By Krista Craig
krista@thenewsobserver.com
The Humane Society of Blue Ridge (HSBR) is working on a plan to bring low-cost veterinary care, including spaying and neutering pets, for low-income individuals and families of Fannin County.
HSBR President Rick Glueckert said, “There is a genuine need in the county, and as an organization, we are very excited about trying to bring this to fruition, and bringing this service to those that are in need of veterinary care that really can’t afford it on a regular basis.”
HSBR Development Director Diane Basco said, “The purpose is to serve the currently under-served members of the community that couldn’t otherwise afford any veterinary care for their animals.”
Basco went on to say that the project is not meant to compete with other or existing veterinary clinics in the area.
“This is strictly for community need. This is not going to be an animal hospital,” Basco said.
Individuals will have to fill out an application and demonstrate financial need in order to be eligible for services offered.
The current plan is to offer one Monday a month for spaying and neutering pets, and one Monday a month will be a “Wellness Plus” day when individuals with an appointment will be able to have their pet examined and vaccinated by a veterinarian, as well as examined for minor illnesses such as eye, ear, or skin infections.
Therefore, any pet in need of x-rays, surgery or emergency care will be referred to a local veterinary clinic or hospital, or to an emergency animal hospital.
The clinic will be located on HSBR property and will initially be staffed by veterinarians and veterinary technicians and assistants from Tri-State Spay and Neuter Veterinary Clinic in Murphy, North Carolina.
Staffing and the rest of the funding for the project are the biggest challenges at the moment to overcome bringing the project to completion.
The clinic will need roughly four employees, which includes a licensed veterinarian, veterinary technicians, and a receptionist to run the front desk.
Unfortunately, there is a shortage of licensed veterinarians and veterinary technicians all over the country. Since Tri-State Spay and Neuter Veterinary Clinic is closed on Mondays, and they currently spay and neuter feral cats for the HSBR Trap Neuter and Return program, they have offered to helped out with staffing.
The goal is to break ground in the fall, and there is already a building contractor who has bid for the job.
But, the final hurdle is raising the rest of the funds needed to complete the project. Basco said, “We need $350,000 to make this happen,” and so far roughly $150,000 has been raised through private donations, and Basco is also working on obtaining grants to help complete the funding needed.
Fannin County Board of Commissioners Chairman Jamie Hensley applauds the project and said, “our community needs this.”
If you would like to get involved or donate to the project, visit the HSBR website at www.humanesocietyofblueridge.org/ and click on “Donate Now” at the top of the homepage, then scroll down and click on “On Site Vet Clinic.”