Pets in Need Get Help Indeed

RAPS and partners mobilize to provide vet care in the Downtown Eastside.

​Pets who don’t always get the veterinary care they need got checkups, vaccinations and some routine care they needed, thanks to a “pop-up” vet clinic RAPS Animal Hospital put on recently in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.

​A total of 135 animals – including 45 cats and 90 dogs – were assisted during the clinic, which was made possible through the support of Vancity Community Foundation and the Leo and Frances Longo Fund for Charity to Animals. RAPS worked with Watari Counselling & Support Services, which operates regularly on the DTES, to deliver the pop-up clinic on December 17, 2023.

​“The clinic focused on examinations, vaccinations, and flea and parasite treatments, as well as other routine procedures such as ear-flushing,” says Eyal Lichtmann, CEO of RAPS. “The response far surpassed what we had anticipated, and was greater than what we experienced in the past.”

​Demand was so great, in fact, that there were people and animals who weren’t able to see the veterinarians during the December event. These clients are now on a waitlist to receive additional help through the RAPS Animal Hospital, and Watari continues to receive inquiries from more of their clients about additional support, says Lichtmann. 

​“We also hope to be able to obtain additional donated vaccinations, treatments and supplies so that we can offer follow-up booster shots and treatments to those who have already received assistance, as well as helping even more animals as time goes on,” he said.