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VETERINARIANS PROVIDE LOW COST - FREE PET HEALTH CARE SERVICES TO LESS FORTUNATE, REDUCE EUTHANASIA RATE

This is an official Hillsborough Animal Health Foundation Press Release.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                     December 30, 2013

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY VETERINARIANS TO PROVIDE LOW COST AND FREE PET HEALTH CARE SERVICES TO LESS FORTUNATE, REDUCE EUTHANASIA RATE

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Hillsborough County, Florida - The Hillsborough Animal Health Foundation (HAHF) is proud to announce the decision to immediately begin establishing a Spay/Neuter Clinic for those who are less fortunate and have pets in need of basic services.  The Foundation is supported by more than 40 local veterinary hospitals, and this new effort is yet another outreach of those clinics and represents a concrete expression of their selfless service.  While service to our local pets and their owners is part of the daily life of veterinarians, this new clinic will expand the charitable contributions already provided by our member hospitals.  Most critically, providing low cost and free services for sterilization of pets aids the implementation of the “Be the Way Home” Plan (BTWH) recently adopted by the Board of County Commissioners.  The Foundation and all its members want to enhance and support the new County mission to reduce the euthanasia of unwanted animals – and this is another important step in the long-term task before us. 
 
This new not-for-profit clinic will be operated under guiding principles that include an improved standard of care (compared to many low cost clinics), cooperation with rescue groups that adhere to basic Responsible Pet Ownership principles as outlined in the AWAKE program, and required means testing.  With an emphasis on serving those truly in need, our clinic will focus on service to single parent households, veterans of our military, and the elderly; however, any person with demonstrable need will have their pets cared for with love and compassion.   Along with pet sterilizations, our new clinic will also provide basic core vaccines and other minimal necessary services for pets. Lease space is being secured now, and the opening is expected to occur this Spring. 
 
Additional follow up care and assistance will be provided by our Member Hospitals.  Our member hospitals already provide hundreds of thousands of dollars in free and reduced services to pets every year; and this new effort is a continuation of the charitable heart that resides in every veterinarian.  Our member hospitals are excited about this new opportunity to serve.  
 
The Hillsborough Animal Health Foundation is celebrating 27 years of public service and advocacy for Responsible, Healthy, Happy, Pet Ownership.  The Hillsborough Animal Health Foundation was founded in 1987 by a community-minded group of Hillsborough County veterinarians to foster the human/animal bond and promote responsible pet ownership, improved pet health and pet care through an emphasis on pet owner education.  For more information, visit www.hahf.org or contact us at info@hahf.org.
 
Don Thompson, J.D., CVPM
Executive Director, Hillsborough Animal Health Foundation 

 

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