Support from Banfield Foundation® Powers the Dumb Friends League’s Community Vaccine Clinics
Keeping our pets healthy can often feel overwhelming. We want to give them the best food, provide them with plenty of exercise and enrichment, and make sure they are cared for and properly socialized. One of the most important parts of pet ownership is keeping up with veterinary care. Ensuring that our pets receive the right procedures, exams, diagnostics, and vaccines when they need them, while also factoring in the rising costs and decreased accessibility of veterinary care, is challenging for many pet owners.
In addition to the donor-subsidized care offered at the League’s Veterinary Hospital at CSU Spur, we bring essential veterinary “pop-up” services to eight priority neighborhoods across the Denver metro area. In partnership with local host sites such as food banks, healthcare and recreation centers, and veterans agencies, our regular community vaccine clinics take place 4 to 8 times per month and provide people with access to care and pet-supportive resources in their own backyard. This year, Banfield Foundation® kindly granted $60,000 to support the direct costs of medications, vaccines, and other veterinary supplies for these pop-up vaccine clinics, allowing for convenient access to subsidized veterinary care.
“At community vaccine clinics, pet owners can access care that might not be available in their area,” said Aidan McMorrow, Campaign Field Director at the League. “It’s a great way to help people and their pets stay together and combat the spread of preventable diseases.”
Depending on need, animals may receive a wellness check, vaccines, a microchip, and pet food and supplies at their clinic appointment. During their brief exam, our veterinarians may also identify other medical conditions and refer the family to our hospital on the CSU Spur campus or other local veterinarians for further care. In FY23, these clinics served 5,191 cats and dogs, providing them with unique access to essential healthcare services.
On a recent Saturday, Pearl, Judy, and Murlinda brought their three dogs to our community clinic at CSU Spur to ensure they were all up to date on their vaccines. “These clinics are phenomenal” they said. “It’s a great experience, has flexible scheduling, and is offered at a lower cost.” Adorable Genesis, Morty, and Faith were each able to receive their updated vaccines and a wellness check from our veterinary team.
Destiny and her family were thankful to have access to affordable veterinary care for Jasper, their 1-year-old cat who had previously been seen at the Dumb Friends League Veterinary Hospital at CSU Spur for his neuter surgery. Now, the family utilizes our pop-up clinic services to keep up with his regular vaccines. “I tell everybody to bring their animals here for care,” Destiny said.
Many pet owners across Colorado and the U.S. are facing increased barriers to accessing veterinary care, including higher service costs, limited appointment availability, and a lack of nearby providers. These hardships sometimes lead to shelter relinquishments or, sadly, even economic euthanasia decisions.
“Every pet owner wants to give their animal the best chance at a healthy and happy life, but with rising costs and a growing veterinary shortage, it can be hard to provide those basic resources,” said McMorrow. “Through our mobile vaccine clinics, we are able to bring services to folks by meeting them where they’re at, and with donor-subsidized prices, vaccines have never been more accessible.”
The League’s mobile vaccine clinics not only bridge the gap in veterinary services but also foster a sense of community engagement and support.
“Our vaccine clinics provide an opportunity to many who may not always have the time, resources, or ability to go to a traditional veterinary clinic,” said Rhiannon Kennedy, Community Vaccine Clinic Coordinator for the League. “I see many people entrusting us with their pets’ healthcare. As an organization, we are committed to providing friendly, professional, and respectful services to pets, as well as their owners. Not only do we provide exceptional care for all pets, but we are also here within our community as part of our community.”
Thanks to Banfield Foundation’s helping “paws,” we can continue to connect with and serve local communities to ensure pets and people stay together.
To view upcoming vaccine clinics in the Denver metro area, book an appointment, and learn more about costs and services, visit ddfl.org/vaccine-clinic/.
Learn more about how the League and our partners are working to expand access to veterinary care at https://www.vetcarecoalition.com/.