Veterinary Services for Pets of Unhoused People

Project Description: The City of Tempe recently received grant funding for the provision of basic veterinary services for the pets of unhoused individuals residing within Tempe. The City intends to offer these services at an existing weekly event hosted at the Mountain Park Health Center that provides food, clothing, and other necessities to the Tempe unhoused community and may also utilize City non-congregate shelters to service pets of shelter residents. The weekly events currently take place on Tuesdays with approximate hours of 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm. The City anticipates that the mobile veterinarian service will be offered from 1 to 2 times per month at the Mountain Park Health Center. This facility can accommodate a truly mobile veterinarian vehicle/trailer or provide outdoor space for a veterinarian to set up tables, etc. to administer services. Veterinary services offered at no charge for these residents will include exam, vaccines, and microchips. Additional minor medical treatments of various types may also be provided. The time allotted for utilizing grant funds is one year from October 2024 to October 2025 with the possibility of extensions considered for subsequent years.