Pets can be a lifeline for people who are homeless, providing love, comfort, and security in an otherwise bleak existence.
On Saturday, July 24, HoPe Veterinary Center will open its doors, offering a caring and compassionate place where pets of the homeless can receive state-of-the-art veterinary care free of charge.
“To a large degree, it was the influence of Dr. Leo Bustad which inspired me to start HoPe,†says Founder and CEO Dr. Tina Owen. “I was extremely fortunate to be able to work with him at the Pet-People Partnership at Washington State University School of Veterinary Medicine.†The visionary Bustad was an internationally recognized pioneer in the field of human-animal interaction and co-founder of the Delta Society.
“Since then, it has been a dream of mine to take care of pets of the homeless,†says Dr. Owen. “I am always deeply moved to see the bond between homeless people and their animal companions. I want to do all I can to ensure their pets remain healthy and get excellent veterinary care when they are ill.â€
While HoPe provides routine services such as spaying, neutering, and vaccinations, it is unique in California, in that it is a full-service veterinary facility. Pets in need of emergency surgery, hospitalization, or specialized diagnostic testing are transferred to VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital, where as a HoPe patient they receive all care free of charge.
A 501c3 nonprofit organization, HoPe Veterinary Center is staffed by dedicated volunteer veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and support personnel. It is currently located at Animal Imaging, 1827 Pontius Avenue, West Los Angeles, and is open one Saturday a month from 10 am to 4 pm starting July 24th. The center will be open additional days each month as demand grows for its services. VCA Antech, has generously donated the space for HoPe Veterinary Center and is providing additional financial resources in terms of food donations and discounts for medical services.
Free pet food, donated by participating companies, will also be available for HoPe patients. Free lunch will also be provided for pet owners as well during clinic hours.
We welcome media visits to HoPe Veterinary Center. For more information, please contact Dr. Tina Owen at (877) 910- 4682.
