Veterinary Treatment Outreach for Urban Community Health: A University of Minnesota Veterinary Student Club
***IMPORTANT INFO REGARDING UPCOMING CLINICS***
With recent outbreaks of canine influenza virus throughout the Twin Cities, we want to minimize possible exposure of your pets to other dogs showing symptoms.
Please be respectful of the distance between your dog and other dogs, please do not bring your pet to the clinic if they are showing symptoms of respiratory signs including coughing and nasal discharge.
After checking in please wait in your car if you came in one, or outside (weather permitting), to avoid crowding.
Please note, the threat of transmission from dogs to people is extremely low. Canine influenza virus has existed for a long time and there are no known cases of transmission to people that have been documented.
Dog owners should avoid dog parks and public places if their pet is showing symptoms. If your dog is healthy and has not had recent respiratory infection feel free to visit dog parks although be aware not every pet owner will know this information. Unfortunately, VeTouch does not offer canine influenza vaccines but clients should reach out to their local full service vet to see if they have any available. We do recommend vaccination when possible.
Our Clinic
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VeTouch is a volunteer-based, non-profit veterinary student club that hosts a monthly vaccine clinic for pets of Twin Cities residents receiving low/no income or experiencing houselessness. The veterinary students examine the pets under the supervision of veterinarians and veterinary technicians.
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We provide physical exams, rabies and distemper vaccines, and flea/tick/heartworm preventatives for no cost.
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WE DO NOT PROVIDE SPAYS/NEUTERS.
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Since we only have 1 clinic per month and are not a full-service veterinary clinic, we are unable to see sick pets or pets with serious veterinary conditions.
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We are a walk-in based clinic. Walk-ins are seen on a first-come-first-serve basis, so we recommend coming early to try to secure a spot. We have been experiencing very high demand. Once we reach the maximum number of pets we are able to see for the day, we will not be able to accept any more walk-ins.
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Do not park in the church parking lot before 10:30 A.M. The parking lot cannot be used for VeTouch clients until after 10:30 A.M.
Our Policies
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Maximum of 2 pets per owner at one clinic.
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Pets must be on a leash or in a carrier.
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Animals older than 1 year must be spayed or neutered after their first visit to VeTouch to be seen a second time.
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We will not accommodate pets that are used for breeding, and will not accommodate their litters of puppies/kittens
Qualifications
To qualify for VeTouch services, clients need to be receiving some form of public assistance. Options for qualification include:
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Food Stamps
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Currently unhoused
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Free or Reduced Lunch Program
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HUD Section 8 Housing
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Major V. A. Disability
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Medicaid
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Medical Assistance
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Minnesota Care
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SSD
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SSI
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Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
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WIC
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A family of four making under $40,000 per year
