First of three ground breaking Healthy Pet Clinics takes place Sunday in Syracuse

SYRACUSE, NY -- The Central New York Animal Welfare Coalition is inviting pet owners in some of Syracuse’s neediest neighborhoods to Healthy Pet Clinics this fall.    The clinics will provide veterinary exams and critical vaccinations to dogs and cats that have owners with financial need.  The Shamrock Animal Fund is organizing this effort along with many other volunteer animal welfare agencies in Central New York, area veterinarians and Cornell University’s Hospital for Animals Shelter program.

The clinics are the culmination of nearly a year of planning by local animal advocates.  They are being held in Syracuse in the center of a vast area within the city that has an absence of veterinary hospitals. The clinics are targeted for residents of the near and south west sides of the City of Syracuse. The first clinic falls on the 10th anniversity of the 9/11 attacks.  This all volunteer effort recognizes the importance of helping others on this day of service. "What more appropriate day to reach out to begin helping animals and families in our community that are in need," said Matt Mulcahy. "On this day of remembrance we will be making a difference in the lives of others."

The first of three clinics will be held Sunday, September 11^th from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at St Lucy's Church Gymnasium at 425 Gifford Street in Syracuse.  Subsequent clinics will be held at the same time and place on Sunday October 9^th and Sunday November 11^th.

Dogs must be leashed and cats brought in carriers.  Veterinarians will perform exams, vaccinate for rabies, distemper and other shots.  They will also offer flea and tick preventative and educate pet owners on the importance of regular veterinary care.   Some spay/neuter vouchers will be available.  Requested cash donation for the clinic is $10. Pet owners need to bring identification to prove their address and validation of their limited financial resources.

The clinic is being modeled partly after the Southside Healthy Pet Clinic in Ithaca, NY which is organized by the Community Practice at the Cornell University Hospital for Animals.  This clinic will serve a densely populated area in Syracuse neighborhoods that are grossly underserved by veterinary hospitals.  Dr. Elizabeth Berliner, the Director of Clinical Programs at Cornell’s Shelter Medicine Program, is helping to coordinate the Syracuse effort.

Participants in the clinic from the Central New York Animal Welfare Coalition include: the Shamrock Animal Fund, CNY SPCA, Spay and Neuter Syracuse, Animal Alliance of Greater Syracuse, Kitty Corner, Cat Coalition, German Shepherd Rescue, Wayward Paws and other groups.  

Veterinarians volunteering from several area hospitals include:  Beaver Lake Animal Hospital, Cornell University’s Hospital for Animals, Fairmount Animal Hospital, Mattydale Animal Hospital, Nottingham Pet Clinic, Rock Acres Animal Hospital, Stack Hospital for Pets, True Blue Veterinary Health Center, Veterinary Medical Center of Central New York.

Support and donations have come from:  St. Lucy’s Church, Central New York Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO,  Hummel’s Office Plus, Office Max, Target, Upstate Animal Clinic, Stericycle, Atlas Laundry. Also, Spanish Action League, Near West Side neighborhood resident committee.

For more information about the Healthy Pet Clinics call 415-8563 or go to Shamrockanimalfund.com and Facebook.com/shamrockanimalfund

MORE ABOUT THE SHAMROCK ANIMAL FUND:

The Shamrock Animal Fund was founded by NBC 3 and CW 6 news anchor Matt Mulcahy and his wife Jamie Pomilio-Mulcahy in January of 2010 in memory of their dog Shamrock.  The fund helps pay for the veterinary care for animals with medical need that have owners with demonstrable financial limitations who reside in Syracuse and Central New York.  The pet owner needs to assume primary responsibility for paying the veterinary bill. The participating veterinarian offers a discount or financial accommodation to the pet owner. The Shamrock Animal Fund then pays a determined supplement directly to the participating veterinarian.  

For more information about the Shamrock Animal Fund and the Healthy Pet Clinics go to ShamrockAnimalFund.com and Facebook.com/shamrockanimalfund.