Community Veterinary Medicine Programs: Pet Owners' Perceptions and Experiences

Abstract

Many American pet owners struggle financially, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated this problem. Yet, the positive effects that companion animals have in people's lives create the need for supportive systems to ensure that financial limitations, and other barriers, do not preclude pet ownership. To help address these barriers, and reach underserved communities, various forms of community-based veterinary medicine programs have been developed across the country. This study assesses two community-based veterinary programs in North Carolina, USA. In addition to perceptions surrounding veterinary services, this study paid specific attention to communication and respect; two additional elements needed for successful community-based veterinary programs. Surveys were given to clients accessing Asheville Humane Society (AHS) mobile veterinary care clinic and Asheville Humane Society (AHS) Affordable Pet Care Clinic. Results of the anonymous survey indicate that the majority of clients had positive veterinary care experiences in terms of both veterinary services and client communication. In conclusion, low-cost or free community veterinary programs—with effective communication, empathy, and cultural competence—can help open the door to future positive veterinary experiences for disadvantaged pet owners.

Affordability, Feasibility, and Accessibility: Companion Animal Guardians with (Dis)Abilities’ Access to Veterinary Medical and Behavioral Services during COVID-19

“…Extreme events (e.g., hurricanes, earthquakes, and pandemics) impact both humans and more-than-human communities [7]. The literature on disaster and emergency management strongly suggests including companion animals in family-based pre-disaster planning [5].…”

“…As a response to the current pandemic, like other countries worldwide, the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) provides financial support for affected individuals. However, PWDs are constantly challenged when seeking sustainable and gainful employment on account of the individual's physical and/or mental abilities, lack of inclusive employers, and/or modifications in the workplace [7]. Hence, most PWDs were not eligible for CERB because their previous income did not meet the benchmark.…”

“…When the first wave of COVID-19 triggered a worldwide lockdown, only essential services were permitted to maintain the societal operation of critical functions [7]. In response to public health protocols, most veterinary hospitals/clinics adjusted their service delivery models to focus on essential care only [8].…”

“…Declined veterinary services and increased service demands jointly exacerbated companion animal guardians' access to veterinary medicinal and behavioral services [10]. Although researchers have quantitatively explored companion animal guardians' veterinary service access challenges during COVID-19 [7], an in-depth examination of these challenges associated with companion animal guardians' pre-COVID-19 existing vulnerabilities (e.g., financial status, access to social assistance programs and veterinary services) remains under-researched. Consequently, from the PWDs' perspective, this study qualitatively addresses the challenges companion animal guardians faced in their pursuit of veterinary medical and behavioral interventions during the first wave of COVID-19 in Metro Vancouver Regional District (henceforward, Metro Vancouver), British Columbia (BC), Canada.…”

Barriers to Care in Veterinary Services: Lessons Learned From Low-Income Pet Guardians' Experiences at Private Clinics and Hospitals During COVID-19

“…Recent research highlights the importance of accessibility, communication, empathy, and cultural competence when low-income pet guardians seek veterinary services, specifically in accessing free and low-cost community veterinary services ( 22 ). Briefly, cultural competence is defined as awareness, behaviors, knowledge, attitudes, skills, and policies that all come together to enable people to work effectively in cross-cultural situations ( 23 , 24 ).…”