Showing posts with label pets. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pets. Show all posts

Insurance Commissioner: What Washington’s new pet insurance bill means for you

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

Oliver. Photo by Austin Carpp
OLYMPIA, Wash. — Gov. Jay Inslee signed Washington state’s new pet insurance bill, Senate Bill 5319, into law in April.

What’s it mean for you? More protection and less confusion.

The bill, based on model legislation from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, adds protections for pet owners, requires insurers to disclose information about coverage, and establishes training and licensing requirements for sellers.

Definitions

SB 5319 establishes uniform definitions for terms frequently used in pet insurance policies. The defined terms include chronic condition, congenital anomaly, hereditary disorder, orthopedic, preexisting condition, renewal, veterinarian, veterinary expenses, waiting period and wellness program.

If your insurance policy includes any of these terms, the company is required to use the definition cited in SB 5319 and make that definition available on its website.

Disclosures

If you’re purchasing pet insurance, the insurer is required to let you know if the policy excludes coverage based on preexisting conditions, hereditary disorders, congenital anomalies or disorders, or a chronic condition. If there’s any other exclusions, the policy must include specific language to that effect.

Your insurer also must let you know if your policy has any limitations (like a waiting period, deductible, coinsurance, or policy limit), and if your coverage reduces or premiums increase based on your claims history, your pet’s age, or a change in your location.
Free look period

After you purchase a policy, you have 15 days to change your mind, return the policy and get your money back — provided you haven’t filed a claim.

Exclusions

Policies may have exclusions for preexisting conditions, and the burden to show any condition already existed falls to your insurance company — not the pet owner.

Waiting periods aren’t allowed for accident coverage. Policies can impose waiting periods (up to 30 days) for coverage of illnesses or orthopedic conditions, but they can be waived with a medical examination.

Your insurance company can’t require a medical examination for a policy renewal.

Wellness programs

Wellness programs are usually subscription-based and help spread out costs for vet check-ups, vaccinations, and, in some cases, necessary specialty foods. A wellness program is different than an insurance policy. Your pet’s eligibility for insurance can’t be tied to participation in a wellness program, and insurers can’t market a wellness program as pet insurance or market a wellness program while selling pet insurance.

Licensing

Anyone selling pet insurance must complete the required training and become licensed by the Office of the Insurance Commissioner.

The bill goes into effect on January 1, 2024.


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Stanford bill to elevate quality of pet insurance signed into law

Friday, April 7, 2023

Bill to regulate pet insurance signed into law
Photo courtesy Washington State LSS

OLYMPIA—For the first time, Washington pet owners will be able to rely on a well-regulated insurance market to cover the health care of their furry friends.

SB 5319, signed into law Thursday April 6, 2023 by Gov. Jay Inslee, puts in place protections for insurance customers, requires disclosures about coverage, and establishes a training and licensing requirement for sellers.

“Pet insurance has been a Wild West of unregulated offerings, misleading advertisements, and arbitrarily denied claims, which have done a disservice to pet owners, to their pets, and to the responsible businesses trying to offer a good product but getting lost in the tumult,” said Sen. Derek Stanford (D-Bothell), Chair of the Senate Business, Financial Services, Gaming and Trade Committee and sponsor of the bill. 
“This legislation sets a floor for quality and consistency between plans in the pet insurance market, similar to the way Obamacare did in the health insurance market.”

Sen. Derek Stanford, D-Bothell, represents the 1st Legislative District, which includes Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, Bothell, Brier, Kirkland, Mountlake Terrace, Alderwood Manor, Cathcart, Clearview, and Maltby.


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Orangetheory Fitness raising funds for Redmond's Motley Zoo Animal Rescue

Friday, December 9, 2022


Through December 19, 2022, Orangetheory Fitness’ 18 locations across Washington state are throwing down in a friendly competition to raise lifesaving funds for Motley Zoo Animal Rescue.

The non-profit organization based in Redmond, Washington, is dedicated to rehabilitating, caring for and securing safe homes for animals through a foster and education system. Since 2009, they have placed thousands of pets in loving homes and work tirelessly to improve the lives of animals and reach their goal of ending all neglect and abuse against them.

Although Motley Zoo is strong, they were recently displaced from their current building due to structural issues making it uninhabitable. As the facility also offers programs such as dog daycare, training, and boarding to the community and their adoptable dogs, their physical location has become an integral part of the rescue and community. Now more than ever, they need resources to find and create this new safe space.

The partnership was inspired by local “pawlanthropist” @Dash.Dog whose owner, Ande Edlund, is a long-time Orangetheory (OTF) member and animal advocate. With Ande and Dash behind us, OTF is committed to supporting community members – human and four-legged – in need. 

This holiday season, OTF’s 18 Washington locations are competing to raise the most funds for their Motley Zoo animal in need. The campaign runs now through December 19, 2022.

Meet the adorable Motley Zoo Adoptable Roadies each location is working out to support and donate to a Motley Zoo animal at this link: https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MTcwMDA0.

The Shoreline Orangetheory gym is in Gateway Plaza at 18336 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133.



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Santa PAWS Holiday Photo Contest

Friday, December 2, 2022

The Animal Medical Center of Seattle is joyfully inviting you to participate in Santa PAWS: A Holiday Photo Contest to benefit PAWS!

Enter Santa PAWS by December 31st to win a Mud Bay gift basket ($100 value) for you and your furry family member and join in on the holiday fun to help more cats and dogs find loving homes this holiday season. 

A winner will be selected in three different categories: Overall Best Dog, Overall Best Cat, Overall Best Furry Family.


The winner will be announced on the PAWS Facebook page on January 3, 2023.

There is a $5 donation suggested per entry, and the Animal Medical Center of Seattle will match each donation, up to $2,000!

We look forward to seeing all those furry faces!


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New medical resource for local pet parents in need of assistance

Thursday, October 20, 2022

Local cat adoption center announces Community Wellness Clinic to support low-income individuals and households in need of wellness care for their owned cats. 

Shoreline, WA (October 19, 2022) – Seattle Area Feline Rescue (SAFe Rescue) is pleased to announce that on Monday, October 24, 2022 the first SAFe Rescue Community Wellness Clinic will be held at SAFe’s Adoption Center from 9am to 3pm. 

This clinic is the first in a series focused on supporting individuals and families in the community who are low-income and/or experiencing homelessness by providing wellness care for their owned cats.

"As we continue to see the cost of veterinary care surge across the country, it's been an ongoing goal of SAFe to have the ability to provide services for our low-income and unhoused neighbors,” said Dylan Shaffer, the Rescue’s Community Support Specialist. 
“For many of these individuals, a visit to the vet is simply financially out of reach. Regardless of where someone may be in their life, their pets are a part of their family. Being able to provide wellness care that meets the needs of our community ensures that all pets are able to continue to live happy, healthy lives in loving homes while easing the financial burden on their owners."
 
This first clinic will focus exclusively on wellness care for owned cats.
This care includes exams, vaccines (Rabies and FVRCP), microchip implantation, flea treatment, dewormer, nail trims, and FIV/FeLV combo tests. 

As SAFe’s Community Support program continues to grow, there are plans to expand the available services offered through the monthly clinics. 

This wellness clinic is also just one part of a larger community-focused program that SAFe Rescue is putting in place for those that are in need of affordable medical services for their feline companions.

Also in the works is a facility move to Ballinger Village. (Why a cat would need 6400 square feet)

“There is so much need for veterinary services in our community,” explains Kim Morgan LVT, SAFe’s Veterinary Care Manager. “With more space, we can acquire more equipment—and that means helping more cats!”

The clinic coming up on Monday, October 24 is currently accepting appointments for eligible clients. Interested parties can sign up on the Rescue’s website and spots will be available until filled.

The next clinic is scheduled for Monday, December 5th, and SAFe Rescue is excited to be able to provide these services to the community.

About SAFe Rescue
SAFe Rescue saves feline lives by taking in homeless cats, giving them the care they need, finding them loving homes, and supporting their human companions. 

SAFe Rescue believes each cat has inherent value and that humans and felines enrich each other’s lives. This bond builds compassionate communities with empathy for all living things.

Seattle Area Feline Rescue is currently located on the border of Seattle and Shoreline, at 14717 Aurora Ave. N, Shoreline, WA 98133. SAFe is a non-profit, no-kill rescue, 501c3 #91-2041961. 

Each year, 1,400-2,000 felines, including seniors and special needs cats, find homes at SAFe as people searching for new friends visit SAFe's welcoming storefront Adoption Center. 

SAFe primarily works with organizations from all over Washington state and across the U.S. to take in cats in need of care. An extensive network of community volunteers and foster families helps the rescue carry out its mission and save more lives.



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Blessing of the Animals at Saint Dunstan’s Sunday October 9, 2022

Friday, October 7, 2022

Blessing of the Animals Sunday
at Saint Dunstan's
Blessing of the Animals at Saint Dunstan’s "the church that feeds people" this Sunday, October 9, 2022! 

This event is in honor of St. Francis of Assisi whose feast day was October 4th, this past Tuesday. He is well known for the prayer of peace.

We will be serving treats for pets and people from 11:30am - 12:00pm.

At 12pm we will start blessing the animals, and there will be an opportunity to take photos with your pet.

A great time for socializing and meeting new people and pets!

Please RSVP on Eventbrite

Saint Dunstan's Episcopal Church is located at 722 N 145th St, Shoreline WA 98133



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Blessing of the Animals at Church of the Redeemer October 9, 2022

Sunday, October 2, 2022

Blessing of the Animals October 9 at 
Church of the Redeemer in Kenmore
In Commemoration of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, Church of the Redeemer in Kenmore will bless animals on Sunday October 9, 2022. 

It starts at 12 noon in the church parking lot. 

Bring your pet, appropriately and safely kept, to have them blessed for another year of support and joy.

Church of the Redeemer is at 6210 NE 181st St, Kenmore, WA 

The Episcopal Church welcomes you. For more information, go to https://bit.ly/COR-AnimalBlessing2022.



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New veterinary clinic opens in Richmond Beach - Grand Opening event Saturday

Friday, September 23, 2022

Dr. Jeb Mortimer, doctor-owner: Jeb has been with SVA since 2000 and became an owner soon after. His veterinary interests are many and his curiosity and drive to learn more is part of what keeps SVA at the forefront of veterinary medicine.


Richmond Beach Animal Hospital opened Monday, September 19, 2022 at 1860 NW 195th St, Shoreline, WA 98177 The public is invited to their grand opening event on Saturday, September 24, 2022. RSVP here: richmondbeachvet.com

Drs. Jeb and Kristine Mortimer will be there to meet the community. Kristie and Jeb met in veterinary school and have four children, a dog, two cats, various chickens, and usually have some variety of “pocket pet” as well.

Seattle Veterinary Associates is excited to announce the opening of our newest animal hospital which is located in Shoreline. 

Doctor’s hours are available by appointment now. We are welcoming the public to our grand opening event on Saturday, September 24th from 11am until 3pm. 

Dr. Kristine Mortimer, Associate Doctor (and Jeb’s wife). Kristie worked in emergency veterinary medicine for many years at a practice called ACCES which was purchased by BluePearl and subsequently closed. Since then she has worked for SVA as a relief veterinarian as well as pioneering our telemedicine appointment program during the pandemic. With the opening of the RBAH location she will finally be seeing patients in person routinely. 

During the event there will be a variety of beverage options as well as food, including some curated menu options from the newly opened Le Petit Paquet restaurant across the street. 

Doctors and staff will be on hand to provide tours and answer questions. Anyone interested in attending is encouraged to RSVP at richmondbeachvet.com

Seattle Veterinary Associates (SVA) was founded in 1971 under the leadership of four veterinarians who were dissatisfied with both the quality and range of medical services available in the area. 

They built a company that has endured for over 50 years while remaining in the hands of doctor-owners who live locally and practice in the clinics they own. That personal engagement is part of what makes both being an employee and a client of SVA a special experience. 

Come meet us and see why we’re different!


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Why a Cat Would Need 6,400 Square Feet

Saturday, July 9, 2022

Rescued cat recovering from surgery
Seattle Area Feline Rescue (SAFe Rescue) is pleased to announce that its Adoption Center and shelter facility will move to a new Shoreline location in 2023.
 
SAFe’s upcoming move to Ballinger Village Shopping Center will more than double the Rescue’s current physical footprint. 

This expansion is set to enhance the services SAFe offers, which include caring for homeless cats, uniting them with loving families, and supporting local pet owners.

“This move will empower SAFe to make the impact I have always known we are capable of making. With more space and resources, SAFe's support for the vulnerable will continue to grow,” said Emily Sprong, the Rescue’s Executive Director. 
“In addition to continuing to find homes for as many as 2,000 homeless cats and kittens each year, SAFe is also building its capacity to help keep local pet owners together with their beloved furry companions.” 

In addition to a busy feline Adoption Center, the new location will be home to a new Community Medical Program offering subsidized veterinary care to income-qualified pet owners.

SAFe will move to the space currently occupied by Indigo Urgent Care

As the pandemic continues to exacerbate veterinary shortages, the need to provide pre- and post-adoption veterinary care is more urgent than ever. A larger medical suite will be one of the main features of SAFe’s new home. 

“There is so much need for veterinary services in our community,” explains Kim Morgan LVT, SAFe’s Veterinary Care Manager. “With more space, we can acquire more equipment—and that means helping more cats!”

SAFe is currently undertaking a capital campaign to renovate and equip its new home. From volunteers, to fosters, to supporters, community members make every aspect of the Rescue’s work possible. The new location is no exception: it will be designed to serve the local community, which in turn will be made possible by support from that same community. (More information here)

SAFe Rescue is looking forward to creating a new home with the space and equipment to offer care to all kinds of cats, from those in need of medical attention to those who are seeking a new home.


About SAFe Rescue

SAFe Rescue saves feline lives by taking in homeless cats, giving them the care they need, finding them loving homes, and supporting their human companions. SAFe Rescue believes each cat has inherent value and that humans and felines enrich each other’s lives. This bond builds compassionate communities with empathy for all living things.

Seattle Area Feline Rescue is currently located on the border of Seattle and Shoreline, at 14717 Aurora Ave. N, Shoreline, WA 98133. SAFe is a non-profit, no-kill rescue, 501c3 #91-2041961. 

Each year, 1,400-2,000 felines, including seniors and special needs cats, find homes at SAFe as people in search of new friends visit SAFe's welcoming storefront Adoption Center. SAFe primarily works with other organizations from all over Washington state as well across the U.S. to take in cats in need of care. 

An extensive network of community volunteers and foster families helps the rescue carry out its mission and save more lives.



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Old Dog Haven Festival July 16 - register now for competitive events

Thursday, June 16, 2022


OH! What FUN is going to be had at the Old Dog Haven Festival!!

On Saturday July 16, 2022 from 10am - 5pm at Cromwell Park 18030 Meridian Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133

Old Dog Haven Festival will be holding fun contests for you and your furry friend(s)!

Do you and your dog have an uncanny resemblance? Perhaps your dog is your cosplay sidekick? Maybe athletic endeavor is more your speed? 

Come join us in our contests on event day to win a prize! Our Look Alike and Pageant Contest will start earlier in the day, while Scoop-the-Poop and 8-Legged Race will start in the afternoon. Entries may be limited on day of event and Pageant

Contest requires ticket purchase advanced registration.

Event tickets $30 for adults (Free for children under 12) include:
  • Five (5) Festival tokens (valued $10) to use on games of your choice - and 50% off additional token purchases
  • Admission to Silent Auction and Pageant Contest
  • Festival swag bag
  • First 50 to check in will receive a Festival tote
Visit https://www.odhfestival.org/festivities for information and ticket sales.

All proceeds from this event will go to care for the senior dogs in Old Dog Haven’s network of Final Refuge homes.



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License for Love campaign underway in King county

Wednesday, March 30, 2022

Photo courtesy PAWS
From April 1 through June 30, you can license your cat or dog or renew an expired license with Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) and your late fees will be waived!

Benefits of licensing your pet:
  • Reunites lost pets quickly
  • Helps fund the care and adoption of shelter animals
  • Supports the protection of people and pets in your community
“Each year more than 100,000 pets are protected by licensing, connecting those pets with their loving families through identification. Protect your pet and help thousands of other animals cared for each year in the Kent animal shelter,” said Gene Mueller, DVM, MPH, manager at Regional Animal Services of King County.

RASKC licenses pets in 24 cities and unincorporated King County. Under the RASKC program, several hundred pets are returned to their owners and thousands of pets are adopted into loving homes each year.

Learn more and license online at kingcounty.gov/LicenseMyPet or call 206-296-2712. Interpreter service is available.



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Missing dog may have been spotted in Shoreline

Sunday, January 9, 2022

Storm is an Alaskan Klee Kai - a mini-Husky
A long-missing dog may have been spotted in Shoreline recently, near Costco at N 200th St.

On August 28, 2021, Storm was in a fenced yard in the Mount Baker area of Seattle, with his owners and their 9 day old baby in the house. Someone let him out of the yard, possibly the group of kids who then chased him as far as Franklin High School on Mount Baker Blvd.

His owners Jessica and Troy have been looking for him ever since. In the process, she has become an expert on lost dogs and how to find them.

Storm is wearing a black and teal harness
Storm is a distinctive looking dog. He is an Alaskan Klee Kai (mini husky), and he is wearing a black and teal harness.

She has had tantalizing clues, as reports have come in, leading her search northward.

Someone may have spotted him at the Shoreline Costco (Aurora and 200th) on Jan 1, 2022 around 2-2:30pm. 
They say they saw a tiny husky who was curious but scared and when approached it ran across 200th toward some apartments. She said she was certain the dog was wearing a teal harness which is what my dog was wearing when he went missing.

If you have information, contact Jessica at:
Storm is a very small dog
Please contact us 24/7 with any information/leads. Help us find Storm! 206-778-0617 or 206-919-2741

For more ways to be involved and help, please see our links below. Our website includes free ways that you can help us from the comfort of your own home!



Instagram: akk_storm
Hashtag: #FindStorm

Thank you from Storm's family,
Jennifer, Troy, Baby Dylan, and Athena / Samus (Storm's cat sisters)



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Lost dog found and is back home

Sunday, January 2, 2022

Zoe is resting after her two day adventure. Photo by Ethan.
Zoe, the Australian cattle dog, is back home with her owner after two nights outside.

Her owner, Ethan, went out for a few hours on New Year's Eve and when he returned, Zoe was gone. He's presuming that she was frightened by fireworks and bolted.

She was out Friday night. The next day, in response to multiple posts on social media, including the Shoreline Area News, reports started coming in. She had gone north from her home in Ridgecrest and was seen near the North City station construction, Meridian Park, and 185th in Echo Lake.

Zoe is home. Photo by Ethan

She spent Saturday night outside, probably taking shelter on a porch.

On Sunday morning around 9:45am a jogger in North City Park (behind North City Elementary School in the vicinity of 10th NE and NE 195th) saw what appeared to be Zoe running into someone’s back yard.

The jogger had seen several notices about Zoe and sent the location to Ethan. At the time Ethan and his mom were searching Cromwell Park, about 15 blocks away, as there had been a report Zoe was there.

"When we got to the location where the jogger saw her, we saw her footprints going into the backyard of one of the homes. When I found her she was sitting underneath a covering. She looked really scared but really happy to see me."
Within 15 minutes she was back home in Ridgecrest with Ethan.
"She had a few nails that had broken down to the quick and were bleeding. She was hungry and tired but very happy to be safely home."
Ethan wants everyone to know how grateful he is to the community.
"I am truly thankful and grateful to anybody who spotted her and reported it, fed her, let her sleep on their porch etc. As well as anybody in the community who went out looking for her despite not even knowing her. I’m glad to live in such a caring and helpful community. I appreciate the help thank you!"


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FOUND: Lost dog is wandering through north Shoreline

Saturday, January 1, 2022

Zoe is lost in north Shoreline
UPDATE: Zoe has been found and reunited with her owner.

Original story:

Her name is Zoe and she has been away from her home in Ridgecrest since Friday, December 31, 2021. She was home alone and the owners suspect the fireworks scared her.

She is an Australian cattle dog / blue heeler.

Posts on NextDoor and other social media sites have followed her progress from Ridgecrest to North City. 

Then across the freeway at 185th to the Echo Lake neighborhood and there we lose the trail. 

She was last identified at 2:45pm Saturday, January 1, 2022 and was thought to be headed west on 185th.

She is microchipped but not wearing a collar. She is extremely friendly and answers to her name. She is going up to houses, napping on protected porches, and accepting food. But then she moves on before her hosts can figure out what to do with her.

Zoe at 2:45pm on Saturday on 185th west of I-5

If you live in any of the north Shoreline neighborhoods - Echo Lake, Meridian Park, North City, maybe even Hillwood or Ballinger if she was brave enough to cross busy streets - please take a look outside in the protected areas outside your house. 

The owners' number is (removed). Call anytime and they will come pick her up.

If you see her, contact Editor@ShorelineAreaNews.com or post on NextDoor.

--Diane Hettrick



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Pet Food Drive at The Barkery

Saturday, December 11, 2021

The Seattle Barkery is conducting a food drive for the Resilient Hearts Animal Sanctuary. 

You can drop off unopened cat and dog supplies at their store in the Ridgecrest business district at 516 NE 165th St, Shoreline WA 98155.


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Blessing of the animals this Sunday at St. Dunstan's

Thursday, September 30, 2021

In celebration of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, St. Dunstan’s will hold their annual Blessing of the Animals service on Sunday, October 3, 2021 at the 10:00am service.

Animals will be welcomed into the sanctuary with worshipers to be blessed and anointed. Please plan to keep animals safe and controlled with leashes or cages, as appropriate. 

This is a joyful celebration of God’s creation and love.

All are welcome at St. Dunstan’s, The Church That Feeds People.



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Animal Medical Center of Seattle (in Shoreline) introduces Urgent Care Service

Animal Medical Center of Seattle (in Shoreline) introduced its Urgent Care Service on Monday, September 27, 2021.

While our 24x7 Emergency Department will treat your pet for life-threatening conditions, our Urgent Care department can help pets who have non-life-threatening situations but still need to be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. 

Also, unlike our emergency services where patients are triaged based on the severity of their case, our Urgent Care service is by online appointment only, which is completely scheduled on our website!
 
To schedule an appointment with our Urgent Care team a $125 non-refundable exam fee will be necessary to pay to hold your spot (additional charges will be discussed after the veterinarian has examined your pet).
 
To schedule an appointment or learn more, visit: https://bit.ly/3AueCOd

The clinic is located at 17518 15th Ave NE, Shoreline, WA 98155 in the North City Business District.



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Fur Fighters pet nail trim every Monday in Ridgecrest at The Seattle Barkery

Monday, September 27, 2021


No appointment needed for a $15 nail trim for your furry friends at The Seattle Barkery Treat Bar in Ridgecrest 516 NE 165th St by Fur Fighters Grooming.

Every Monday 2-6pm!



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Seattle Veterinary Outreach at Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center July 21 - not just for pets

Sunday, July 18, 2021

Look for the big red mobile parked in front of the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center on July 21st from 11:00am to 2:00pm

Story and photos by Donna Hawkey

"We're a portal to better health," says Dr. Hanna Ekström, founder of the mobile Seattle Veterinary Outreach, SVO, which provides free veterinary care for the pets of owners who are homeless, and pay-what-you-can for people living low-income and having difficulty paying for veterinary services.

The SVO mobile will be parked in front of the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center on July 21, 2021 from 11:00am to 2:00pm. Depending on how many veterinarians volunteer, the mobile clinic can provide service for between 20 and 35 pets, so come early if your pet has an urgent need.

Since starting the organization in 2019, they have treated over 1,000 pets. People travel from all over, sometimes as far as Tacoma, to receive these essential services.

Dr. Hanna Ekström, founder of Seattle Veterinary Outreach.
"Everyone Deserves Kindness"

Dr. Ekström extended her outreach services to pet owner needs in 2020 because when caring for people’s pets, she saw firsthand the needs of the pet owner, too. She also realized that she could build on the trust shared between veterinarian and pet owner to help people find better health for themselves.

"I see it in their faces, the struggle and the hardships that would seem insurmountable to most of us. It shows the power of human resilience, and the lengths people will go to keep their beloved pet healthy and happy."

The pet owner was both thrilled that her puppies got check-ups, and that “ I signed up for health care too – and right here!”

In early 2021, she hired a social worker, Scott Beck, to help better connect people to human-need resources. In four months, he has provided over 400 referrals to local human service providers. 

 

"Many referrals are for things like gas cards, bus passes, and food assistance, but lots of people don't know that they qualify for these benefits or don't know how to access them. Also, many of our clients don’t own a cell phone or computer, which is a huge obstacle to filling out applications. 
"So, we can get the ball rolling for them by helping fill in applications, teaming with Access Wireless to provide a free phone, or with Molina Healthcare to get them connected to healthcare and a caseworker who can continue to assist them as they navigate the many barriers to finding housing and health.”


This pet owner plays with a donated toy for his best buddy.  He said “I could not afford to own a pet if it were not for all the services here, I’m very thankful.”

Recently Mr. Beck was able to help get a man housed who has been homeless for 15 years. He suffers from severe PTSD from his active-duty time in the Marines. He had been living in a tent while battling cancer, managing his diabetes, and caring for his two beloved cats. Very few shelters allow pets.


“When you consider the power of that only friend or family member - think about it - would you leave your child or best friend on the street so that you could go into a shelter?” says Dr. Ekström. 
“Most people could not imagine such a choice, and when your life is torn apart, a relationship with a beloved pet can sustain you until you can the help needed to put your life back together again. 
"And from the pet’s point of view, cats and dogs don't need buildings to live in, but they do need the unconditional love of their owners. Getting people housed is a win-win-win for the person, the pet, and our community.”

The pet owners she sees are there for their pets no matter their financial circumstances, especially when their pet is sick. 

"Pets can be a person's only family member. Someone told me he would skip meals and his medicine so that he could buy glaucoma drops for his beloved dog. I would do the same if I were in a similar position."

Researchers have observed that the pet bond is so close for a person who has become homeless that they become a pack of two. Anxiety is naturally eased because they spend all their time together in such a close bond. A strong feeling of safety is created that’s healthy for both humans and pets.

Waiting and being patient is easy when you have your best friend on your lap.

Dr. Eckström said that "While meeting so many different people such as a woman that could have been my grandmother, every day this work opens up my heart even more than the day before. There are so many unfortunate stigmas associated with unhoused people. 

"I can tell you that people who are homeless are not all drug addicts, and it is not personal failing that puts so many in this dire situation, it is the effect of childhood adverse experiences, trauma, and structural racism. 
"The complex and tragic stories behind many of those living homeless require new tools in our toolbelt, along with empathy and the ability to provide hope."

Another way she provides hope is through her work with her Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholar team, made up of herself, Dr. Catherine Wheeler, Jessica Lowery, RN, and Cholette Ness, LVT. This team works to bring primary care, harm reduction, and wound care to folks living in tents and RVs throughout the city of Seattle. 

Dr. Wheeler says, “by meeting people where they are, we can work together with our clients, and hopefully transition them to regular care either with the King County Med Van, or a regular primary care provider.” Dr. Ekström adds, “our outreach work is just one more doorway through which people can get connected to the resources they need to live healthier lives, for themselves, and for their pets.”

Pet homelessness

On average, there are five homeless dogs or cats per one homeless person in America. According to Shelter Animals Count, shelters are so overrun with dogs and cats that approximately 1.5 million dogs and cats are euthanized per year. If you are considering adoption, please take a look at shelter pets first. Dr. Ekström herself loves her three rescued pets fiercely and gratefully!


Donated pet items from beds to treats to personalized name tags can all be found right here!

Here are further thoughts and insights from Dr. Ekström:

How do you receive funding?

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation provided a three-year grant totaling almost $500,000, which helped us expand our team to include a primary care physician and a nurse who can see people while we are seeing pets. 

In addition, we have received a sustaining grant from the Jacobi Foundation which has truly been our organizations life-blood as we worked to establish this program. We have also received funds from the Seattle Foundation, the ASPCA, Petsmart, and Banfield, as well as from many private individuals who believe in our mission. Last but not least, we are blessed with a strong team of passionate volunteers who work side by side to improve the culture of health for the people and pets we serve.

Having Molina Healthcare on site helps people get answers to their questions first hand rather than having to experience the frustrations of trying to apply online. Enrollees get the option of signing up for a caseworker to help them navigate through the oftentimes complicated process of obtaining housing. Molina also teams with a wireless phone provider so enrollees have a way to stay in touch with their doctors. 

What are your greatest strengths as an organization?


Partnerships have been one of our best strengths. We partner with medical doctors, nurses, and technicians. We develop working relationships with social service providers such as Real Change News, Recovery Café, and local Food Banks. In addition, we partner with Molina Healthcare to help connect folks with healthcare, and Access wireless to get free phones into the hands of those who need them.

What was one big surprise for you?

I had no idea that this project would grow so quickly. When I started, we just had four volunteers working one day a month! The need is so much bigger than I anticipated, we are now offering eight clinics a month and would love to do more!

A pet loving Subaru driving and hiking club raised $2,200 cleaning up back road trails. The event was supported by a Subaru dealer who printed t-shirts for everyone.   

Describe your most significant return on this work
.

This work builds trust among people who have lost faith in others by building on the human-animal bond as a great uniter. By providing loving care to people’s pets, we aspire to bring hope and health to “both ends of the leash.” Finally, our work helps keep our community healthy by potentially limiting the spread of disease from pets to people, for example, Rabies, Leptospirosis, and Typhus.

It is very rewarding work-connecting to people through their pets brings us joy, as well as pride that we are making a difference in our community. It is great to see how SVO is providing a portal to better health for both pets and their owners.

What are some of the most significant challenges?

Sadly, there are not enough social and mental health services to keep up with the increasing demand-we just don’t have enough spaces to send people to for treatment.

What are your greatest needs as a young organization?

Our organization desperately needs more veterinarians and licensed vet techs to help provide service to clients in need. Having experienced volunteer social workers would improve our effectiveness, and we also need volunteers to help with marketing, grant writing, etc.

Sometime in the near future, we hope to be able to open a clinic so we can provide spay and neuter services for pets, we currently have over 180 pets waiting for this essential service! We would also provide dental services for pets in need. Anyone want to run a capital campaign?!?

For more information, to donate, or to run a capital campaign! Visit Seattle Veterinary Outreach, a 501c3 non-profit https://www.seattlevet.org/

The Senior Center is located in the southernmost building on the Shoreline Center campus, 18560 1st Ave NE, facing NE 185th.



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Carter Subaru Loves Pets - with Pasado's Safe Haven - Saturday 1 - 3pm

Saturday, October 24, 2020

The annual Carter Subaru Loves Pets Event will be held Saturday, October 24, 2020 from 1 – 3pm at the Carter Subaru Shoreline location 17225 Aurora Ave N.

Damon is up for adoption
Photo courtesy Pasado
The event is in support of and in collaboration with Pasado’s Safe Haven.

The first 10 visitors / households will receive a certificate for a free adoption of any dog or cat at Pasado's Safe Haven. Damon, a beautiful Husky, will be on site and available for adoption!

Donate pet food as part of the Pet Donation Food Drive.

Free microchipping for your pet.

Visitors will be able to tour the Pasado’s Mobile Spay Station which is sporting its new wrap donated by Carter Subaru.

This vehicle is a mobile wellness clinic for pets from generally lower income communities that can’t afford general wellness visits for their pets. 

We’re excited to share it with the community!
Carter Subaru donated the wrap for the Pasado van
Photo courtesy Pasado Safe Haven

Pasado’s will be collecting donations for their Pet Homelessness Prevention programs at the event.

Pasado's Safe Haven has an 85 acre sanctuary in Monroe which is home to over 200 animals – most of whom have been rescued as victims of cruelty or neglect.




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