Free veterinary care service launched for the homeless in Spain

AN inspiring initiative has been launched by the Spanish Red Cross and the University of León where a basic veterinary care service will be provided for animals that belong to the homeless.

The temporary service will be available at the University’s Veterinary Hospital as part of the Comprehensive Homeless Care Project and will also lead to the first legal clinic created for vulnerable people in the province.

As detailed by the Red Cross in León, they have found that homeless people often keep one or two pets who serve as their companions during a particularly difficult period in their lives. Having a dog whilst being a rough sleeper can also cause multiple problems, either because of the ban to enter shelters or kitchens catering to the homeless, as well as obtaining suitable food or necessary items for pets.

However, this basic veterinary service which will be under the direction of José Antonio Rodríguez-Altonaga Martínez aims to cover the main obligations that each person has with respect to their pet including microchips, deworming and mandatory vaccinations – all of which the homeless usually are not able to afford due to their monetary situation.

In order to be accepted to use the service, interested persons must be registered with the Red Cross as well as present the necessary documents to show a person does not receive any governmental benefits. As Euro Weekly News understands, an appointment at the Veterinary Hospital will be made through the Red Cross of León on behalf of interested individuals.

In addition, the Red Cross and University will provide legal advice to the most vulnerable people through the creation of a legal clinic which has already proved successful in other public and private universities in Spain.