A Panacea for Under-Served Pet Owners, Need-Based, Low-Cost Vet Care Keeps Pets with the Families who Love them
BOSTON, Dec. 21, 2020 – With the COVID-19 pandemic’s economic fallout worsening by the day, and calls for “healthcare justice” ringing out in state after state, the MSPCA-Angell announced today the opening of its community clinics in Boston, Methuen and Centerville, Mass., which provide steeply discounted, compassionate veterinary care for qualifying, low-income families who might otherwise have to surrender a beloved pet.
The primary focus of the community clinics, which are co-located with the MSPCA’s three Animal Care and Adoption Centers, is the delivery of compassionate, low-cost out-patient care—such as treatment for broken bones, falls or other acute illness or injuries—and other unexpected care needs for which treatment at a general veterinary practice is out of reach for struggling pet owners.
Healthcare Justice: Expanding the Veterinary Care Safety Net
The MSPCA’s 24-7 emergency and specialty care hospital, Angell Animal Medical Center, already operates satellite clinics in Danvers and Westford, Mass., which provide urgent and primary care to hundreds of pets every year. The addition of the three community clinics makes the MSPCA-Angell the largest network of need-based, low-cost veterinary services in all of New England.
“These community clinics are an essential safety net for pet owners who, when faced with a sudden and unexpected need for urgent veterinary care, would be left with few options beyond euthanasia, surrendering the animal to a shelter or forgoing treatment altogether,” said Mike Keiley, director of adoption centers and programs at the MSPCA-Angell.
The MSPCA’s Boston clinic went live at the start of June, with its Methuen and Cape Cod services following in November and December.
Compassionate, Affordable Care to the Rescue for Gepetto!
This essential service proved a lifesaver for an adorable five-year-old black and white cat named Gepetto, who on Nov. 21 was critically injured when he slipped out of his Quincy, Mass. home and was, presumably, struck by a car.
Gepetto needed dental surgery to address his broken teeth and reattach his lower lip to his jaw. Fortunately, he found his way to the Boston clinic, where Dr. Cynthia Minter performed the operation, and he is now back home with his grateful family, recovering from the ordeal.
“With the community clinics now fully operational, we’re able to double down on the number of animals we can help at a time when so many pet owners need it—and we know this will result in healthier pets, and more animals living in homes with the people who love them—rather than surrendered to shelters,” added Keiley.
To qualify, pet owners must be referred by a veterinarian and currently enrolled in a public assistance program, such as SNAP, WIC, residency in public housing, etc., or have an income below the Massachusetts state poverty guidelines. For more information, click www.mspca.org/clinics.
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