Washington Health Outreach: Paw-sitive Impacts
It's a bright, sunny day and there's a line forming outside of the Ballard Food Bank gates. Except this line isn't going into the lobby.
Walking down the sidewalk toward our parking lot you can spot a beautiful blue heeler lounging in the cool soil and a pair of puppies nestled in the cutest cuddle puddle.
Every first Tuesday of the month our furry friends and their parents head to Ballard Food Bank bright and early. This exceptionally adorable line is for the Washington Health Outreach (WHO) Vet Clinic. These pets are here to get treatment, exams, and vaccinations for low to no cost.
The line starts bright and early because the folks at WHO can find themselves awfully busy.
“If it’s a load of puppies and kittens needing vaccines, we can get to around 30. If it’s a day where we’re seeing sick animals all day, we can probably get through 15 exams. So I’d say we’re getting to see about 15-30 pets each clinic.”
Tents set up as pet exam rooms
Their philosophy is to improve community health through free and low-cost veterinary care because all people and pets should have access to services, resources, and community they need to be healthy and together.
Emily, Veterinary Assistant, explains a bit more that there's a medical side and a resource side at the clinic. We chat underneath two red canopies that cover buckets of toys, pet carriers, leashes, harnesses, pet clothes, pet food and treats for folks to take home. There's even a massive cat tree available!
The pet food bank is at the very front of the red canopy we stand under. Boxes of pet food are stacked under two foldout tables and the food seems to go fast. WHO often goes through at least 1,000 pounds of pet food at the Ballard Food Bank clinic.
Vicki and Shannon are two volunteers running the pet resource side. They greet visitors - human and non-human - with respect and warmth. No matter what someone comes looking for in the resources tent, Vicki and Shannon give each request their utmost attention. I see them sifting through collars to find someone's favorite color. They offer pet car seats with a genuine smile - happy to have found what someone needs.
Shadow poses for his close-up
Like a black harness that matches this beautiful pocket bully, Shadow!
On the medical side, Emily works on examining pets, administering vaccines, and triaging sick pets. One dog, Ollie, was in line and has been seeking regular care for a chronic ear infection whilst also getting flea shots over the past year. He's a senior border terrier visiting with his owner Jeri.
"Honestly I can't say enough about this team. They are just caring, honest, kind people." The first time Jeri came was one year ago. This is her ninth visit. "I am just so thankful for the people and organizations who donate to make [the vet clinic] happen!"
Emily is meeting with her next patient. I see her excitedly greet a chihuahua with big, exaggerated hugs as they head to the exam tent. The greeting is affectionate and warm. She obviously loves this part of her job.
Pet parents start by checking in with Vanessa, the intake specialist, and wait their turn for an exam or tent space to open up where vaccines are administered. Some of the treatments for today include PARVO vaccines, checking on ears and giving medicated ear drops to sick pets like Ollie, and administering preventative flea shots for the summer months.
Chip and Monkey waiting their turn for the Kitten Corner.
I speak to Gill, Volunteer Coordinator and cat lover, about the tent closest to the gate. It's the designated cat tent - a kitten corner if you will. She is most comfortable dealing with cats since she's always had cats in her life.
"I started volunteering when the organization started. We have 6 to 8 consistent staff and volunteers showing up to clinics. I've joined the board recently and it's been great helping bring the stories on the ground all the way to the board since not everyone can be out here with us."
Gill and I chat toward the wind-down of the clinic. She seems like she's had a busy day but she is radiating positivity, "To be here for the pets keeps me going." She started at pet resources and has moved onto the medical side and moved onto more hands on work. From holding pets to help them remain calm during vaccines to now training and taking Veterinary Assistant classes at community college.
Gill is clearly passionate and motivated by her love of pets. This is the throughline of every staff member and volunteer I meet at the clinic.
Their values of solidarity, equity, and wellness extend beyond their care for furry friends. They reach the people who take care of these cute companions. Washington Health Outreach is a staple partnership. One we are extremely proud to have and enjoy hosting on-site.
Interested in keeping the vet clinic resourced and running? Donate to the small but mighty team at WHO here! We hope you will help extend our community's thanks through way of financially supporting their essential services.