HSSA Clinic’s Pet Dental Cleanings

Do you know how to brush your dog’s teeth?

Tuesday, October 27th, 2020

PET OWNERSHIP IS a wonderful thing. The benefits, joy and love a pet brings into our families’ lives is immeasurable. Of course, these rewards come with certain responsibilities and expenses. Pet food, grooming supplies, toys, collars, and bedding (all available in our PAWSH stores) are associated costs that most pet owners consider before adopting a pet into their households.

Even when pet owners are well-aware of the requirements for great veterinary care for their furry family member, the actual costs can come as a terrible shock – especially when dental care is needed. Infected gums and rotted teeth cause great suffering, so dental care is a necessity. But anyone who has had more than regular check-ups and cleaning can attest to the expenses associated with going to going to a human dentist. Dental procedures for pets can be even more expensive.

That is why the Humane Society of Southern Arizona’s Spay and Neuter Clinic has expanded our Wellness Program services to include many essential and life-saving dental care options for pets. The Wellness Program works to serve households that may be struggling to afford veterinary care in these difficult times. Dental procedures offered by the HSSA Spay & Neuter Clinic include dental exams and x-rays, cleanings, bloodwork, and much more, and are available for everyone, regardless of income.

Spaces are limited. To check availability and to learn more about our Wellness
Program or to apply, visit HSSAZ.org/Wellness

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HSSA’s Shelter Medical Heroes

The heroes behind the amazing stories that result from the Second Chance Medical Fund.

Tuesday, October 27th, 2020

ONE OF THE amazing aspects of the Humane Society of Southern Arizona are the quality of people who work and volunteer within the organization. From our Adoptions staff who celebrate every time a homeless pet finds a forever home, to the volunteers who walk every dog and play with every cat, there are a lot of things happening all the time at HSSA. Even among the extraordinary things that go on every day, the work that is performed by HSSA’s shelter medical team is truly remarkable.

Medical cases entering the shelter fall under the care of Shelter Veterinarian Dr. Santana Overton and her team. Together, they treat and save the lives of hundreds of homeless pets every year. From the simplest exam to critical medical crises, HSSA’s medical team treats every patient with genuine care and devotion.

On any given day, HSSA’s shelter medical staff have a busy schedule. From checking on each patient in recovery, to prepping for every procedure on the medical board, shelter veterinarian Dr. Overton and her team dedicate themselves to every pet that enters the shelter and requires medical care. It can be grueling, thankless, and sometimes emotionally heartfelt work.

Dr. Overton and her team of JarieAnna, Stefanie F., Stephannie M. and Stephanie C. (ed note: Yes, HSSA’s shelter medical team has three ‘Stephanies’!) are the heroes behind the amazing stories that result from the Second Chance Medical Fund. These patients who need medical treatment above that which would normally be available are why the Second Chance Fund is so important. It provides the financial support that these cases require while the Humane Society of Southern Arizona’s medical team supplies the expertise, love, and care that turn these difficult medical cases into victories.

Elmer and Fudd Before and After Photos:

Hammerhead Before and After Photos:

Bugsy Before and After Photos:

Suede Before and After Photo:

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HSSA Vaccination Clinic

Arrive early and sign in to assure we will have room for you!

HSSA’s Clinic offers affordable walk-in vaccinations twice a week. It’s a great way to make sure your pet gets the protection he or she needs, and the recommended vaccinations to help them live a long and happy life. HSSA’s Vaccination Clinic offers core vaccinations (Rabies, DAPP, Bordetella, Leptospirosis, Canine Flu, Feline Leukemia, FRCP), deworming treatment, flea and tick treatment, heartworm medication, microchipping and heartworm/FELV/FIV testing.

When preparing for your visit, bring proof of your pet’s prior vaccination history. Dogs must be on a leash or in a carrier at all times. Cats need to be brought in a secure carrier. Cats can escape easily if not properly contained. It is best to bring multiple cats in individual carriers. If you do not have multiple carriers, for your convenience we offer sturdy cardboard cat carriers for $8 each.

HSSA’s Vaccination Clinic is a great affordable option for Tucson families. In order to ensure the safety of all pets, there is a limited waiting area indoors. No more waiting in line! We can text you when we are ready for you! Outside of the clinic there are benches and shade, wait in your car, or feel free to shop in our PAWSH retail store while you wait for your text.. Clinic staff will provide individual water bowls and ice water for patients, as needed. During the summer months it is recommended that you wear a hat and sunscreen, and bring a drink for yourself.

HSSA’s Clinic has added several precautions to keep families safe during the COVID-19 outbreak. When signing in there are pre-measured markings on the sidewalk that are 6 feet apart to maintain social distancing. At this time only one pet owner per pet enter the lobby. While on HSSA property all
visitors must wear a face covering.

HSSA’s Vaccination Clinics are held twice a week on Wednesday and Saturdays, with sign-in hours from 8:15am to 11:15am. For more information on HSSA’s Clinic services visit www.HSSAZ.org/Clinic or call 520-881-0321.

HSSA Clinic's Wellness Program

HSSA Clinic offers income-based financial assistance to qualifying households

As a non-profit organization focused on caring for and placing homeless pets into loving homes, HSSA is able to offer a diverse range of programs and services for homeless pets, privately-owned pets, and adults and children. This includes the crucial HSSA Spay/ Neuter Clinic. For decades, the HSSA Spay/Neuter Clinic has provided the public with preventative surgeries and essential vaccinations. The clinic offers affordable services to the general public and provides income-based financial assistance to qualifying households.

It is important for the Humane Society of Southern Arizona to provide affordable medical care to pet owners who may need a little extra help – especially now, as more and more pet owners and households can benefit from income-based assistance. For many, necessary veterinary services may be out-of-reach without this program. Through the HSSA Clinic Wellness Program low-income preventative care, assorted medical treatment options, minor surgeries, diagnostic procedures, digital x-rays, and most recently dental procedures, are made accessible to households who may otherwise not be able to afford these essential medical services.

Sadly, many pets silently endure the nonstop pain of dental disease because their owners can’t afford the high cost of cleanings and extractions. Starting this summer, the HSSA Clinic is proud to offer affordable pet dental services to ease that pain.

HSSA’s Medical Director and Veterinarian, Dr. Halstead DVM, explains further, “The Humane Society of Southern Arizona’s Wellness Program offers a donor-subsidized veterinary preventative care clinic to serve income-qualifying folks and their pets. Our goal is to help make veterinary services such as diagnostic testing and medical procedures (beyond vaccination) more accessible to the members of our community that need it the most”.

HSSA’s Clinic and Wellness Program demonstrates our commitment to provide quality services and support to all pet owners in Southern Arizona, regardless of income level. It is only through the support of caring donors like you that this program can exist. To learn more about what the Wellness Program offers, or to see if your household may qualify, visit www.HSSAZ.org/Wellness