Due to pet overpopulation, the United States grapples with a severe shortage of veterinary services.
According to a report from Mars Veterinary Health, meeting demand would take more than 30 years for veterinary graduates to fill the gap.
The effects of veterinary shortage are far-reaching, posing challenges for pet owners, animal shelters, and communities. Longer waiting periods for critical care and limited access to spay/neuter services contribute to pet overpopulation and suffering.
How Good Fix Helps Far and Wide
Rural locations bear the brunt of the veterinary shortage, with communities facing unique challenges.
“Rural communities with overpopulation of dogs and cats are often overlooked as the animals can spread out and hide more easily," says Good Fix Veterinary Medical Director Dr. Ruth Parkin.
"Free-roaming dogs in rural areas are more likely to form packs and can become aggressive and dangerous, especially if the populations are unchecked for long periods and can grow in large numbers. This is a problem in many Native American reservations, where resources to control populations are generally scarce. Spreading diseases like rabies is also a potential problem when there are free-roaming cats and dogs interacting with wildlife, which is more common in rural areas.”
Good Fix helps solve this problem by reaching out to underserved communities lacking access to veterinary care due to income instability, recent disasters, or rampant pet overpopulation.
By deploying high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter surgical and professional trapping teams, Greater Good Charities reduces the pressure from insufficient access in these communities.
Good Fix in action
Greater Good Charities is on the ground in the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska, where the USDA has identified a significant shortage of veterinarian services. Despite having a higher-than-average ratio of veterinarians per capita, Alaska's vastness poses challenges in accessing pet care. The nearest veterinary facility in the central Kenai Peninsula is over two hours away.
Photo © Greater Good Charities
Recognizing the need, Greater Good Charities will set up a clinic at the Moose Pass Fire Station, thanks to the generous support of the local community. While on the ground, the team will provide free-of-charge sterilization and vaccination for community pets.
Your Support Matters
The success of Greater Good Charities and Good Fix hinges on extensive planning, travel logistics, and collaboration with local communities. Your contribution plays an essential role in combating the pet overpopulation crisis and helping us reach and assist areas in need.
Consider donating to support this critical work. Together, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of animals and their communities.
