Reading, PA—Humane Pennsylvania and its partner organization, Humane Veterinary Hospitals Reading, are conducting three, free vaccination and microchip clinics to serve low-income pet owners in the greater Reading area.
At the first clinic on June 20, we provided vaccine and microchip services to 52 dogs, gave away 38 free spay/neuter vouchers to qualifying animals, and distributed 664 pounds of dog food to low-income pet owners! The event was held in the parking lot of Berks Encore in Reading, providing low-income city residents and their canine companions direct access to no-cost services provided by our staff at Humane Veterinary Hospitals Reading and The Humane Society of Berks County.
As part of our Healthy Pets, Healthy Lives initiative, we want to express the importance of healthy pets in the community. Being able to provide this opportunity allows us to help local pet owners support their pets’ well being. No one should ever have to deny their pet proper veterinary care due to cost!
The next clinics will be held on July 18 and August 8 from 4:30 to 7 PM in the parking lot of Berks Encore, located at 40 N. 9th Street in Reading.
Funding for this project is provided by the Giorgi Family Foundation & Quaker Maid Meats as part of Humane Pennsylvania’s Healthy Pets, Healthy Lives initiative. The mission of Healthy Pets, Healthy Lives is to express the importance of healthy pets in the community and to provide opportunities for local pet owners to support their pets’ health.
Vaccinations offered include annual DAPP (distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza and parvovirus), 1-year rabies or 3-year rabies with proof of previous vaccination, and deworming. Pets will also receive pet identification microchips and registration information. At this time, the clinics will be able to accommodate canines only.
“Vaccinating dogs, especially puppies, is the best way our community can prevent outbreaks of preventable diseases, like parvovirus,” says Dr. Alicia Simoneau, Humane Veterinary Hospitals Reading and clinic veterinarian. “We hope to educate owners on the benefits of spaying and neutering, parasite prevention, pet identification and general wellness care.”
“Vaccination clinics like these are aligned with our mission,” says Karel Minor, President and CEO of Humane Pennsylvania. “No one should ever have to deny their pet proper veterinary care due to cost. We aim to make vet care affordable and accessible for all families in Berks County.”
In addition, a limited supply of pet food will be distributed among pet owners in-need. Owners who utilize this service will be required to fill out and submit an Ani-Meals program application.
There are no additional exam fees. No appointment is necessary to receive these services. However, space is limited and can accommodate canines only. First come, first serve. Services will be provided based on order of arrival. Se habla Español.
Dr. Simoneau concludes, “We are here to serve our community with a common goal: long, healthy lives for their pets.”
Humane Veterinary Hospitals, with offices in Lancaster and Reading, is a division of Humane Pennsylvania. Last year alone, Humane Veterinary Hospitals provide over $700,000 in charitable veterinary services to sheltered homeless animals and at-risk animals in the community. Humane Veterinary Hospitals Reading is open to the general public and accepting new patients.
Questions regarding these clinics can be directed to The Humane Society of Berks County at 610-921-2348. Humane Veterinary Hospitals Reading is located at 1729 N. 11th Street in Reading. Visit www.hvhospitals.org for more information and to schedule an appointment.
