Hi Ted,

Thanks for your question. I applaud your dedication to your animals despite some obviously very trying family and financial circumstances. I know it can be a challenge to afford veterinary care sometimes. This is something veterinary staff are faced with on a regular basis. Pets enrich our lives so much, yet they do also present a financial burden.

You have already mentioned the Farley Foundation, which is an organization associated with the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA). This organization provides funding for emergency treatment and procedures for pets owned by low-income individuals. While certainly very appreciated and helpful, the Farley Foundation is not an option for preventative care (vaccinations, parasite prevention) for families with a lower income.

There are several other options to consider. Larger cities, including Toronto, offer low-cost vaccination and spay-neuter services. Toronto Animal Services and the Toronto Humane Society both provide these services. The cost is significantly less than a typical primary care veterinary clinic. There may be some restrictions and waiting lists, but many low-income pet owners find these services a reasonable alternative to a primary care veterinary clinics for preventative vaccinations and spay-neuter. Perhaps you can contact your local humane society or OSPCA and see if they might offer vaccination clinics or refer you to another organization locally.

There is another group I would like to mention here. It is called Community Veterinary Outreach, and originally was started by an Ottawa veterinarian, but has now spread across Ontario. This group holds vaccination/preventative care clinics for marginally-housed pet owners. Veterinarians, technicians, students, public health workers and community outreach staff volunteer their time to provide preventative care for these pets. I have personally volunteered at a number of these clinics. It is fantastic to see everyone come together to help those in need with their furry family. These clinics are not open to the public and require referral from a community partner, with a focus on homeless, marginally-housed and street-involved individuals. So, while this may not be the right option for you, I wanted to mention it in case anyone out there may benefit.

Again, I sincerely appreciate your commitment to your pets and know how difficult it can be to provide them with the preventative care they need. I hope this is somewhat helpful for you.

Wishing you and your family all the best,

Dr. Kimberly Hester