Thanks to our generous supporters, 2013 was a wonderful year for our Veterinary Street Outreach Services (VET SOS) project. We were able to continue growing our services for pets whose owners are homeless and unable to afford care. Compared to 2012, we administered 18% more vaccines, dispensed nearly 70% more medications, and tripled the number of animals that received behavioral training services!
When clients visit one of our 12 annual pop-up VET SOS clinics, we offer to connect them with free human health care services. In 2013, almost twice as many pet owners accepted our offer and received assistance for themselves, as well as care for their companion animal/s.
Continue reading to learn more about the work we performed throughout 2013. We couldn't have done it without our generous supporters and partners.
To learn more about how you can get involved with VET SOS this year by volunteering or donating: www.vetsos.org
Thank you,
Dr. Margaret Hoppe, DVM
Veterinary Services Coordinator
Who benefited from VET SOS's services?
Meet Daniel and his cat, Samantha. Daniel adopted Samantha from a shelter when she was just six weeks old. He says that she keeps him quiet and calm, and that he goes to VET SOS because we provide good veterinary care. Samantha is one of the 102 cats we cared for in 2013.
Kim's dog Patron is one of the 441 dogs we helped last year. Patron was given to Kim by her son for emotional support and to help her combat depression. Kim says she's very appreciative of the care and services that VET SOS provides for Patron at no cost.
Read more stories on our Facebook page: facebook.com/vetsos.sf
2013 VET SOS Highlights
In 2013 VET SOS provided significant free services to 441 dogs and 102 cats of homeless San Franciscans and their humans:
- Provided 456 veterinary exams
- Administered 537 vaccines
- Delivered 132 grooming services including nail trims & ear cleanings
- Provided 48 lab tests including heartworm & parvo
- Dispensed 1,028 medications and preventatives
- Spayed/neutered 53 dogs and cats
- Distributed pet food and supplies to 554 clients
- Micro-chipped 41 animals
- Provided behavioral training to 64 animals
- Connected 70 homeless pet guardians with human healthcare
- Connected 65 pets with emergency veterinary services
- Linked 12 formerly homeless clients with continuity of care services
VET SOS in the News
Hear Liz St. John of Alice Radio @ 97.3FM interview 7-year VET SOS volunteer, Dr. Phil Durfee, & former VET SOS client, Joshua (& dog, Sadie). Listen to the interview here.
KQED recently attended a VET SOS pop up clinic. Hear our client Kelly's story and how her dog, Olivia, is helping her cope with the difficulties of being homeless. "I would be so lonely without her. I cannot even imagine being homeless and not having a dog with me..." Listen to the full interview.
Thank you to our Institutional Funders
Institutional gifts play an important role in helping VET SOS maintain its commitment to deliver high-quality veterinary care. We are grateful to the many foundations, corporations, organizations and businesses that help support the companion animals of homeless San Franciscans and their humans.
San Francisco Community Clinic Consortium (SFCCC) & Veterinary Street Outreach Services (VET SOS) are grateful to these highly respected and effective animal welfare organizations who serve as our partners:
- Friends of Animal Care and Control
- Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS)
- Pets Unlimited
- San Francisco Animal Care and Control
- San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SFSPCA)
- San Francisco Veterinary Medical Association (SFVMA)
- Training Wheels San Francisco