The 11 VCA hospitals in South Florida have partnered to provide assistance to the Humane Society in a number of ways. Most importantly, a new HSBC adopter will now visit a local VCA hospital for the first 14 days after adoption, with no additional fee over the adoption donation. (VCA veterinarians will treat the animals for the following: colds or coughs; deworming; common skin problems; urinary tract problems; and vomiting and diarrhea, excluding Parvo virus. Also, post-surgery suture removal is now done at VCA locations.) If for some reason the animal needs to be hospitalized at that time, it will be done at a VCA hospital. (In the past, the Humane Society has offered a 30-day outpatient clinic but since the majority of health problems present themselves during the first two weeks after adoption, that time period was agreed upon.) Outpatients will no longer be seen at the Humane Society, which frees up the clinic staff’s time to attend to the needs of incoming animals and those currently being housed for adoption.

In addition, VCA is the 2005 Presenting Sponsor of the annual Walk for the Animals fundraiser. (The Walk will be held on March 5, in Fort Lauderdale. See the sponsorship form in this magazine for all the details!)

The Humane Society looks forward to a highly beneficial, long-term relationship with VCA. This partnership will allow us to help a larger number of homeless animals while offering quality care even after adoption. We’re grateful to VCA for coming on board – and what a great way to enter into the New Year!