The mutts are excited to share some news that’s hot off the press! Tails from the Muttville Vet Suite is a new blog series that looks at the medical care our senior dogs receive when they first arrive at Muttville. We’ll share stories and insights from behind the scenes, special vet suite cases and interviews with some of our favorite mutts!
The Muttville Vet Suite Story
Muttville is fortunate to have its own internal veterinary program, something that is not common among animal rescue organizations. Senior dogs at Muttville receive much needed medical attention as soon as they arrive, which reduces the time our seniors need to find placement with fosters or adopters.
The idea for a veterinary program formed in 2013. Katie Klattenhoff, a veterinarian from Chile was Muttville’s first Veterinary Program Manager. Katie Klattenhoff generously volunteered her time to setup a veterinary care program at Muttville. The clinic officially opened in 2014 offering basic medical services from eye and ear checks, heart worm protection and flea control, and general assessment of a patient’s condition. Veterinary costs per dog dropped 39% with the introduction of this program and more complex procedures were outsourced to neighboring veterinary hospitals. The vet suite operated Monday – Friday with the support of three volunteers providing coverage three days a week.
When Katie returned to her native Chile in March 2015, Angela Ramiro joined Muttville to take over as Veterinary Program Manager. Thanks to the support of a generous donor, Muttville was able to bring on a full time veterinarian, Dr. Rebecca Rader, DVM in May 2015. In December 2015, Lydia Hampton joined the Vet Suite as a part time veterinary technician. Muttville also became a licensed clinic in May 2015, allowing the vet team to order, prescribe and administer prescription medications on site. Thanks to generous donor support an ultrasound was brought into the vet suite in January 2016.
Today the Muttville Vet Suite Volunteer Program has 40 volunteers covering AM and PM shifts Monday through Friday. Muttville’s early partnerships with three veterinary hospitals has grown to partnerships with 27 veterinary hospitals throughout the San Francisco Bay Area!
The mutts at the Muttville Vet Suite are grateful for the care they receive. With every donation and level of support, the vet suite team is able to change the life of another dog and ultimately change the life of another foster or adopter.
We remain committed to giving our seniors the health care they need for successful adoption and continue to seek support of life-saving surgeries, dental cleanings, and prescription drugs for our rescued senior mutts. We are grateful for all the support we receive! If you’re interested in volunteering you can send your details here: Volunteer
Stay tuned for more Tails from the Muttville Vet Suite!
10/10/17
