GEORGETOWN, Del. - Margarita Geren, a resident of Georgetown with six dogs named Diva, Bendit, Kisses, Grace, Joy, and Backster, discusses the challenges of pet ownership, particularly the financial strain of medical bills.
"I would say it's over maybe $500 or more, and that is only when I take them for allergy shots, medications, or nails. Even the nails, now, just to cut their nails, it's $20 apiece. So it's a lot of money," Geren said.
To improve access to animal medical care in the area, Humane Animal Partners hosted a mobile wellness event Wednesday at the First State Community Action Agency in Georgetown.
"Veterinary care is costly, and it's hard to get into facilities, as we all know, and we wanted to come out here and help serve the population that may need a little additional support in getting their animals seen and taken care of for their annual wellness and vaccination boosters," Leigh McKinley, director of Sussex County Humane Animal Partners, said.
For Gina Morgan and her cat, Mr. Beans, taking advantage of the services offered is crucial.
"It means a lot because it's just very costly to get this done, and once he gets his shots, I can then get him neutered," Morgan said.
Geren highlights the affordability issue of pet care.
"I know a lot of people that don't take the dogs to the vet because they can't afford to pay a bill. They can't. I mean, just when you're talking about... $50 or $100, it's just too much, and they just have the pets with no vaccines, no nothing," Geren said.
The following mobile wellness clinic by Humane Animal Partners is scheduled for Sept. 21 at the CHEER Activity Center in Milton from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
