Mobile Veterinary Service Helps Homeless Pet Population In Tenderloin, San Francisco

Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash

Remember the beloved veterinarian, James Herriot, of the famed book, All Creatures Great and Small? In the book, Herriot recounted his experiences as a traveling vet in Yorkshire, England.

Herriot’s memoir, set during the 1940s, chronicles calls he made while traversing the rural English countryside treating animals of all shapes and sizes - a one-man, mobile veterinary clinic by today’s standards!

His frequent accounts of the poor farmers he served were heartwarming. Many went without in order to provide for their working animals. This devotion did not go unnoticed by Herriot, who recognized how valued, respected, and loved these animals were.

Vets On Wheels Help Pets In Need

Demi Moore and Rumer Willis endorse the Pets in Need Project

Herriot’s tales bespoke the strength of the animal-human bond. And now, a modern-day James Herriot carries on, bringing a traveling vet clinic to a pet population in need.

The Pets in Need Project came to fruition earlier this year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Amanda Howland, co-founder of ElleVet Sciences, a pet wellness company, understood that pets living with the homeless were now particularly vulnerable. The economic hardships that resulted from pandemic-related layoffs reduced the availability of veterinary clinics to extend help to the homeless. Combined with the challenges of lockdowns, accessible veterinary care became a huge struggle for people and pets living on the streets.

With the goal of providing free veterinary care and supplies to these pets, Howland, along with her partner, Christian Kjaer, organized this mobile relief effort, and recently spent time in San Francisco’s Tenderloin district.

Well-Loved Homeless Pets

The San Francisco community responded positively when the mobile pet clinic rolled in. Howland noted that despite the difficulties the homeless face living on the streets of the Tenderloin, she and her team of veterinarians met many wonderful, loving pet owners and well-cared-for animals.

While in the Tenderloin, the team's veterinarians vaccinated many dogs. Vaccinations are a requirement of certain shelters before owners can move in with their pets. And among the numerous Chihuahuas and pit bulls they treated, one delightful patient stood out - a bearded dragon named Ziggy! The team was thrilled to meet Ziggy; exotics aren’t your typical run-of-the-mill patient. Howland said that Ziggy was a rescue whose owner was well-educated about him.

The Pets in Need Project ends its Northern California initiative in late July. Since its inception in late May, the project has treated almost 1000 pets, funded emergency surgeries, helped facilitate adoptions, and provided food, supplies, and general checkups.

Howland’s plan is to return to San Francisco for more visits. An expansion plan is also in the works with the goal of having four RVs traveling throughout the United States to help more pets of the homeless get the care they need.

Dr. Adam Christman Chief Veterinary Officer, MJH Life Sciences, on the Pets in Need Project