Mercer Veterinary Clinic for the Homeless is a 501(C)3 non-profit, student-operated organization providing free medical care for the animal companions of the homeless. The clinic meets the second Saturday of every month at Loaves and Fishes, a Sacramento, California organization, which provides an array of services to the homeless.

In addition to improving the lives of the pets of the homeless, Mercer Veterinary Clinic works to reduce pet over-population. Clients are counseled on the benefits of spaying and neutering. Surgery is provided at no cost, usually at a spay/neuter clinic held the day after, should the owners elect to alter their animals.
Since 1993, Mercer Veterinary Clinic has altered over 1200 animals! Mercer Veterinary Clinic has been selected as the 1998 recipient of the American Veterinary Medical Association Humane Award and for a 2005 Sacramento SPCA “Humane-itarian” award. Both awards recognize outstanding efforts to eliminate animal cruelty and promote the humane treatment of animals.

The Mercer Clinic Holiday Pet Basket program was started in 1995 by Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital staff members of the ”VOICE” staff newsletter. It has grown due to need over the years from only 25 baskets to 130 baskets last year. As one might imagine, in order to produce 130 baskets filled with gifts, it takes many people helping and contributing to make it a success. We wish to remind everyone that every year we rely on the kindness of others to help these very special pets who are more than a pet. Instead, they are the constant companions and family members to the less fortunate.

 

Volunteers assembled gift boxes to make life on the streets a little easier for the pets of homeless people in Sacramento area. The event, which will fill about 130 boxes with pet supplies,was set for noon to 1 p.m., today at the University of California, Davis, veterinary hospital.

Students from the university’s William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital will fill boxes with canned and dry dog food, treats, toys, leashes and pet-care products. The holiday gift box project for pets, in its 15th year, is organized by the staff of the hospital’s newsletter. The boxes will be distributed to homeless clients on Saturday at the Mercer Veterinary Clinic for the Homeless at the Loaves and Fishes complex.

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