New resources for veterinary professionals improves access to care

Photo courtesy of the Veterinary Innovation Council.

Formed in 2015 by the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC), the Veterinary Innovation Council (VIC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the field of veterinary medicine through innovation, education, and advocacy. Aligned with this mission, the VIC has launched new resources to address the nationwide problem of access to veterinary care by aiding underserved communities. The Access to Care Resource Hub offers veterinary teams valuable information curated from over 100 experts and organizations.

According to a news release,¹ the Access to Care Resource Hub includes the following:

• Financial tools: Veterinary practices can compare financial options with more than 15 different options that will help clients afford necessary care for their pets.
• Spectrum of care: Get updated information from experts on how to improve a clinic’s spectrum of care impacts for the community.
• Team guides: Step-by-step guides for veterinary clinics to implement best practices for improving access to care in their practice.
• Case studies: Discover examples of real cases facing a similar challenge and how a particular case study overcame it.
• Featured content: Access to trusted resources from leading industry partners to stay informed on the latest access to care strategies.

"Approximately 17 million pets in underserved communities across the U.S. have never seen a veterinarian," said Jennifer Welser, DVM, DACVO, president of Arista Advanced Petcare and Chair of the VIC Board of Directors in the release.¹ "This is a crisis in many communities where people either cannot afford veterinary care for their pets or lack physical access to veterinary clinics. The program we are announcing today will open the doors to veterinary care to millions of animals nationwide, providing financial and other resources to pet owners so they can help provide the veterinary care they wish for these beloved family members."

The resource platform was made possible by a grant from Mars Veterinary Health and Banfield Pet Hospital and includes input from practitioners, academics, and animal welfare advocates.¹ The VIC encourages veterinary professionals share their feedback on the Access to Care Resource Hub and contribute their own insights to help grow the platform and its tools.

"We are thrilled to introduce this game-changing resource to the veterinary community," said Aaron Massecar, VIC executive director. "By equipping veterinary teams with the knowledge and tools they need to serve a wider range of clients, we can make a real difference in the lives of countless animals and the people who love them."¹

Reference

Veterinary Innovation Council launches new resources to help provide access to veterinary care to millions of pet owners in underserved communities. News release. North American Veterinary Community. April 24, 2024. Accessed April 30, 2024. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/veterinary-innovation-council-launches-new-resources-to-help-provide-access-to-veterinary-care-to-millions-of-pet-owners-in-underserved-communities-302126175.html