What is Helping Paws Nanaimo Community Animal Clinic? What does it offer?
We are a “pop up” style veterinary wellness clinic, offering free exams, vaccines, deworming, parasite control, microchips, and treatment of some minor medical conditions. We aim to serve the homeless and low income community. We don’t have a “requirement” for care, and work on the honour system. If you need us, we are there.
Our clinic is always held at St. Peter’s Church. Dates are posted as events on our Facebook page. We are busy and have limited time for the clinic so are first come first serve and recommend coming early to secure a spot.
Does Helping Paws work with any other local organizations?
We are under the umbrella of the Nanaimo Connective Support Society.
We work closely with the SPCA to try and assist with pet population control as well.
What are some of the conditions that you see most frequently at the clinic?
We try and focus on wellness and preventative care (keeping pets healthy to avoid disease). However, we do see pets with a variety of medical conditions. We are not set up to be able to do diagnostic testing for more complicated conditions, but try and counsel clients on what they need to save up for, and work with local clinics to try and get them those services.
What are the best ways for the community to offer support to your clinic?
We are a completely volunteer run clinic, veterinarians, technicians, assistants, reception staff all volunteer their time. Veterinary professionals interested in volunteering are encouraged to reach out to us (helpingpawsnanaimo@gmail.com).
Otherwise, financial assistance is always appreciated. Donations can be made to the Nanaimo Connective Support Society, with a memo note that the funds are for Helping Paws.
Thank you so much to the Helping Paws organization for taking the time to share about their incredible work in our community!
Poverty Advocacy Nanaimo 