Mobile veterinary program to provide subsidized care to pet-owners in Durham Region

A new program is providing veterinary care to local pet-owners, in their homes, at subsidized prices.

‘Vets Around the Corner,’ an animal hospital in Port Perry, is launching a non-profit Community Veterinarian Program.

The program is meant for people living with mobility issues, financial stress, housing insecurity and other barriers. Organizers say it will visit patients across Durham Region.

“There isn’t going to be any part of the region that we won’t be able to reach,” said Board Chair William Woodstock in an interview. “We’re retrofitting a retired ambulance to act as our mobile exam room.”

Patients need to be referred to the program by vets or social service organizations like Community Care Durham or Durham Region Community Paramedics. Woodstock noted that the program is also looking to work with unhoused populations, retirement homes and Indigenous groups.

“We want to be able to provide care to everyone, regardless of whether they have the financial means to do it, or the ability to leave their home,” he added. “We think that everyone should be able to have that.”

The prices will be tailored to each person’s situation. They will be partially subsidized through community donations and partnerships with other groups.

“There are a lot of people out there [to whom] that animal might be their only source of companionship,” said Woodstock.

The program is raising funds online; you can learn how to donate by clicking here.