I was watching a segment on Good Morning America about a veterinary clinic that offers affordable services to people and their pets.
Dr. Lori Pasternak of Helping Hands, located in Virginia, and her business partner, Jacqueline Morasco, operate this clinic which offers discounted care for those pets who need surgery or dental care. The need has to be one of a critical nature. You can find the procedures and costs listed here.
Dr. Pasternak decided to offer these services last year because of the effects the recession is having on people’s decisions concerning their pets. She has seen pets unable to receive the proper medical care because of the high costs associated with many veterinarian practices. People have had their pets euthanized because they can’t afford the necessary surgery to save their lives.
It’s sad no matter which way you look at it. I know there are people who love their pets dearly but don’t have the money to pay for these necessary costs to maintain their health.
The recession has led more pet owners to surrender their pets to shelters and/or rescues. I can’t excuse people for dumping or abandoning their pets because of these high veterinarian costs.
So how is Helping Hands able to keep their costs to a minimum? Let’s look at their mission first.
“To ensure that NO pet gets euthanized due to high surgery cost. Also we want no pet to go without dental treatment when it is needed.”
The following is taken off of their website to answer my original question:
We are able to achieve our mission by limiting the scope of our services to surgery and dental care only. We cut out office visit / consultation time and fees in order to put all of our efforts into treating your pet. We are a drop off, outpatient clinic. We cooperate with many great primary care veterinarians in all areas and will be happy to refer you for any follow up care, general health care, or medical needs. Helping Hands is partnering with our community to provide surgical and dental care for all needy animals and now you are a part of that great effort. Five dollars of your invoice goes directly into an account set up to help needy animals who may require our care. We call this a “good citizen” fee. If you could possibly afford to donate more, know that it will be put to great use and appreciated so much, by so many! A “helping hand or paw” will be painted on our mural wall in you, or your pet’s honor if you donate $50 or more. The money will be repaid by the recipients in volunteer time (One hour for every $10 received) to local organizations that help animals. Our list of animal affiliates is viewable on the AFFILIATES PAGE. Any of them would also appreciate any time, money, or supplies you could donate.
I’ve heard from many people about the costs of veternarian care. I know how easy it is to spend thousands of dollars on necessary procedures and tests. My own dog, Shadow, has health issues including a collapsing trachea, enlarged heart and recent bout of bronchitis. He also had his teeth cleaned. Before we could move forward with the dental cleaning, he had to have an x-ray of his heart and blood work to be sure he was okay for sedation. I couldn’t move forward without insuring he would be okay prior to the procedure. He was ok. Then there are the necessary vaccinations. If only they could be placed on your health insurance plan!
Do you think it is possible for other veternarians to follow suit? Can veterinarians make it more feasible for pet owners to get the necessary care so no pet is forced to be euthanized or worse yet, suffer needlessly because his owner simply can’t afford to go to the vet?
Kudos to Helping Hands for helping the people and pets of Richmond, Virginia. Job well done!