Mother Earth, a veterinarian, wants to make medical care available to pet owners who can't afford it.
SAN DIEGO — Veterinary services can be a big expense for pet owners. The nonprofit Vet Mother Earth is looking to open veterinary clinics to provide lower-cost, even free treatment for people who can't afford it.
It will be the first nonprofit animal hospital of its kind in San Diego, and its owners hope to make veterinary care more accessible to those in need.
Mark Emelman was inspired to create Veterinarian Mother Earth from his own experiences.
“I was struggling to pay for veterinary treatment for my pet, and I know a lot of people know what it's like to not have money,” he said.
Veterinarian fees may delay medical services or force some families to give up their pets.
“Vet costs have always been very high,” says Dr. Jody Mahlberg, a local veterinarian who runs a mobile clinic.
She's excited to see a nonprofit clinic open in San Diego. Pet owners will be charged a fee on a sliding scale. Free services are provided to those who cannot afford care.
“I'm not going to get rid of pets. I'm going to accept it and have a sliding scale for those who can and are willing to pay. For those who can't afford it and don't have the money. “We're not going to turn them away,” he said.
Mother Earth Veterinarians provide important services such as routine checkups, vaccinations, and minor treatments. The company plans to have full-time staff and hire volunteer veterinarians to fill some shifts.
“We hope this is the start of something special and that we will continue on the trajectory and see more animals. Many animals are left in shelters, euthanized or abandoned. , that's definitely a big issue,” Mahlberg said. He said.
They are working to raise funds and aim to open a clinic downtown, accessible by trolley. They hope to have it up and running by early next year.
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