The Healthy Pet Clinic is open, its service area has been expanded, a $10,000 grant has given a boost to fundraising, and donors are still needed to maintain the clinic’s ongoing services.
The Humane Society of Blue Ridge opened the doors to the clinic off Mineral Springs Road March 27.
The humane society raised enough money from a grant and donations to construct the 2,500 square foot facility.
Diane Basco, the Humane Society of Blue Ridge’s executive director-development, said at the time the goal of the Healthy Pet Clinic is to, “provide basic veterinary care to the low income residents of Fannin County.”
Basco talked last week of the changes and financial needs of the new facility.
Humane society leaders have decided to open up the clinic with its low-cost services to residents of Gilmer and Polk counties.
The clinic’s services, at reduced rates, are also being offered to Fannin Animal Control, Gilmer Animal Control, Mountain Shelter in Bairsville, Homeward Bound, and Wet Noses.
A $10,000 grant was received in late March from the Coleman B. Zimmerman Memorial Fund at the Rhode Island Foundation.
Basco expressed the humane society’s appreciation for the grant and also thanked Lawrence Zimmerman for recommending the award.
Zimmerman wrote in his letter requesting the grant that operating costs will far exceed the reduced fees charged to low-income residents. This situation creates, “A deficit that needs to be subsidized,” he wrote.
Zimmerman cited operating costs as including medicines, utilities, and salaries for the licensed veterinarian and support staff.
Basco echoed the need for continued, regular funding to support those costs.
The humane society continues to seek support through the Healthy Pet Hero Challenge campaign that asks individuals and businesses to sign up for a $20 a month recurring donation to pay for the operating costs.
As of last week, 25 people had joined the effort.
Basco said, “My goal is 1,000, so we have a long way to go.”
Anyone interested in making a recurring or one time donation can go to the humane society’s webpage at humanesocietyofblue ridge.org and hit the “Donate” button at the top of the page. There, donors are directed to the Healthy Pet Hero Challenge.