This includes vaccinations, physical examinations, and basic medical treatments. Referral for emergency veterinary care. Clients whose pets are in need of emergency care are directed to clinics that operate during normal business hours. Distribution of pet food. Quality pet food is allocated to several satellite distribution sites throughout Sacramento and Yolo Counties.
Clients are able to receive specified amounts of pet food at established times.
Another primary objective of the clinic is to educate homeless people about the care of their animals. These educational conversations focus on the need for preventive care as well as spaying or neutering. Although Mercer Veterinary Clinic currently provides services only to homeless people, Dr. Runyan said he would like to see the program expand to include low-income families and senior citizens. Because Mercer Veterinary Clinic reimburses veterinarians for the cost of supplies, the clinic depends on community and organization donations to meet its financial needs. SmithKline Beecham Animal Health has donated vaccines and pharmaceuticals to the Mercer Veterinary CIinic for the Homeless to help defray set-up and operating costs.