The Healthy Animal-Healthy Community Initiative: A Case Study of Providing Access to Veterinary Care

Over the last decade, animal welfare organizations in the US have shifted their focus towards addressing the root causes of animal problems, realizing the importance of addressing the human aspect of the issue. Program models have moved away from shelter-based services to more preventive, community-based solutions. The Animal Rescue League of Boston recognized this shift and updated its mission and vision to include bringing veterinary and wellness services directly to those who need it most, ensuring that animals are safe and healthy in communities rather than shelters.

This case study explores the journey of the Animal Rescue League of Boston's Wellness Waggin' program, from its conception to implementation, including steps like determining a target area, building community relationships, securing funding, and launching a pilot program. The Wellness Waggin' is now a successful mobile veterinary unit that has completed over 14,000 wellness care appointments since 2018.

Attendees will leave the webinar with:

• A basic framework for implementing a new community-based program, including an alternative grass-roots approach to engaging with community that is achievable for organizations of all sizes.
• Ideas for learning what each community needs
• Ways to determine a target community for a new community-based program or for creating new community partnerships

This webinar has been pre-approved for:

• 1 Certified Animal Welfare Administrator continuing education credit
• 1 NACA CE
• 1 CE towards ACO CE requirements per Ch. 829 of the Texas Health and Safety Code by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)