Phoenix VA teams up with Arizona Humane Society for free pet clinic for Veterans
The Phoenix VA Health Care System partnered with the Arizona Humane society for the first time in hosting a free pet clinic for Veterans at the Carl T. Hayden VAMC, Jan. 19.
“This is desperately needed,” said Bryan Matthews, Phoenix VA medical center director. “Veterans’ pets are part of the family, and their health care is important, just like the Veterans’ health care. We’re very happy to work with the humane society and thank them for their support of Veterans.”
The event sponsored by the Arizona Humane Society with their Health Tails Mobile Pet Clinic, served nearly 100 Veterans and their pets, helping to significantly offset the expensive cost of Veterinarian services. Health care is provided by VA for qualifying Veterans, but this does not include animal care, so in many cases, unvaccinated pets can prohibit a Veteran from receiving housing and other needs. This event helps both the logistical impact of not being able to care for animals and offset financial costs.
“It tells me how important these animals are to Veterans,” said an Army Veteran. “How we feel about them, definitely how the system right now is not designed to look out for Veterans that have pets.”
“We just want to help Veterans and their animals,” said Jacquelyn Agbebiyi, Arizona Humane Society Happy Tails Mobile Pet Clinic manager.
The services provided included vaccines, nail trimmings, tic and flea, microchip and general wellness exams.
“The need for this in the community is huge,” said Joe Casados, Arizona Humane Society social media manager. “We’re so excited to be here. Events like this help us keep pets in homes, which is our ultimate goal, and we couldn’t be more proud to help our nation’s Veterans.”