Many of you may not know that I am very active with the New York State Veterinary Medical Society and I am a representative for the Hudson Valley. I am very concerned about the well being of my patients –  especially when finances can dictate the care they receive.

We do not know the hardships that our neighbors are experiencing- especially as the end of the year approaches. Some have lost jobs,  some are on fixed incomes and some have had advanced medical bills of their own.

They have well-loved pets and may not have planned for a serious medical condition to arise (let’s face it- who plans for that kind of badness?).

What you are not seeing is the look on their face as we veterinarians work out optional treatment plans or give away services. I cannot tell you how hard it is to present a treatment plan that is financially devastating to a loving family. The pet becomes a heartbreaking decision while the family is already facing heartbreak.

These are neighbors who care deeply for their pets and want what is best. Often it is the worst possible time to face an expensive veterinary bill. Believe me- I know! I am the one presenting this bill. What you may not know is that often we do work with our clients to lower the bill or alter the treatment plan. However, like many other veterinarians, this can come at the cost of providing BEST care. It also cuts into hospital running revenue which keeps your amazing paraprofessional staff employed and continuously educated.

When services are altered, the outcome for the pet is variable. When services are given away, the behind the scenes veterinary care suffers. We all become disheartened and sad. A leading source of burn-out for the veterinary community and paraprofessionals involves our inability to provide excellent care. In addition, wages, staff training and equipment are managed by the fees we charge.

Thankfully:

The Hudson Valley Care Fund is designed to give your neighbors in need up to $1000.00 for care at their own animal hospital. This is a 501 c3 charity that is designed to instantly fund care for our local community. 

The Hudson Valley Veterinary Care Fund from the New York Veterinary Medical Society Veterinary Foundation provides a way for you to get involved as well. Contribute what you can.  Save a neighbor who you do not even know is going through hardship trying to save their pet.

Your veterinarian can get the aid to the pet and provide the best services for the pet.

The fund also keeps your veterinary team emotionally supported as we can provide the care we know how to do without sacrificing the health of the hospital.

There are no difficulty applications or nosey disclosures forms to fill out. It is designed to help the local veterinary care community get services to our clients.

To keep this foundation running, we could use your help. Please consider donating.  All you need to do is to scan the QR code and learn more about how you can help.