Morris Animal Refuge’s 1st free pet vaccine clinic helps hundreds of four-footed friends.
Demand was high at a free pet vaccination clinic on Saturday October 22nd in Center City. Hosted by Morris Animal Refuge at the John C. Anderson Apartments, the clinic was the first in its recently announced Philly Pets Program. The PPP was created to provide assistance to pet owners in underserved communities, with pop-up vaccine clinics, free pet food pantries, and other outreach services. Because pets aren’t just “luxury” items, they’re members of our families!
Our pets know us, and love us unconditionally. They literally improve our health, just by being in our lives. When times are tough, pets provide crucial emotional support that the PPP is proud to help subsidize. No one should have to surrender their pet or allow it to suffer from preventable conditions due to cost. And it just makes sense to keep pets in loving (but financially unstable) homes — otherwise, they go to shelters where they take up space and resources, anyway.
October’s Pop-Up Clinic provided more than just vaccines — trained vets and vet techs also offered flea & tick prevention plus free microchipping. Local pet owners came out in droves to take advantage of services that could run hundreds of dollars per animal in private practice. The line stretched down the block, but the weather was perfect, and tails were wagging. The queue moved quickly, as well, and went until every last available dose had been given out.
Morris Animal Refuge executive director Lewis Checchia was overwhelmed by the response, “We created this program to support pet owners in need and to improve animal welfare in the city of Philadelphia. Free vaccines are an important way to intervene in vulnerable animals’ lives and to improve outcomes. We’re happy to provide a real benefit to pets and their owners throughout the city, and hope it will result in downstream benefits in the form of decreased animal surrenders to local area shelters.”
Morris Animal Refuge plans to host more free vaccine clinics in 2022 – 2023 with the support of the Banfield Foundation. Stay updated via newsletter or follow @morrisanimalrefuge on Facebook and Instagram.
Morris Animal Refuge
1242 Lombard St
morrisanimalrefuge.org
(215) 735-9570
Founded in 1874, the Morris Animal Refuge is dedicated to finding positive, humane outcomes for animals in need. America’s first shelter, Morris Animal Refuge was a pioneer for animal welfare and, over the years, became a hub for regional animal advocacy. Today, the Refuge provides a full range of preventative, protective and adoption services for homeless animals in the Philadelphia area. Their center city facility intakes about 100 pets per month, with a save rate of over 98%. Please consider donating or volunteering today.
Check out their events, too! All proceeds benefit the Refuge.
Sunday, NOV 27 (1pm – 3pm) Selfies with Santa & The Grinch at Philadelphia Brewing Company. Photographic opportunities with two of the season’s most Insta-worthy characters. Bring the dog(s)! Costumes encouraged! Photos are $10 for a digital and print image.
Saturday, DEC 3 (12pm – 5pm) Selfies with Santa & The Grinch at the Shops at Liberty Place. (same deal as above)
Thursday, DEC 8 (8pm until) Friendsgiving Concert with ALT 104.5, featuring Jimmy Eat World & Spoon at Parx Casino in Bensalem. Ages 21+, tix $60, order online.
John C Anderson Apartments
John C. Anderson Apartments was the first senior citizen housing project built by and for the LGBTQ+ community in Pennsylvania, and only the third of its kind in the entire nation when it opened in 2014. Named for John C. Anderson, who had been a rising star in Philly politics when he died suddenly in 1983, at age 41, a closeted Black gay man during the height of the AIDS crisis. In his short career as a City Council member, he was instrumental in the passage of Philadelphia’s Civil Rights for Sexual Minorities legislation.
This vibrant urban building features 56 one-bedroom units arranged around a large internal courtyard. A communal lounge area sits off charming, historic Camac Street (a roof deck provides sweeping gayborhood views). Pet friendly, with on-site laundry, library, and security. FYI: there’s no particular requirement that all residents identify as LGBTQ+, all are welcome to apply (ages 62+).
251 South 13th Street
267-915-0063
JohnCAnderson@Pennrose.com
All photos courtesy of Charity Frye. You can find more of her work on Instagram @c.sagevisuals
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