While I am an organization with two vets (I really need three but so hard to find a shelter vet!) when we are closed overnight we have to have contingency plans for:
- Sick or injured strays
- Seized animals that have been wounded in some way
- Place for kitten fosters (any foster, really)
- The off-chance of a real post-sterilization surgical complication
So, we have an agreement with a local Emergency Veterinarian that will call me (I take the phone calls at night so the vets do not have to) and speak to the vets with cases that come in to decide to euthanize, keep stable, do some treatment - always pain management when necessary. That works out really well.
We came to this because years ago that clinic sent clients from their clinic (not super quick trip) with a seizing German Shepherd for euthanasia. The clients could not afford the euthanasia so sent to us. I called them after the two elderly gals lugged in this poor dog into my busy lobby seizing. We ended the dog's suffering and they were grateful. They have spent all of their money on diagnostics.
I called the owner and asked them that if they were ever in this position again that they could PLEASE euthanize an animal that is suffering for free for the client (blue juice not that expensive) and we would do all the cremations that people could not afford in our crematory in a group. No matter the situation.
If they have to euthanize a foster or sick or injured animal, we still have no charge. Most other animals are well below $100 to keep stable or provide pain meds to.
I say this because maybe there is a 24 hour vet that you can barter with for assistance.Sometimes they are really slow at night and they appreciate the clients without owners so to speak. We also get some great fosters with their vet techs. They used to let us adopt kittens in their lobby, and I am looking to restart that program.
Not having an on-site vet is truly challenging. Every day here we get sick or injured "strays" that the finder/actual owner will happily adopt back if we can fix it. We used to get upset by this but now we just accept it and fix the animal because it is the right thing to do and when medically cleared we put it up for adoption and do not police who can adopt it. We will always tell the person who brought it in when it is cleared and when up for adoption if they call and ask.
My old shelter did not have a veterinarian on-site but she came in once a week to do spay/neuter and other small surgeries. She handled our DEA permit, drug purchasing, and the like. That was pretty cost effective. Getting in sick animals was a real disaster trying to juggle care for them.
Having a vet on staff is a real luxury and it is getting harder. They are worth every penny, do not get me wrong. The budget for them with insurance is super costly. As they are humans with children, sick days happen. Flooded basements happen. You may be able to get a grant to hire one covering the first year. Then you will have to figure out how to generate the revenue necessary to keep them on. Or see about part-time vet.
Karen
------------------------------
Karen Sparapani
Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission
Milwaukee WI
------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 08-13-2025 06:46 AM
From: Kim Jackson
Subject: Clinic without a veterinarian
@Kristin Lewis We are the same as you are. We have veterinarians who will sign for purchases. We do not have one that is "All in" with our rescue. If that makes sense. Having a "MOU" with one is not what we have. We have to transport rescue animals to vet offices for vaccines and vet care. Yes, it is costly.
I thought there was a thread or discussion about this earlier this year. I know it varies from state to state and on a local level.
------------------------------
Kim Jackson
AKC CGC Evaluator
President/Founder For The Puppies Foundation Inc.
Corinth, MS
kimj@forthepuppiesfoundation.org
www.forthepuppiesfoundation.org
Original Message:
Sent: 08-13-2025 05:32 AM
From: Kristie Lewis
Subject: Clinic without a veterinarian
Hi Kim, I am glad you brought that up. I would like to know the same thing but mine would be a shelter without a Veterinarian? We are a small shelter but with no Vet and we have to go to an outside clinic which is very costly at times.
Kristie Lewis
Williston Animal Shelter
Williston, Florida
------------------------------
Kristie Lewis
Animal control/Code enforcement
City of Williston
FL
Original Message:
Sent: 08-12-2025 07:36 PM
From: Kim Jackson
Subject: Clinic without a veterinarian
Can someone tell me if there was a discussion about clinics without a veterinarian? I think there was something about this earlier this year but I can not find anything about it now.
Thanks in advance.
------------------------------
Kim Jackson
AKC CGC Evaluator
President/Founder For The Puppies Foundation Inc.
Corinth, MS
kimj@forthepuppiesfoundation.org
www.forthepuppiesfoundation.org
------------------------------