Habersham County Animal Care and Control (HCACC) hosted another Free Community Pet Clinic for Habersham County residents, just in time for the holidays.
Clinic served 240 pets
The Free Clinic was held at the Habersham County Fairgrounds in Clarkesville on December 16 from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. HCACC Director Madi Nix stated that the free pet clinic served 240 pets in three hours and received 125 applications for spay/neuter. Nix recognized that more than half of the pets served applied for spay/neutering which demonstrates the need for the service in the county.
During the event, volunteers administered free basic veterinary services for cats and dogs. Those services included rabies shots, DappV (dog) and HCP (cat) vaccines, flea treatment, microchips, and applications for spay/neuter vouchers.
Those pet owners who received the golden ticket vouchers can redeem them at Planned Pethood of Georgia in Duluth by appointment.
Funding through donations
The clinic was funded through donations to HCACC, a generous donation from the Allen Family, and Planned Pethood of Georgia.
Also available free to pet owners at the clinic were pet food, collars, leashes, and treats, all donated by the Atlanta Humane Society.
Nix stated, “The costs have gone up drastically on our end this year, not only to put on this event but also for the spay/neuter. We’re going through an application process to make sure that we’re reaching the right family.”
Selection process
She explains that Animal Control has a selection process during the year that leads pet owners in need to the event. Animal Control officers respond to calls where a pet owner hasn’t gotten their pet vaccinated. The officers have the option to write the owner a citation or they may give the owner a “golden ticket” where the pet can receive the vaccinations for free, based on need.
Habersham County residents Linda Sullens and Teresa Coffee rode together to bring their pets to the free clinic. Both are fans of the clinic. Both stated, “We love it.” Sullens added, “Absolutely the best thing in the world.” Coffee stated, “ It helps people like us.”
Habersham County resident Dot Ellis and her husband brought their two dogs to the free clinic. Ellis stated, “It helps us financially. It’s a financial savings for us. We’re both on a fixed income.”
Free or low-cost veterinarian care
Director of Outreach for Planned Pethood Tanya Weaver explained that the partnership with HCACC was done to provide free or low-cost veterinarian care to the community to reduce overcrowding in the animal shelter.
Many people, especially the elderly, surrender their pets to the animal shelter because they can’t afford to take their pets to a veterinarian.
Microchipping for pets
One facet she explained was providing free microchipping for pets. Should a pet be picked up by animal control, the pet can quickly be returned to the owner without taking space in the shelter. Providing spay and neutering services also helps with reducing the overcrowding pressures at the animal shelter.
With the Grinch, elves, and a polar bear on hand, HCACC staff dressed in festive attire for the event to add a smile to patrons of the free clinic. Nix stated that doing that adds a bit of entertainment and takes the boredom out of waiting.
