Monroe County Humane Association celebrates 1 year at animal care campus
One year and 4,453 animals serviced later, the Monroe County Humane Association was able to celebrate the opening of its animal care campus this week.
In April 2020, the MCHA opened a new facility to provide low-income pet owners with medical and wellness care, expanding its footprint from the original campus in Richland Plaza and its mobile clinics. The facility was built on six acres of land at 791 S. Fieldstone Blvd. on Bloomington’s west side in 2019. The facility also has a pet food pantry, donated and low-cost prescription medications for pets, and houses animals whose owners cannot take care of them for a variety of reasons — from fleeing domestic violence situations to worsening health of the owner.
“You see, MCHA is not a large nonprofit, but it is a very focused one,” Valerie Pena, MCHA board chair, said during the ribbon-cutting event Monday. “It’s one that hears the cries of our community through animals and the people who love them and know their needs.”
Initially, MCHA offered vouchers for anyone on a subsidized income to go to a veterinarian, but officials realized the vouchers were not enough. MCHA decided to do minor medical care themselves at low cost, treating itchy skin and ears and other less severe conditions. That demand has grown to even amputating limbs.
As pet ownership and the number of people in precarious financial situations both increased, so did the already-growing demand for MCHA services. The number of veterinarians doubled, and two more technicians and three receptionists were hired. Executive Director Rebecca Warren said the campus gets 200 voicemails a month.
Warren said 90% of the clients have subsidized income, meaning they show welfare documentation when arriving. Many clients often have just $20 or $40 to pay for care.
“One of the prerequisite questions we ask clients when they get here, is ‘How much do you have for today’s visit?’ We work with your budget. If your pet has many issues but you only have $40, we are going to start with the most important diagnostics and work our way down,” Warren said.
Each exam room is able to be hosed down and features a drainage hole, as well as soundproof walls to contain any barking or other loud noises. Behind the exam rooms are X-ray facilities, dental care and a surgery room. Of about $50,000 of surgery equipment, Warren said MCHA only had to buy a third of the items, with the rest donated from other clinics and veterinarians.
Warren said about 30 and 50 pets have been housed at the animal care campus for pet owners who are unable to take care of their animals or who need a break. MCHA also has a behaviorist that helps animals who are not socialized and for first-time pet owners who need education and resources.
While other veterinary clinics in the area turned clients away due to staff layoffs, Warren said MCHA’s clinic was so busy that no one was laid off. Mobile wellness clinics took place throughout the year. One mobile clinic this summer serviced about 200 animals in four days.
“The demand has continued to be there for us,” Warren said.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Monroe County Humane Association celebrates 1 year at animal care campus
