Struggling NYC Pet Owners To Get Help
According to the Animal Care & Control of New York City (AC&C), many low-income pet owners do not seek preventive veterinary care for their pets, and when their pets become ill they surrender them to their local shelter. During the recent economic troubles, the number of animals requiring medical care which have been surrendered to AC&C has skyrocketed. As a result, the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals and Animal Care & Control of NYC launched a joint initiative on July 25th at their Manhattan Shelter, the "Low Cost Vet Mobile", which will provide another means of access to affordable veterinary care to low-income New York City pet owners.
"The mobile clinic will help so many pet owners that are having trouble making ends meet and caring for a sick pet at the same time," says Richard Gentles, AC&C’s spokesperson.
The new initiative is expect to reduce the number of animals surrendered to city shelters, which are already at full capacity, by 12 -15%. Staffed by local veterinarians, it is hoped that the mobile unit will be a first step in developing relationships with veterinarians within their community. The Low Cost Vet Mobile’s location will alternate between Animal Care & Control’s Manhattan and Brooklyn locations, where it will provide assistance to pet owners at two of the busiest points of entry to the New York City shelter system.
