Miami-Camillus House, in collaboration with The South Florida Veterinary Foundation (SFVF), will offer free pet care for the cats and dogs of people who are poor or homeless during Project Unleashed, on Sunday, July 5 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Camillus House shelter, 726 N.E. 1st Avenue.
Launched by SFVF President Dr. Juan Sardinas in 2007, the program has had six successful outreaches into the homeless community.
"At Camillus House, we respect and understand the love that our clients have for their pets," said Dr. Paul. R Ahr, CEO and President of Camillus House. "We realize this program is beneficial not only for the animals, but for the pet owners as well. It gives us a chance to build trust with people who have been reluctant to accept services at the expense of giving up their pets and otherwise would not have approached us."
The success of the program has inspired the planned construction of a kennel in the new Camillus House Center, which is currently in development.
During Project Unleashed, veterinarians volunteer to provide free clinical services to cats and dogs at the Camillus House shelter and then travel around the city offering these services to persons who could not make it to the shelter. The services generally include wellness exams, annual vaccines, treatments for ear mites and for minor skin abrasions, and preventive care for heartworm, flea and tick. Medications and supplies for these treatments are donated by local veterinary clinics and pharmaceutical companies.
Camillus House has provided humanitarian services to persons who are poor and homeless in Miami-Dade County for nearly 50 years. Established by the Little Brothers of the Good Shepherd in 1960, Camillus House has grown steadily over the years from a small overnight shelter into a full-service center for persons who are poor and homeless.
About The South Florida Veterinarian Foundation
The South Florida Veterinarian Foundation (SFVF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increase awareness and promote education about animal care in our community since 1976. The foundation also supports veterinary related charitable activities, including financial assistance and equipment donation to local rescue groups, a free spay/neuter program and a free veterinarian care clinics for the pets belonging to low income families and the homeless. More recently, the foundation established a scholarship at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine.
It's great that someone in the community cares for the needs of the homeless. Those pets are probably the only true friends that homeless have.
Props for Camillus and SFVF!
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Posted by: Betty | August 11, 2009 at 08:50 AM