Schenectady Dogs Receive Free Wellness Clinic from Animal Protective Foundation

July 23, 2024

Updated: July 23, 2024

SCHENECTADY — ⁢A crowd of over 100⁤ individuals gathered at the YWCA of Northeastern New York last week, eager to⁢ participate in a dog wellness clinic ⁢organized by the ⁣Animal Protective Foundation (APF). Numerous families from Schenectady brought their beloved‍ pets to avail of ⁤complimentary veterinary services, which included vaccinations, basic health checks, microchipping, and flea and tick prevention treatments.

APF, a humane society that serves Schenectady County and the broader Capital Region, ⁤launched its community wellness clinics about 18 months ago. ⁣The initiative aims to alleviate the⁢ financial stress of pet ‌ownership for local families, according ‍to‌ Executive Director Joe Lisella.

“Our‍ goal is to ensure that ⁤those facing financial hardships can still provide their pets with the ‌necessary care,” Lisella explained. “Given the limited access to veterinary services in Schenectady, the⁢ demand is quite significant. With only three active veterinary practices for a population of over 65,000, we are striving to fill this gap by offering basic⁣ health checks, vaccinations, and flea and tick prevention treatments for dogs.”

Each year, APF assists over 5,000 animals. While the foundation provides shelter for cats, dogs, and small animals at its ⁤Glenville facility, it also extends ⁣its services beyond⁤ the shelter. Otto ‍Zamek, president of the APF⁢ board of directors, emphasized the organization’s commitment to supporting pets and their families in areas where veterinary care is limited.

“One of our key objectives is to expand our community outreach and serve underprivileged areas,” Zamek stated. “The turnout at this event clearly indicates a pressing need.”

Approximately 90 dogs received care at the clinic,‌ which operated from 10 a.m.‍ to 1 p.m. on July 15. Previous‍ APF clinics have catered to as many as 150 pets in a single day. The clinics primarily focus on basic preventative care, rather than addressing chronic medical issues. Pets are attended to on a first-come, first-served basis.

APF’s clinics are made possible through collaborations with partners such as Petco, which donates vaccines for the clinics, and the Banfield Foundation, the charitable arm ⁤of Banfield Pet Hospital, which provides quality veterinary care. Banfield, a⁢ company based in Washington state, ‍lends ‌its veterinary staff and resources to⁤ deliver preventative care to pets in⁤ need across the United States. It operates four‍ local branches in⁤ Niskayuna, Latham, Saratoga Springs, and Clifton ‍Park.

Stacey Oke, area chief of staff for Banfield Pet Hospital, was among ⁣the veterinary care professionals who volunteered at the clinic. She expressed gratitude for the chance to contribute to animal welfare.

“Today, we’re administering distemper and rabies vaccines,‍ microchipping, and providing flea ⁣and tick prevention. We’re also ‍offering basic wellness care⁣ for conditions like ear and skin infections,” Oke said. “All pets deserve proper care. This is a wonderful opportunity for Banfield to step in and provide services to pets in ‌need, ensuring they ‍receive the care they require.”

Pet‌ owners waiting outside the clinic⁣ expressed their appreciation for the volunteers’ efforts. Victoria Cernik, who brought her 1-year-old shepherd-collie ⁤mix⁤ named Kaya to the clinic, said Kaya is training to become⁤ a service dog under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which can be a costly process. By attending the clinic, Cernik was able to get Kaya her required shots without adding to the⁤ financial burden⁢ of‍ owning a service animal.

“Between medical bills,⁢ vet bills, and rent, everything’s just so expensive. This is a ‍huge help,⁤ especially for anyone on a tight budget,” Cernik said. “We’ve got such high rents and food bills. Just feeding these guys can get tough, but they’re family. And for Kaya, she’s medical equipment. That’s even more important.”

Lisella affirmed that APF will continue to support pet‌ owners in Schenectady and across ⁢the Capital Region. The next APF clinic, which will exclusively serve cats, is scheduled for Aug. 5 at Lincoln Elementary School in Scotia from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“We believe every person loves ⁢their animal the same, whether they’re struggling financially or the wealthiest ⁤people in the region,” Lisella said. “Our real impact is making sure that ‌the animals⁤ have the basic care that sets them on a path for a healthy future.”

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