On April 6, 2013 the Oregon State University Shelter Medicine Club (SMC) hosted an event for the pets of people who are homeless in the Corvallis area. The event took place at an outdoor park shelter at Avery Park in Corvallis. The Occupy Corvallis movement and West Hills Animal Hospital worked in conjunction with the Shelter Medicine Club to help host this event.
At the event, SMC veterinary student members volunteered their time to perform physical exams on pets and administer preventive health treatments as appropriate, including vaccinations, de-worming medication, and flea treatment. This was done under the close supervision of Dr. Candace Remcho from West Hills Animal Hospital in Corvallis. Additionally, students talked with clients about concerns and helped formulate a plan to treat their pets.
The SMC treated 13 pets of homeless families in the Corvallis area. In addition to veterinary care, the Occupy Movement provided pet food, pet toys, and leashes for individuals.
All services provided were free of charge to the clients. The SMC plans to host a similar event in the fall to help continue to support the health care of pets owned by people who are homeless in the Corvallis community.
— Zaya McSky, Shelter Medicine Club-Co-president
