RALEIGH, NC (WNCN) — A North Carolina mobile veterinary care group believes that all people – regardless of income status – deserve basic veterinary care for their pets.
They provide pet care in mobile pop-up clinics – free of charge for those who qualify.
“We provide free veterinary care so that vaccines, preventive care, surgeries in the hope that we can keep pets healthy and with their owners, to reduce the number of pets animals in shelters and rescues,” explained Dr. April Gessner, founder of DEGA Mobile Veterinary Care.
DEGA stands for Determined for Everyone to Gain Access (to veterinary care), and he is also the name of Dr.’s first dog. Gessner. The non-profit focuses on providing veterinary care to low- and no-income pet owners in North Carolina through mobile clinics.
“It’s something that a lot of people can’t afford,” he said. “There are low-cost options in place but some people can’t afford that, so we make it free for those who qualify.”
“Spay and neuter are very important to help control the pet population, reduce the amount of unwanted pets in shelters and rescues, and some shelters euthanize when they don’t have enough room, Gessner said.
“I love working with Dr. April and going into these neighborhoods that are in dire need so that their animals can get veterinary care, free, good quality veterinary care,” said Gina Jennings, a volunteer with DAMN.
DEGA has 80 volunteers, but the main positions they need are veterinarians, registered veterinary technicians and experienced veterinary assistants.
“We go out and give them food, toys for their animals,” Gina explained. “When we leave they have flea and tick preventative for up to six months.”
“The ability to see these animals that are not vaccinated, flea and tick treatments to get that, free of charge, and you can see a difference in a month,” he added.
To learn more about DEGA Mobile Veterinary Care and how you can help, click here for DEGA Mobile Veterinary Care.
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