we assist low income vulnerable individuals who have illness or disability with help with their pets through house call visits and pet pantry and vet care assistance and emergency foster care" - David Merrell
      • "We also offer $40 TNR packages, and will be opening a low cost clinic in the spring to provide care for both well and sick pets." - Erin Hooks
      • "Yes, we have a great pet pantry. A couple places provide low cost TNR. Vet care, too but it's still unaffordable to many." - Martha Cassidy
      • "Food and spay neuter vouchers" - Karen Vandersall
      • "K9 Battle Buddies and Liberty Animal Services offer low-cost vaccines, microchip.  TRN is offered as well by some organizations." - Debra DeVries
      • "Fans of Wilco helps with pet deposits, vet care, etc. for our community" - Ashley Vargas
      • "vaccine clinic but no vets." - Janette Martin
      • "No Kill Pima County - AZ (Indirectly) by helping with vet costs to keep pets and their people together and also providing microchips." - Jeanette Anders
      • "Vaccine pop-ups by shelters and encampments" - Andrea Badri
      • "yes! Gateway pet Guardians does- wellness, medical and spay/neuter" - Diana Pupillo
      • "Low-cost microchip clinics" - Tasha Haug
      • "We do free vaccines, low cost spay and neuter programs" - Elise Blue
      • "Capital Humane Society is opening Stransky Veterinary Care on March 11th!  We will provide affordable care to everyone in our community." - Sierra Kurth
      • "We have multiple organizations that offer low-cost spay/neuter, some as low as $25 for feral cats, Coastal Bend area of Texas." - Patricia Gonzalez
      • "We are considering hiring a vet on a weekly basis to help our shelter offer vaccine clinics 2x/month for the public.  Low-cost wellness care is not existent in our community." - Kirsten VantWoud
      • "We host low-cost and free microchip clinics in St. Cloud, MN at Tri-County Humane Society." - Marit Ortega
      • "We offer low-cost vaccines clinic multiple times a year. Last year we vaccinated 536 community owned animals. Our rescue is Rescue Me WV in Martinsburg, West Virginia" - Kimberly
      • "Big Stone County Animal Rescue is offering a joint effort with a local vet to offer spaying and neutering for the next month, called Sully's Hope" - Regina Wixon
      • "Feeding Pets of the Homeless® believes in the healing power of companion pets and of the human/animal bond, which is very important in the lives of people experiencing homelessness. They find solace, protection, and companionship through their pets. They care for their pets with limited resources so they themselves have less. Our task, nationwide, is to feed and provide basic emergency veterinary care to their pets and thus relieve the anguish and anxiety of homeless guardians who cannot provide for them." - Genevieve Frederick

    • National Updates
    • Today's Presentation: Small Team, Big Impact - Community Services Impact - Weekly Community Conversations 2/12/24
    • Highlights from the Chat
      • "Love the pet photos, so cute! <3" - Heidi Schmitt
      • "Congratulations, Denita and happy birthday, Sydney!" - Irene Chansawang
      • "I'd been admiring this program from afar.  It really is groundbreaking!!!!" - Vincent
      • "Hi. Do you set up at a site and then people come to you with their pets? Or do you have a list of people to visit on a particular day?" - Patricia Gonzalez
        • "Appointments are typically setup through the HRA dispatch call center and some direct contact with Dr. Gerbig." - Lawrence Minnis
      • "What is the source for the mapping tool?" - Karen Nichols
        • "If you are referring to the social vulnerability map, that was an ArcGIS resource that was created and supported by researchers at the University of Tenn.- Knoxville, who were researching veterinary access and social vulnerability within various locations." - Lawrence Minnis
        • "Hi Lawrence, is the social vulnerability map available to the public, nonprofit or one has to be connected to an university." - Julielani Chang
      • "Pittie puppies are so cute!" - Patricia Gonzalez 
      • "You are amazing lady Denita, I love animals to death.  Thank you for all your love for them" - Myriam Martinez
      • "Thank you for sharing your story with us Denita! Your love of animals is inspiring." - Nichole Boudreau
      • "Thank you Denita for being such a great pawrent to your babies." - julielani chang
      • "@Denita Brown your joy is contagious! Thank you for sharing your story." - Sharon Fletcher
      • "Your laugh is infectious, and your love for your furbabies is undeniable. Thank you for sharing your story, Denita." - Amy Charles
      • "This program is partly funded through Maddie's Fund and was part of the 2023 Open Arms Challenge awards. That's why it's important to register this year" - Lawrence Minnis
      • "Humane Rescue Alliance won a grant prize for this program in the 2023 Open Arms Challenge." - Irene Chansawang
      • "Awesome - community connection saving pups" - Jennifer Salan
      • "If there's a budget range for this and a number of animals/clients served number, that could help us all understand scope for getting something like this up and running. Same goes for if you have specific SOPs or outpatient directions that you'd recommend having ready before launching. Great program!! Thank you for all you do!!" - Alexis Pagoulatos
      • "Thank you, Denita for your transparency and vulnerability!" - Lauren Overman
      • "I had no idea you could treat Parvo at home. My last foster spent 10 days at the vet being treated for Parvo. He was touch and go for a while, but he made it, and he's now living his best life at his new home." - Patricia Gonzalez
      • "We take in litters of panleuk positive and treat for the community and then once negative we are able to transfer to the shelter/rescue for spay/neuter and adoption. It's a lot to take on, and often we do not know when we take a litter that they are not positive (sometimes they already have the diarrhea/vomiting) but we have the protocol and treat instead of losing them all and then transfer so they can be successfully adopted into indoor only homes!" - Jessica Hoberg
      • "It would be really helpful to have a budget so we have an idea how to set this up." - Augusta Farley
      • "So amazing! Do you have what your home care parvo treatment protocols are? We are trying to do something similar and would love to see what has worked for you and owners." - Summer Dolder
      • "How do people know about your program? Is this marketed or truly word of mouth?" - Sharon Fletcher
        • "It is primarily word-of-mouth and referrals, but we highlight the program within our dispatch and pet support call centers, if residents indicate a potential need." - Lawrence Minnis
      • "This is another tool that gathers/summarizes census data: https://www.datacommons.org/" - Nadia Oseguera
      • "Do you see patients every day and all day?" - julielani chang
        • "Approx. 3-4 days a week on average, but all day during those days." - Lawrence Minnis
      • "I am so impressed with the theme of education and support. You aren't just treating and leaving, you're setting them up for success. Amazing work!" - Nichole Boudreau
      • "My project is in Guatemala, do you have any information of where to get veterinarian volunteers to helps us with our project or know of any programs that could help us with dog food? Our community is very low-income Mayan indigenous." - Suliana Lutin
        • "Suliana, since you are in Guatemala you might want to look up Unidos Para Los Animals. The founder is Linda Green. They may be able to help answer some of your questions." - Julielani Chang
        • "Check Veterinarians without Borders" - Sharon Fletcher
        • "Suliana, since you are in Guatemala you might want to look up Unidos Para Los Animals. The founder is Linda Green. They may be able to help answer some of your questions." - Victoria (she/her) - Street Cats Club
      • "The vet that stars in "Rocky Mountain Vet" on Animal Planet Chanel, he has a foundation that travels and does low cost spay/neuter." - Patricia Gonzalez
      • "Dr. Gerbig, I know your program is only a year old and what an amazing work you do. My question is how to you measure the impact of this incredible program" - Julielani Chang
        • "Currently, our early KPIs include the number of animals treated (over 1,100 FY2023)." - Lawrence Minnis
      • "Amazing presentation - thank you to all involved in this wonderful program. @Denita Brown give Sydney a belly rub!!" - Sharon Fletcher
      • "Love that - reframing the narrative away from saviorism" - Allison Cardona
      • "Great job team HRA!!!!!" - Geraldine D'Silva



    ------------------------------
    Charlotte Otero
    Community Strategist at Maddie's Fund
    she/her
    ------------------------------

    Attachment(s)

    pdf
    Maddie Fund, Community Conversation 2.12.24.pdf   7.94 MB 1 version
    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Community Conversations - 2/12/24 - Small Team, Big Impact

    Posted 02-13-2024 04:21 AM

    What a fantastic program! As president of a cat rescue, I was so happy to see kitties included as examples. Every city could use a program like this. In the Springfield MO, area, there is a drive-through low-cost vaccination & microchip clinic organized by one of the largest rescues in the area. We also have a low-cost spay/neuter clinic, but there are no low-cost veterinary services for other issues.



    ------------------------------
    Pamela Adelmann
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Community Conversations - 2/12/24 - Small Team, Big Impact

    Posted 02-13-2024 12:15 PM

    Thank you for your kind words! We love our kitties as well, and Nana was just too cute of an example to not share. 

    We hope that our program can be a model for similar cities across the country - low cost spay/neuter, microchip, and vaccine services are so important, and we know it just scratches the surface of what kind of veterinary care folks need. 



    ------------------------------
    Kelsey Gerbig
    Veterinarian
    Humane Rescue Alliance
    VA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Community Conversations - 2/12/24 - Small Team, Big Impact

    Posted 02-13-2024 10:15 AM

    Thank you to Dr. Gerbig and Denita. This is a wonderful and much needed program. I wasn't able to attend live, but wondered if anyone was able to ask Denita for her insight on how to reach people who might share similar fears on being judged (re: caring for their pets). We know fear of judgement is a real barrier to vet care, so any thoughts she (or others) might have on how we can reach pet owners with these fears (and how to help them) would be greatly appreciated.



    ------------------------------
    Alicia Curley
    Program Coordinator
    Humane Society of Huron Valley
    MI
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: Community Conversations - 2/12/24 - Small Team, Big Impact

    This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous
    Posted 02-13-2024 10:18 AM
    This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous

    Unanswered question from the chat:

    "Question, does this program check for and provide spay and neuter? Are animals not sterilized before they go home after being lost?" - Amanda Gra


    Original Message


  • 9.  RE: Community Conversations - 2/12/24 - Small Team, Big Impact

    Posted 02-13-2024 01:19 PM

    Great question! 

    We always check for whether the animal is spayed/neutered, and it's a conversation we have readily with folks if they are interested! It's a topic we feel passionate about. While our program cannot do surgeries in the field, we provide resources on low cost surgery options or get them signed up for community spay/neuter days  when they happen through HRA. 

    Animals do undergo a spay/neuter surgery at the shelter before finding their homes. The example that was provided by Denita was unique - her dog Sidney had already been spayed at the HRA (because she adopted her through us). Her dog Diamond (the one that was pregnant) was not adopted through the shelter so she is still an intact dog. She was found by her family and was not picked up by our animal control team. 



    ------------------------------
    Kelsey Gerbig
    Veterinarian
    Humane Rescue Alliance
    VA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 10.  RE: Community Conversations - 2/12/24 - Small Team, Big Impact

    This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous
    Posted 02-13-2024 10:19 AM
    This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous

    Unanswered question from the chat:

    "If there's a budget range for this and a number of animals/clients served number, that could help us all understand scope for getting something like this up and running. Same goes for if you have specific SOPs or outpatient directions that you'd recommend having ready before launching. Great program!! Thank you for all you do!!" - Alexis Pagoulatos


    Original Message


  • 11.  RE: Community Conversations - 2/12/24 - Small Team, Big Impact

    Posted 02-14-2024 01:23 PM

    Thank you! 

    We have a rough budget, and if you'd like to email me directly (kgerbig@humanerescuealliance.org), I should be able to provide a rough budget on what it looked like to get us up and running the first year. 

    To get this program up and running, I spent the first several months creating an inventory and figuring out a software that worked for us to track cost/patient.

    I also wrote out specific instructions for how we were to receive calls and what our Dispatch team should share with community members - it was important for us to set clear expectations with community members about when they should expect a call from our team and what services we could provide. We rely on google spreadsheets to track this information. 

    And the last big part of getting this all together was a scheduling software. We use Acuity.com, but again, this platform may not work for everyone or be everyone's preference. 

    Our program is fluid and we change things a lot depending on needs. For instance, I stocked a lot of heartworm prevention when we first started, because I truly thought I would be testing every dog we came across for heartworm disease. And while this is important, it wasn't what our community members necessarily asked for at their first visit. So I would recommend staying flexible and listening/learning from interactions with folks to figure out what is needed or wanted. This was especially important at the beginning of the program when we were "introducing ourselves" to the community! 



    ------------------------------
    Kelsey Gerbig
    Veterinarian
    Humane Rescue Alliance
    VA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 12.  RE: Community Conversations - 2/12/24 - Small Team, Big Impact

    This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous
    Posted 02-13-2024 10:19 AM
    This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous

    Unanswered question from the chat:

    "What would be a good way to approach a local animal shelter to start something like this?" - Anita Selby


    Original Message


  • 13.  RE: Community Conversations - 2/12/24 - Small Team, Big Impact

    Posted 02-14-2024 01:28 PM

    Great question - I would say having a conversation with your animal control team to see if they would be interested in having an integrated program like this would be a good first step! A large part of our success is being part of our field services team at the Humane Rescue Alliance. 



    ------------------------------
    Kelsey Gerbig
    Veterinarian
    Humane Rescue Alliance
    VA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 14.  RE: Community Conversations - 2/12/24 - Small Team, Big Impact

    This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous
    Posted 02-13-2024 10:20 AM
    This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous

    Unanswered question from the chat:

    "How do you address the fear of judgement from the community that holds them back from getting care?" - Lori Leberman


    Original Message


  • 15.  RE: Community Conversations - 2/12/24 - Small Team, Big Impact

    Posted 02-14-2024 01:39 PM

    Great question. I think there are a couple things that we try to do, but we are also fortunate that Humane Rescue Alliance in DC is a well-known organization with well-known community programs that folks know about already. 

    We approach every situation with empathy and compassion, and this starts with the very first phone call we make. We introduce ourselves and then ask open ended questions to allow folks to explain their situation. 

    When we arrive, we introduce ourselves again. I'm a big supporter of being mindful of body language, so we usually sit down on the floor with the pet or on the couch or front stoop to chat. I'm mindful to never cross our arms or use negative language when learning about what kind of veterinary care or at home remedies they have tried. It's the little things that can make a big impact on gaining trust with folks.



    ------------------------------
    Kelsey Gerbig
    Veterinarian
    Humane Rescue Alliance
    VA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 16.  RE: Community Conversations - 2/12/24 - Small Team, Big Impact

    This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous
    Posted 02-13-2024 10:22 AM
    This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous

    Unanswered question from the chat:

    "Are there restrictions as to who qualifies for this service or is it open to all pet owners?" - Nichole Boudreau


    Original Message


  • 17.  RE: Community Conversations - 2/12/24 - Small Team, Big Impact

    Posted 02-14-2024 01:41 PM

    The only restriction is that we only see DC residents with their pets. 

    We have only had a few situations where it was apparent that folks did not need our services, but after chatting with them and explaining the purpose of our program, they sought veterinary care elsewhere for other things. 

    We are mindful that any barriers we create may deter community members from seeking help, which is part of the reason why we don't ask for proof of income or anything of that nature. 



    ------------------------------
    Kelsey Gerbig
    Veterinarian
    Humane Rescue Alliance
    VA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 18.  RE: Community Conversations - 2/12/24 - Small Team, Big Impact

    This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous
    Posted 02-13-2024 10:22 AM
    This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous

    Unanswered question from the chat:

    "So amazing! Do you have what your home care parvo treatment protocols are? We are trying to do something similar and would love to see what has worked for you and owners." - Summer Dolder


    Original Message


  • 19.  RE: Community Conversations - 2/12/24 - Small Team, Big Impact

    Posted 02-14-2024 01:54 PM

    That's great to hear! 

    We've modeled our at home parvo treatment from CSU's study on home-treatment for parvo which included Cerenia (anti-nausea medications), Convenia (SQ antibiotic that lasts for two weeks) and SQ fluid therapy. We also give a short course of oral metronidazole (Flagyl) as well. 

    Once we confirm a parvo diagnosis, the technician will start by teaching the owner how to get comfortable with SQ injections and handling the fluid bags. While they do that tutorial, I take off my PPE and run back to the car to fill out prescriptions and write out a treatment plan that includes the four big treatments: 1) SQ fluids, 2) Cerenia injections, 3) Metronidazole, and 4) Convenia (that we give). 

    When I come back into the residence, they are usually wrapping up fluids. We go over injections next (show the owner how to give Cerenia and have them give the dose after we demonstrate SQ injections with the Convenia antibiotic). 

    We don't have a written protocol yet, because we are still adjusting what works.  I'm working on some spreadsheets to help track cost/patient, but these are still under construction! 



    ------------------------------
    Kelsey Gerbig
    Veterinarian
    Humane Rescue Alliance
    VA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 20.  RE: Community Conversations - 2/12/24 - Small Team, Big Impact

    This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous
    Posted 02-13-2024 10:22 AM
    This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous

    Unanswered question from the chat:

    "Have you thought about getting referrals from social workers or home health aids?" - Augusta Farley


    Original Message


  • 21.  RE: Community Conversations - 2/12/24 - Small Team, Big Impact

    Posted 02-14-2024 01:56 PM

    Yes, this is part of my plan for this program. We have received calls from social workers directly and have found a few clients this way, but it would be great to have a more formal system in place. 

    I would also love to make connections with social workers and home health aids to refer folks to them because we often meet community members who have needs that are outside our capacity. 

    We are working on this for sure. We are limited to some extent right now because it is just myself and a technician for the whole city, but definitely something we're going to take into consideration as we grow! 



    ------------------------------
    Kelsey Gerbig
    Veterinarian
    Humane Rescue Alliance
    VA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 22.  RE: Community Conversations - 2/12/24 - Small Team, Big Impact

    This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous
    Posted 02-13-2024 10:29 AM
    This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous

    Unanswered question from the chat:

    "Does the program also assist the unhoused population with their pets?" - Zan Lowell


    Original Message


  • 23.  RE: Community Conversations - 2/12/24 - Small Team, Big Impact

    Posted 02-14-2024 01:57 PM

    Yes!

    We've introduced ourselves directly if we see them as we drive around the city - we leave a card and offer our services if they need them. 

    Sometimes we get referrals from an animal control officer or humane law enforcement officer who meet with them and figure out they have a need for care. 



    ------------------------------
    Kelsey Gerbig
    Veterinarian
    Humane Rescue Alliance
    VA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 24.  RE: Community Conversations - 2/12/24 - Small Team, Big Impact

    This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous
    Posted 02-13-2024 10:30 AM
    This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous

    Unanswered question from the chat:

    "This program is terrific! How do y'all support your vet if they have liability concerns about practicing with owned animals? I'd love to see more and more programs like this, but I know vets can be concerned about liability." - Mehnaz Aziz


    Original Message


  • 25.  RE: Community Conversations - 2/12/24 - Small Team, Big Impact

    Posted 02-14-2024 01:58 PM

    Good question.

    I have liability insurance through my workplace, but I also purchase extra coverage through AVMA PLIT! 



    ------------------------------
    Kelsey Gerbig
    Veterinarian
    Humane Rescue Alliance
    VA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 26.  RE: Community Conversations - 2/12/24 - Small Team, Big Impact

    This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous
    Posted 02-13-2024 10:31 AM
    This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous

    Unanswered question from the chat:

    "If a pet needs surgical care like a dental, do you have low cost places to refer folks to?" - Roxane Fritz


    Original Message


  • 27.  RE: Community Conversations - 2/12/24 - Small Team, Big Impact

    Posted 02-14-2024 02:02 PM

    Yes - we have a list of low-cost spay/neuter clinics we can provide folks. We also have a long list of clinics in the surrounding MD/VA region that we can refer folks to as well. 

    Our shelter also has a community spay/neuter day each month that we try to refer clients to as well at a low cost.  Sometimes we can find grant funding to help cover the cost of a mass removal or leg amputation, but this is definitely something that we figure out on a case by case basis. 

    Dentals are something that we are trying to troubleshoot - we see so many animals that need a good cleaning or some teeth removed. We would love to be able to offer low cost dental procedures, and it's on my bucket list for things to create in the future. 



    ------------------------------
    Kelsey Gerbig
    Veterinarian
    Humane Rescue Alliance
    VA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 28.  RE: Community Conversations - 2/12/24 - Small Team, Big Impact

    Posted 02-20-2024 09:43 AM

    We have just opened in Tipton, IN. Prior to Dec, we only did foster as we did not have a building.  Now we have a building. It filled up quickly! Right now I am heavily involved with TNR and Cat Care in the shelter. I also foster failed and adopted 3. I have only been volunteering for a few years. I am learning alot. We are all volunteer. We can only help so many do to money constraints. It would be so helpful to have a program like this.  We wish we had a traveling vet! What a wonderful help to the community!!! Bless you all for what you do!



    ------------------------------
    Janette Martin
    Grant Writer HSTC
    Humane Society Tipton County
    IN
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


Related Content