VANDERBURGH HUMANE SOCIETY LAUNCHES NEW “WELL PETS” PROGRAM

1

(Evansville, IN – May 31st, 2016) – The newest program through the Vanderburgh Humane Society’s Low-Cost Vaccine Clinic provides FREE vaccines and testing for pets of low-income families in the Tri-State on the first Saturday of every month. Launched in May, the goal is to see more new patients at the Low-Cost Vaccine Clinic, which will open up doors for so many educational opportunities about spay/neuter, heartworm & parasite prevention, and responsible pet ownership. Well Pets will help to improve the overall health & well-being of pets all over the community. It will serve pets who may likely never receive vet care otherwise.

This program is funded through a $10,000 grant from the Banfield Foundation specifically for Well Pets.

Well Pets services will ONLY be provided on the first Saturday of each month. The next Clinic will be held Saturday, June 4th. There will be NO Well Pets clinic offered the first weekend in July due to the holiday, but Well Pets will resume on Saturday, August 6th.

The Vaccine Clinic begins at 8 am in the front VHS lobby. Patients can line up as early as 7:15. It is first-come first-served and fills up very quickly, so arrive early!

The Clinic will still see paying clients who do not qualify for Well Pets as usual.

Well Pets clients must show a valid photo ID and documentation proving financial need, such as Hoosier Health Wise card, Hoosier Health Card, or Hoosier Works card. Letters proving assistance through SSI or disability may also qualify. Names must match, and benefit recipient will be listed as the owner responsible for the pet. Indiana debit cards, pending assistance applications, and basic check stubs will NOT be accepted as proof of need.

There is a $10 exam fee per unaltered pet (unaltered meaning not spayed or neutered.) This is NOT covered under Well Pets. Appointments are available for spay/neuter at VHS’ Low-Cost Vaccine Clinic. Information about state assistance for spay/neuter is available upon request.

Well Pets provides the following free services for dogs:

– rabies vaccine

– DA2PP vaccine

– Bordetella vaccine if needed

– Heartworm test

Well Pets provides the following free services for cats:

– rabies vaccine

– FVRCP vaccine

– FeLV vaccine for at-risk cats

– FeLV/FIV test

All dogs must be leashed and cats must be in individual carriers. Cardboard cat carriers can be purchased for $5 at VHS during business hours.

A nationally-registered 24PetWatch microchip is available for $25 and highly recommended.

Flea/tick and Heartworm prevention are available at low cost with price based on the pet’s weight.

Keep in mind that for those who DON’T qualify for Well Pets, the Low-Cost Vaccine Clinic does operate every Saturday all year (excluding holiday weekends) for paying clients. See a price sheet at www.vhslifesaver.org.

VHS would be happy to schedule a photo op at the Clinic during operating hours, Monday-Friday 9-2. Please contact Amanda or Kendall for details.

1 COMMENT

  1. Lots of great organizations and people doing good work for our four-legged friends in this area. Keep it up!

Comments are closed.