The Humane Society of Northeast Georgia recently established and expanded services to serve pet owners who face homelessness, poverty and limited access to resources.
“Outreach is integral to our mission of helping animals and people live better together,” Director of Veterinarian Services and Community Outreach Bill Furman said. “Our programs, created to support disenfranchised members of our community, allow responsible pet owners to do right by their animals despite financial or other hardships they may be facing. It’s a privilege to serve our community through these new partnerships and services that will ultimately elevate animal welfare throughout northeast Georgia.”
The services include:
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The introduction of the Christian-David Healthy Pet Clinic mobile unit enables the veterinary team to deliver care directly to underserved local communities.
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Vaccinations and surgeries will be offered to pets owned by unhoused individuals in the Gainesville area. On July 5, the shelter’s community outreach team, in collaboration with Santa for the Homeless and Good News at Noon, will deliver veterinary care and essential supplies to approximately 20 dogs and 10 cats living in a nearby homeless encampment.
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Distribution of free pet food through partnerships with Meals on Wheels and Northeast Georgia Physicians Groups' monthly food drive at the Health Department.
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Educational opportunities for students to learn about responsible pet ownership and care through the Boys and Girls Club of Lake Lanier.
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In addition to serving individuals with limited transportation access, the shelter will offer free or low-cost vaccinations at an upcoming dog clinic on Saturday, June 7, at Lakeshore Mall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Services will include rabies and DHPP vaccines, deworming, and microchipping. The event is free for Hall County residents and $25 for non-residents, with an estimated 400 dogs expected to receive care. Details about a cat-only clinic will be announced in the coming months.
“This year, we’ve already served over 1,500 animals in our community through our outreach programs, and we look forward to our reach continuing to expand through our new offerings,” The shelter’s Community Outreach Manager, Andrea Marin, said. “We are grateful for our community partnerships and generous supporters who make it possible to keep pets with their loving families instead of a shelter.”
More information on the Humane Society’s mission can be found here.
