For the past 18 years, Emancipet, a non-profit founded in central Texas, has served more than a half a million pets. A growing organization, Emancipet is building a national low cost veterinary care system, and in February of 2017, Northeast Philadelphia became home to an Emancipet low-cost pet clinic. This clinic is the newest in Emancipet’s system, and its first location outside Texas, where it operates in four cities.
At Emancipet, a team of licensed, trained veterinarians and veterinary professionals offer spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations, microchips, monthly flea and heartworm prevention, puppy and kitten de-worming, and treatment for common conditions, such as skin and ear infections. While surgeries require appointments, all other services are available on a walk-in basis.
The Philadelphia clinic was made possible through a $450,000 grant from PetSmart Charities, the leading funder of animal welfare in North America. The grant allowed Emancipet to lease the 3,700 square foot space at 575 Adams Avenue, and purchase the equipment and supplies needed to open the clinic.
“We are especially grateful to PetSmart Charities for making this dream a reality,” says Amy Mills, CEO of Emancipet. “Their support will allow us to serve thousands of pets each year, making northeast Philadelphia a safer and more humane community for pets and the people who love them,” Mills says.
Because Emancipet believes that veterinary care should be affordable and accessible to all pet owners, the organization advocates for public policy that improves the lives of pets in underserved communities, and recently launched Emancipet New School, which equips and inspires animal welfare professionals in becoming change makers.
Through grassroots efforts, including door-to-door outreach, establishing relationships, and a caring presence in the community, Emancipet is fast becoming a trusted resource for pet owners in Philadelphia’s northeast neighborhood.
Philadelphia native, Amanda Foxman is Emancipet’s vice president in Philadelphia. Foxman has seen the good that comes from making vet care not only affordable, but also accessible, to families living in traditionally underserved communities. “Keeping pets healthy, and keeping pets and their people together, is why Emancipet exists, and everything we do is focused on that,” Foxman says. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to be providing low-cost veterinary care in this neighborhood, where it is very much needed.”
