VET SOS Gives Pets of the Homeless A Fighting Chance

We’ve all heard the expression, “Nothing in life is free.”  It turns out some things are. Since 2001, pets of homeless San Franciscans have been receiving much-needed free vet care thanks to a fabulous program called VET SOS.

Operating under the auspices of the SF Community Clinic Consortium (SFCCC), VET SOS brings vet care to different locations in the City on the second Friday of each month. Using a specially-outfitted van, the program offers a variety of services including exams, vaccinations, acute medical care, and basic medical procedures, all at no charge. In addition, VET SOS distributes free collars, leashes, food, flea control products and other pet supplies, as well as educational materials on pet health care and responsible pet ownership.

Teaming with other local agencies, VET SOS does even more for pets of the homeless. There’s free spay/neuter surgery, free short-term boarding post-surgery and free pet food, courtesy of the SF SPCA.  SF Animal Care & Control provides free microchipping, pet food and vaccines, and in special circumstances, free pet boarding for up to 14 days. Emergency pet foster care, and counseling and advocacy regarding animals in rental housing are just some of the services made available through Pets Are Wonderful Support.

VET SOS’ extraordinary services are possible because of the time and efforts of its devoted volunteer crew of vets, vet techs, emergency foster caregivers, and general assistants. In 2008 these talented generous people saw to it that 643 animals received urgent and preventative care; 522 animals got vaccinations; 98 animals were spayed/neutered; 281 animals received medication; 89 animals were microchipped; 717 animals got food and/or pet supplies; and 73 animals were tested on-site for infectious diseases.

VET SOS’ missions are at once altruistic and brilliant. The program aims to improve the health of pets of the homeless, reduce pet overpopulation, decrease the spread of disease, and promote the human-animal bond.  The organization recognizes the healing bond between humans and animals, and that benefits of having a pet are intensified for the homeless. The relationship with a pet is often the only source of ongoing love and affection that many homeless people have. By helping their pets, Vet SOS improves the well-being and quality of life for homeless people.

Here’s the brilliant part. VET SOS establishes relationships of trust with the homeless. Once that occurs, they’re more receptive to receiving health and other social services for themselves (through SFCCC), and one step closer to turning their lives around.  In 2008 alone, 235 homeless San Franciscans with pets received human health referrals through VET SOS and SFCCC outreach efforts.

This program is a win-win for everyone – the pets of the homeless, the homeless, and everyone else. When individual humans and animals are healthier and happier, our community as a whole is healthier and happier.  

VET SOS’ next scheduled clinics will be on July 10th and August 14th. For updated information  on locations and hours, or to make an appointment for your animal, call 415-355-2248. To learn more about VET SOS and volunteer opportunities, go to www.vetsos.org.

If you’d like to help, here’s how:
•    VET SOS gladly accepts cash or in-kind donations. They’re in need of new pet beds, leashes and collars, harnesses, nylon muzzles, basket muzzles, Gentle Leaders and Halti head halters, stainless steel or plastic food/water bowls, small dog/cat carriers, new cat litter boxes, litter scoopers, litter box liners and new litter.

•    SF Animal Care & Control and the SF SPCA accept pet food donations on behalf of VET SOS.
 
•    Mail old unused BART tickets (no amount is too small) to VET SOS at the address below and the program will receive the proceeds.    

VET SOS
SFCCC
1550 Bryant, Suite 450
San Francisco, CA 94103
 

Photo Credit to the fabulous: Mark Rogers Photography

Lisa-Anne Manolius is the multi- talented owner/trainer of Oh Behave! in San Francisco. A graduate of the S.F. SPCA's Academy for Dog Trainers and U.C. Berkeley's Boalt School of Law, she's available for dog behavior consultations, private training sessions, and to teach a variety of group classes. She can be reached at lisaohbehave@gmail.com.

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