Veterinarians Helping The Homeless Pets

Veterinarians Serving Pets of the Homeless

Carson City, NV, October 19, 2008 --(PR.com)-- Feeding Pets of the Homeless awarded grants to seven veterinarians to treat and vaccinate pets of the homeless in their communities.

Dr. Kevin Stoothoff, South Ocala Animal Clinic, Ocala, Florida will implement a pilot program in the area. “I am excited to apply for this grant. Our community, like so many others, has many homeless people, who are unable to afford veterinary care or pet food.” wrote Dr. Stoothoff.

His objective is to help the pets which belong to the indigent people of Ocala. He will be working with two local agencies, Brothers Keeper and Interfaith, giving professional examinations, vaccines and minor medical treatment to dogs and cats weekly.

Dr. Wolf’s Animal Medical Center, Dr. John E’Esopo of Dedham, Massachusetts, plans are to set up a clinic and if they find that there is a great unmet need for care of pets of the homeless they will attempt to have these clinics on a routine basis at a local homeless shelter. Their objective is to reach as many needy pets, providing them with physical examinations, updating them on their vaccinations, screening them for diseases that are of community health significance (canine heartworm disease, feline leukemia virus). They will also provide relief for minor problems such as skin issues, ear infections and they will be trying to educate pet owners and provide help with any questions or concerns about the health of their pets.

Animal Medicine and Surgery Clinic, Dr. Ronald Chaikin of Brooklyn, New York will be using the funds so that his clinic will not be forced to turn away approximately 40 animals a week due to financial difficulties of the homeless and low income families in the area. Low income housing and apartment housing projects in his area are extremely strict and require pets to be up-to-date on vaccinations and care, including a current Rabies vaccination and also must be spayed/neutered. This presents a hardship for many of these well-meaning families because they cannot afford to properly immunize and spay/neuter their pets as they are financially compromised.

“Many of these owners are elderly and alone and the only love and companionship they receive is from their pets.” wrote Dr. Chaikin.

Best Friends Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Suzanna Brown of Mays Landing, New Jersey will be working in conjunction with the Atlantic City Rescue Mission to hold a monthly clinic at the mission to give physical exams, rabies vaccinations, flea treatments, and grooming if necessary along with a collar and ID tag to pets of the homeless and those below the national poverty level in the area.
Grove Way Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Russell Hackler of Castro Valley, California has been treating a homeless woman’s dog that she rescued from a pit bull dog fighting ring. The neutered male canine has been suffering with a distressing case of yeast infection. If left untreated he would have passed away.

Dr. Lisa Levin, Spay Neuter Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona intends to provide wellness/preventive medical care in addition to minor medical/surgical care for an estimated population of 50-75 animals belonging to homeless individuals living at or very near to the downtown homeless shelter. The volunteers at the homeless shelter have offered their time to help and if necessary provide transportation to the clinic if more intense medical pet care is needed.

Genevieve Frederick, executive director, “Feeding Pets of the Homeless was formed less than two years ago and the response from the public has allowed us to help many homeless and less fortunate who have pets. With donations of pet food to members and with cash donations for medical care, we are expanding our program steadily and helping many pets. Pets of the homeless are nonjudgmental, offer comfort, and provide an emotional bond of loyalty. In some cases, they provide the homeless protection and keep them warm. We believe in the healing power of companion pets and of the human/animal bond which is very important to life.

More information about the mission of Feeding Pets of the Homeless, donating to the organization, grant applications, memberships, sponsorships and locations of pet food collection sites can be found at www.petsofhomeless.org or call (775) 841-7463.

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About: Feeding Pets of the Homeless is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) member organization. Our members collect pet food and deliver it to food banks and/or soups kitchens which have agreed to distribute the food to the homeless and impoverished. Headquartered in Carson City, Nevada, we coordinate and support our members. We accept cash donations for grants that we award to veterinarians who provide medical care to the pets of homeless. Locations of member collection sites and organizations that distribute pet food can be found at www.petsofhomeless.org or call (775) 841-7463.

Contact: Genevieve Frederick, Founder/Executive Director
Feeding Pets of the Homeless
2255 Waterford Place
Carson City, NV 89703
(775) 841-7463
Fax (775) 841-7163

info@petsofhomeless.org
www.petsofhomeless.org