When Dakin Humane Society’s Pet Health Center opened in the summer of 2022, it was the fulfillment of a long-held goal to offer nonemergency veterinary services for cats and dogs already in homes in our community. There were several reasons why we considered it important.
When veterinarians can treat pets for minor illnesses or injuries, this reduces the chance that the pet’s ailment will become so severe that it can shorten their lifespan or create a financial burden for the pet’s caregiver that may force them to surrender their beloved companion to a shelter. Ensuring that pets receive timely wellness and sick visits supports both the animals and their owners and helps keep them together. Additionally, it reinforces Dakin’s vision of a world where services that support the human-animal bond are accessible to all.