Animal Welfare Professionals

I am a licensed veterinary technician in a small animal general practice. Some of my coworkers and I want to start providing limited services at no charge to residents in assisted living facilities. I have had a difficult time finding information on other groups who do this. Does anyone have any experience doing this or know anyone who does? 

For more context, we plan to offer free exams with a veterinarian or an LVT, basic grooming services, and enrichment activities, at least to start. Vaccines, lab work, any other procedures would be offered at a discount. We plan to start visiting at one local facility to start.

#AccesstoCare
#CommunityPartnerships*
#PetSupportServices*

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Joanne Scott
Lead LVT
Leesburg Veterinary Hospital
VA
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This is amazing! I run a nonprofit in Oakland, CA that does similar work and I would be thrilled to have a vet staff that wanted to travel to various locations with me. :)

Logistically, it wouldn't be difficult for you to set up these events on your own but the question that comes to mind is insurance, which is something that I have that covers all of my volunteers. 

Have you reached out to your local shelter? I wonder if they would be willing to partner with you so that you are covered under their umbrella. Our local shelter does similar community outreach clinics and uses non-staff vets and vet techs for their clinics.

Don't get discouraged. Once you get out there you'll see how much your services are needed! Thank you for doing this.

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Meg McAdam
President
Human and Pet Initiative
CA
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I have reached out, but have not yet heard back from our county shelter. I have fostered for them for a long time, and my boss is on the advisory board, so they know me well. 

Insurance and liability are my concerns too. Our medical director is going to review our insurance to make sure we are okay.

Thank you!

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Joanne Scott
Lead LVT
Leesburg Veterinary Hospital
VA
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-19-2024 08:54 AM
From: Meg McAdam
Subject: Does anyone have any information on veterinary staff who volunteer to assist pets cared for by residents in assisted living facilities?

This is amazing! I run a nonprofit in Oakland, CA that does similar work and I would be thrilled to have a vet staff that wanted to travel to various locations with me. :)

Logistically, it wouldn't be difficult for you to set up these events on your own but the question that comes to mind is insurance, which is something that I have that covers all of my volunteers. 

Have you reached out to your local shelter? I wonder if they would be willing to partner with you so that you are covered under their umbrella. Our local shelter does similar community outreach clinics and uses non-staff vets and vet techs for their clinics.

Don't get discouraged. Once you get out there you'll see how much your services are needed! Thank you for doing this.

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Meg McAdam
President
Human and Pet Initiative
CA
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That is great!  I would try to work through an animal welfare group that is a registered nonprofit in your area.

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April King
Volunteer and Board Member
Kotor Kitties
+1 206 407 5336
http://www.kotorkitties.org
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Hi Joanne;

    You might want to look at how this group has done it in Vermont:  https://www.themitzvahfundvt.org/

Great idea!

Thanks, Stacy

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Stacy LeBaron
Head Cat
The Community Cats Podcast
Warren VT
978-239-2090
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Thank you! This is the kind of information I was looking for! What a great organization!

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Joanne Scott
Lead LVT
Leesburg Veterinary Hospital
VA
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-20-2024 01:56 AM
From: Stacy LeBaron
Subject: Does anyone have any information on veterinary staff who volunteer to assist pets cared for by residents in assisted living facilities?

Hi Joanne;

    You might want to look at how this group has done it in Vermont:  https://www.themitzvahfundvt.org/

Great idea!

Thanks, Stacy

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Stacy LeBaron
Head Cat
The Community Cats Podcast
Warren VT
978-239-2090
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Love that you want to do this

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Sandy Cole
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I wish you weren't so far away. While I am not an assisted living, I am a newly formed 501c3 non- profit dog sanctuary with 9 rescued dogs. We would love to have someone volunteer to do free exams, grooming and enrichment activities for the dogs. We are in Berkeley Springs WV and it is hard to find someone willing to do this as a volunteer . 

I think what you want to do for the folks in assisted living is admirable.  Best of luck to you!

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Suzanne Receveur
Secretary/Treasurer
Barxmore Acres
WV
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