AVMA, Street Dog Coalition partner helps pets of people experiencing homelessness in Denver
During the annual American Veterinary Medical Association Convention in Denver, the AVMA and The Street Dog Coalition partnered to offer pet owners experiencing homelessness free veterinary examinations for their animals and complimentary food and essential supplies. The event took place July 16 at the Colorado Convention Center.
Sponsors for the event included Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Merck Animal Health and Western Veterinary Partners.
Animals received health checks and basic care, and pet owners got a hygiene kit for themselves and – for their pets – food, a collapsible water or food bowl, treats, toys, leashes and collars.
Merck Animal Health provided vaccines for the clinic and preventatives such as heartworm and flea and tick medications, along with dog bowls and other supplies. Hill’s Pet Nutrition provided free pet food for cats and dogs.
Western Veterinary Partners supplied lunch for volunteers and pet owners. For spaying, neutering and other surgeries, owners were referred to local veterinarians who agreed to donate or reduce the cost of in-office procedures.
Each volunteer care team was led by a state-licensed veterinarian and consisted of a veterinary technician or student and staff to help with intake, check-in and check-out and distributing hygiene kits.
“People experiencing homelessness have incredibly strong bonds with their pets who provide companionship, purpose, and unconditional love," said Katrina Weschler, executive director of The Street Dog Coalition, in the news release. "By providing free compassionate care to both ends of the leash, we hope to help preserve, protect, and strengthen those bonds."
About the AVMA
Serving more than 100,000 member veterinarians, the AVMA is the nation's leading representative of the veterinary profession, dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of animals, humans and the environment. Founded in 1863 and with members in every U.S. state and territory and more than 60 countries, the AVMA is one of the largest veterinary medical organizations in the world. Informed by our members' unique scientific training and clinical knowledge, the AVMA supports the crucial work of veterinarians and advocates for policies that advance the practice of veterinary medicine and improve animal and human health.
About The Street Dog Coalition
The Street Dog Coalition (SDC) started in 2015 with one team in Fort Collins, Colorado. It is now an international nonprofit with teams across the United States and in Ukraine providing free medical care and related services to pets of people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. Volunteers include veterinarians, vet techs, vet assistants, students, social workers, human healthcare professionals and human-animal bond advocates. SDC’s four core values are unconditional love, compassionate activism, unbridled collaboration, and trust. SDC looks at the leash as a lifeline and cares for the mental and physical health on both ends, delivering services with compassion and kindness, devoid of judgment or conditions. SDC’s legacy sponsors include Merck Animal Health and Western Veterinary Partners. For more information, or to donate, visit www.thestreetdogcoalition.org.
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