OSU CVM partners with Stillwater Animal Welfare to host low-cost vaccine clinic
Wednesday, December 13, 2023
Media Contact: Kinsey Reed | Communications Specialist | 405-744-6740 | kinsey.reed@okstate.edu
Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine students for One Health, One Medicine club partnered with Stillwater Animal Welfare to organize a low-cost vaccine clinic Dec. 2.
“The vaccine clinic is a great way to provide vaccinations to dogs and cats whose owners can’t normally afford the usual cost,” said Dr. Leticia Fanucchi, clinical assistant professor of Behavior Medicine. "It is important to provide vaccinations to these animals not only to contribute to the well-being of the individual dog or cat but the community as well.
“Bringing preventive services to the community has been a successful strategy to improve animal health. It’s part of the One Health initiative where we care for the people and their animals.”
The most recent low-cost vaccine clinic exceeded all expectations.
“It was our biggest vaccine clinic to date,” said Rachel Wasserman, Stillwater Police Animal Welfare supervisor. “We plan to have another in March or April, so continue to watch Stillwater Animal Welfare’s Facebook page for updates.”
The students doubled the number of dogs seen at the last clinic in April, reaching 105. There were a total of 37 cats vaccinated which was also the highest amount they have performed vaccines on.
“Over 330 vaccines were given out in three hours,” Wasserman said. “We also gave out dewormer and free dog and cat food to those in need.”
Cars began lining up with their dogs and cats at 8:15 a.m. and continued to arrive until closing time, Wasserman added.
“We had folks from Crescent, Pawnee, OKC, Edmond, Cushing, Perkins, Perry, Glencoe, and of course, Stillwater, come out to get their animals up-to-date on vaccines,” Wasserman said.
The clinic accomplished everything everyone involved hoped it would. The students had the opportunity to put their skills to use and the community had the chance to get vaccinations for their pets at a low cost.
Sponsoring the clinic was Hill’s Science Diet, and supervising faculty members were, Drs. Fannuchi, Nancy Henslee, Jennifer Rudd and Haley Wilkerson.
Photo by: Julie Hyatt | Story by: Bailey White, OSU CVM communications intern.