Emergency Veterinary Care for Pets of the Homeless

Angela lives in La Jolla, CA and she has been homeless for about seven years due to issues she had with drug use.  She is now living in a recovery home after rehab and has been staying there for quite some time now.  She gets rides from other people at the home and from friends.  She receives SNAP benefits (known as food stamps).  Angela was referred to us by the local Humane Society and had seen us on the internet and decided to call us about her dog.

 Angela’s dog is Sidney who is a 11-year-old male chihuahua.  He started suffering from what the owner thought was a seizure or allergic reaction.

When Angela contacted Feeding Pets of the Homeless, one of our case managers completed the intake interview and right away was able to get homeless verification from the case manager at the sober living residence.  (Many times, treatments are delayed when homelessness verification cannot be done within a few days.) 

When Angela had first called her case manager was there looking at Sidney. The case manager said that it could be a bug bite because there was also swelling on his snout.  

An examination was pre-approved with a local veterinary hospital in La Jolla and Sidney was seen right away. The vet stated that the pet had severe dental problems and may have an ear infection because of a head tilt. They needed to perform more diagnostics to be able to see if that was the cause;  x-rays, and bloodwork were approved to see what could be causing the head tilt.

After the x-rays were performed, the doctor had found that the pet had a broken jaw and may need surgery to repair it.  The hospital emailed Sidney’s  x-rays to a surgeon. 

A dental procedure to remove ALL of his teeth was approved. The dental extractions were performed that same day, the surgeon who looked at Sidney’s x-rays  stated that the dog try wearing a muzzle for a month in hopes that the jaw can re-attach itself and he can eat easily again.   

Anesthesia, catheter, fluids, injections, muzzle and antibiotics, and vaccinations were updated. We hope for the best that his jaw heals on its own.

Without donations Sidney would have continued to suffer. Thanks to all of Feeding Pets of the Homeless donors, we were able to pay a total of $1,997 in Sidney’s care! 

In the last 12-months calls to and from our cases managers, who talk with homeless everyday increased 111%.  The average cost of an exam went up 24% and  the number of invoices processed by our accounting staff were up 75%.

From January through the end of November we helped 1,199 pets get treatment for injuries and illness.  All these pets belong to people expereincing homelessness.  These pets are their family, sometimes the only comfort and love they receive.  It is a two way street. 

From time of the intake interview to the date the invoice is paid, most cases average 12 days.  19% are completed the same day and 33% are completed between 1-4 days.  We average between 80-90 pending cases a week.  Angela and Sidney are just one story out of many.

Happy Holidays from our team!

Links:

• Feeding Pets of the Homeless

You make a pet of a person experiencing homelessness healthier when you make a gift to Feeding Pets of the Homeless®. #GivingTuesday is around the corner on Nov. 29, 2022. We hope you will consider pets like Layla when making your end-of-year donation decisions.

Let us introduce you to Layla, a 9-year-old Wooly Malamute that has been living in a vehicle with her owner. Her owner has been getting by with caring for herself and Layla with the assistance of food stamps and the aid of a nearby soup kitchen that offers not only food but showers and laundry facilities.

Layla had been in agony shaking her head for an entire month and circling in pain with moments of labored breathing. Her owner contacted Feeding Pets of the Homeless, and an intake was completed. The pastor from the soup kitchen was able to provide information about Layla and her owner's living situation. Once that was received our case manager worked on finding a veterinary clinic or hospital that would be able to see Layla soon. Our case manager sent Layla to one of our partner veterinary hospitals and an examination was performed. The hospital developed a treatment plan and services were discussed and pre-approved with the case manager.

Layla’s diagnostic exam was consistent with a chronic ear infection – ear canal stenosis, she also had multiple growths in her ear. Layla was treated for all issues with antibiotics, medications, and a special prescription shampoo. Feeding Pets of the Homeless contributed $1167.79 towards Layla’s care.

To homeless animals and their owners, what we do feels like magic… and it’s all because of you.

During the holidays, many people without homes will be spending it with the only companion they have; their pet. A pet can relieve the pain of loneliness, they keep each other warm, offer protection and provide unconditional love. When that pet is injured or ill, the guilt of not being able to afford care is heartbreaking. Your support helps us to treat these loving pets. 

Set your calendar reminder for Nov. 29, 2022 to give on #GivingTuesday or get ahead by donating below.

Links:

• Feeding Pets of the Homeless
• About Us Video