PORTLAND, Maine — The Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland paired up with Maine's largest city Friday for an outreach event to help local pet owners in need of pet food, items like leashes, or wellness care for their furry friends.
A popup pet pantry and clinic were set up Friday along the Back Cove, where people experiencing homelessness could go to make sure their pet was healthy. Organizers said more than two dozen pets were seen Friday, and they were all given a clean bill of health.
No Bowls Empty 2 Pet Food Pantry was also there, handing out treats, food, collars, leashes, harnesses, and toys.
"I think this is definitely needed," Nadine Molloy with No Bowl Empty said. "I think it's a high public safety priority to have pets in the homeless community missing out on health care. Here we'll be able to give them vet checks and vaccinations and flea and tick medications, ear cleanings, nail trims, and make sure that they're healthy. They are what hold their people together."
ARLGP said all of the pets they saw Friday were brought up to date on vaccinations. The shelter said the rabies vaccine is the most important for protecting human health when looking at a public health perspective.
"I am forever grateful to everyone involved in making this day a success and bringing vet care to those least able to have access to vet care," No Bowls Empty said Friday in a post on social media. "I am in awe of the commitment & dedication from everyone involved."
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