Previous research has focused on the benefits and difficulties of pet ownership in people, who are experiencing homelessness. However, many pet services, such as pet food banks, serve a more varied population of people. Furthermore, the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic has not been documented within the context of pet food banks. Vancouver's Downtown Eastside (DTES) population comprises a notable proportion of the city's overall population and has a high density of people who are experiencing financial hardships, but some of whom do not always experience homelessness. The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the number of clients and pets that are being serviced by a pet food bank, whether that has changed over time, and if it was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We analyzed available attendance and service records from The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals pet food bank between 2013 and 2020. We found that a median of 100 clients attended the food bank each week and that most of the companion animals serviced were cats (72.5%), then followed by dogs (25.2%), and rats (1.2%). Servicing was not consistent over time, with a weekly pattern of decreased attendance every fourth week of the month, which coincided with income assistance payments. This suggests that either servicing needs are decreased with income assistance or that the week of the month may present an access to care challenge. We also observed a decrease in the clientele attending in 2020 compared to previous years, suggesting an effect of COVID-19. Specifically, this trend was present for cats, rats, rabbits, and “other” companion animals, but not for dogs; the number of dog owners receiving services did not change in 2020, suggesting a difference between needed services in dog vs. other pet owners. The yearly trends shed light on the impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable populations, highlighting the need for additional support through times of crisis. Overall, the data show a complex relationship between pet service provision and other community issues and highlight the need to consider pet food banks within the greater social services networks.

Background: Technology has been increasingly used as a teaching tool in medical education, and simulation training is at the forefront of that shift in teaching methods. This project proposes an innovative tool for training students in microsurgery. Through fixing their cell phones under the guidance of a supervisor, students got a chance to improve their technique in microscope use. Furthermore, the procedure allowed for students to discuss insecurities surrounding the performance of microsurgery. Materials and Methods: Eight students from the Federal University of São Paulo were involved in the project and were selected through a phone screening process. Those students brought in their own faulty cell phones which were the main materials used. Other materials included pieces that needed replacing in the phones and the tools needed to open, close and handle the apparatus generally. Results: 87.5% of the students achieved the expected result with a successful procedure and 25% of students had technical problems during the procedure. 75% of students, however, had no major technical problems during the procedure. Two of the eight students who participated in this project had trouble with the cell phones one month after the procedure. The remaining had fully functional devices. Conclusion: The majority of students successfully completed the cell phone repairs. Overall, there was a high level of acceptance of the project by students as a successful learning tool which increased both their abilities and self-confidence. Students overall left satisfied with the activity and said they would recommend it to others.