The Lost Dogs’ Home is preparing to launch its first-ever Mobile Low-Cost Veterinary Clinic which will visit areas of greatest need in the Metro and across rural Victoria.
The Lost Dogs’ Home has welcomed the State Government’s announcement on Friday 14 June to fund the purchase of a Mobile Low-Cost Veterinary Clinic.
The initiative will be led by the Home’s veterinary and outreach teams and work together with councils and other organisations committed to helping those doing it tough financially.
The Home’s director of Veterinary Services Dr Jessica Wilde said the Mobile Low-Cost Veterinary Clinic would provide discount veterinary services to vulnerable communities in Melbourne and regional Victoria.
‘’We are grateful for the commitment of the State Government in helping us improve animal welfare and support low-income pet owners who are facing significant cost-of-living pressures such as housing and food costs,’’ Dr Wilde said.
‘’Sadly, there are an overwhelmingly large number of pet owners who hold off desexing their pet or having a routine health check for their pet because they cannot afford it. And the consequences of that are often catastrophic in the long term.’’
The mobile clinic will perform routine but essential health surgeries such as desexing, dental procedures, microchipping, health checks, vaccinations, general health animal checks, and blood testing.
It is hoped the new initiative will reduce the surrender rates of pets to the Home and reduce the cost-of-living pressures on pet owners on low incomes.
‘’The Lost Dogs’ Home is committed to providing low-cost desexing options for pet owners throughout Victoria,’’ Dr Wilde said.
‘’Pets are particularly important for people on low incomes and in crisis situations such as homelessness or family violence.
“Ownership can provide a consistent and secure home for pets and improve the mental and physical health outcomes for owners. Keeping families and pets together is something we are very passionate about.’’
It is anticipated the Mobile Low-Cost Veterinary Clinic will be on the road by the end of the year.
