ASPCA in collaboration with Harrison Memorial brings the gift of free pet exams this holiday season

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) approved a $5,000 grant to the Colorado Veterinary Medical Foundation (CVMF) to help provide free vaccinations for underprivileged pets during the month of December at its Harrison Memorial Animal Hospital.

Harrison Memorial will provide discounts for vaccines based on clients’ income qualifications with the remaining amount covered by ASPCA all in hopes of encouraging clients to get their pet vaccinated.

“The holiday season can bring enough financial stress to most households without the worry of providing preventive care for a family's pets as well,” says CVMF Executive Director Ralph Johnson. “The Foundation is pleased to provide such vital care to ensure underprivileged pets can stay happy and healthy in their loving homes.”

“The ASPCA is pleased to support the CVMF and Harrison Memorial to protect and care for animals in the community. Ensuring pet owners access to basic vaccinations is crucial to helping keep animals healthy, in their homes, and out of the shelter system,” says Miranda Spindel, DVM, MS, Senior Director, Shelter Medicine.

To receive this opportunity, clients must be income qualified through Harrison Memorial's standards. To get more information about the qualification process, call (303) 722-5800 to speak with a client specialist.

Helping At-Risk and Underprivileged Pets: All New Gifts Have Double the Impact Through the 2011 Challenge Campaign

Our pets are precious. They comfort, amuse, and inspire us. They are loyal and non-judgmental. Pets can help reduce stress and alleviate loneliness. Their hearts are pure and their love unconditional. In short, they are among the best friends we can have—and ask very little in return. So, when a beloved pet gets sick or injured and needs medical attention, it is natural to want to seek care.

But not everyone has that option. And that’s where we come in.

Colorado Veterinary Medical Foundation (CVMF) provides a healthcare safety net for animals across Colorado when owners can’t afford veterinary care. Every year, thousands of pets receive deeply discounted or free medical care at Harrison Memorial Animal Hospital in Denver, through our home-outreach healthcare for pets program, and through pet care grants that enable veterinarians to treat animals when owners can’t afford to pay. Without such programs, a treatable animal might be abandoned, relinquished, euthanized, or endure needless suffering. But we can prevent these things from happening.

That’s where you come in.

Knowing how important a pet can be—especially for the elderly and homebound, the homeless, the economically disadvantaged, people living with disabilities, and the critically ill—we hope you will consider lending a helping hand in the form of a donation to Colorado Veterinary Medical Foundation.

Such a gift will help make a huge difference for someone like Nancy and her Corgi, Winston.

When Winston suddenly became critically ill Nancy, retired and living on a fixed income, worried that she would not be able to afford veterinary care. Yet her love for Winston compelled her to find help for her pet.  Her prayers were answered when she learned that care was available to pet owners like her at Harrison Memorial Animal Hospital. When Nancy brought Winston to the hospital he was critically ill: he could not walk, he had no appetite, and his liver was shutting down. The doctors worked quickly to stabilize Winston. After a week of continuous treatment, Nancy took him home uncertain about Winston’s full recovery. But over time, his appetite improved and his energy was restored. Today, Nancy and Winston are still happily together, although Winston is unable to walk and rides in a stroller. Nancy credits Harrison Memorial for saving Winston by providing life-saving care at a critical time. This happy ending is proof that accessible, affordable veterinary care, combined with the power of the human/animal bond, keeps pets and people together.

Every day brings a new opportunity to help an animal in need. Through CVMF’s suite of programs, some that are Denver-based and others that are statewide, we offer life-saving and preventive healthcare to thousands of pets every year. CVMF services are unique. We are the only organization exclusively focused on providing at-risk and underprivileged pet owners with the necessary healthcare when it matters.

To some, providing assistance for veterinary care may not sound as important as other causes. But those of us who love animals understand that a pet is a family member, to be cared for and protected just as we care for the people we love.

We urge you to consider a donation to CVMF today. Your compassion and generosity will extend the life of a beloved pet and give a disadvantaged pet owner the gift of hope.

Give online.

Give by mail or fax.

Give by phone: 303.539.7638

Mark Your Calendar

Colorado GIVES Day
Tuesday, December 6, 2011, 12 AM to 12 PM

Our Mission 

The Colorado Veterinary Medical Foundation, a 501(c)(3), was created to support education, scholarship, and service programs that improve animal health and welfare in Colorado. The involvement of veterinarians makes the foundation unique, allowing it to make the broadest impact on animal health and to offer services and insights that no other group can. In short, the foundation exists to make Colorado a better place for animals and people.

Mutts and Models: The Fundraiser for Underprivileged Pets is Saturday, May 12, 2012. Read more.

In memory of Rapid…"Rapid was diagnosed with and treated for heart disease from 11 to 14 years old. I'm sure his care contributed to his quality of life his last three years. I appreciate your caring for him, too!" — Susan, owner

Honorees recognized Wednesday, October 5 at the annual Colorado's Animal Heroes Award ceremony…Read more.

The real estate market might have seen better times, but that isn't stopping Karl Lueders from trying to brighten the days of underprivileged pet owners in the Denver metro area...Read more. 
 

Pledge a multi-year gift to help ensure the continuity of our programs...Read More.

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