Two of many furry friends who've been aided by a free animal care clinic in Nanaimo. (Helping Paws)

By Ian Holmes

Helping Paws

Free Nanaimo pet care clinic celebrates five years

Mar 31, 2024 | 5:24 AM

NANAIMO — A once small clinic helping people in need care for their cats and dogs shows no signs of slowing down amid high demand in the Nanaimo area.

Helping Paws community clinic had its fifth anniversary on Thursday, March 21 at St. Peters Roman Catholic Church on Machleary St.

Seventy-six pets belonging to 45 appreciative pet owners attended, according to Helping Paws founder and local veterinarian Courtenay Large.

“Being able to give back in a capacity that allows us to do so without having to think about financial burden for people, I think that’s what brings us all joy and fills our cup back up from a job that is very emotionally heavy and taxing.”

Large said the clinic has grown from just a few volunteers to 18-20 dedicated people involved in the local pet care industry, including multiple veterinarians and tech assistants eager to be of service at each event.

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The monthly complimentary clinic allows pet owners to get their dogs or cats an exam with a veterinarian, various vaccines, minor medical conditions addressed, and identify implanted microchips.

“I think it’s working really well, it’s a pretty well-oiled machine and everybody’s pretty grateful for what we’re able to do and I think we’ll just keep doing what we’re doing because we seem to be doing it well,” Large told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Helping Paws founder Courtenay Large with a celebratory cake at the movement’s most recent clinic. (Helping Paws)

Large notes providing advice has morphed into the most significant part of what Helping Paws volunteers do.

For example, she said providing advice on the need for their clients to save up money for costly care beyond the clinic’s scope, or arranging to have their animals spayed or neutered are important facets to help mitigate future expenses.

Education, she said, assists people in making smarter decisions as pet owners.

“It doesn’t mean that everyone should go get six puppies because they’re able to get vaccines for free, they are expensive and they come with responsibility, we’re trying to help people with that reality.”

With a client list of 915 people, upwards of 4,000 exams provided and 60 to 80 people attending clinics monthly, Large said clearly there’s a need and they’re proud to be at service to the community.

Large noted the homeless, those in transitional housing, students and seniors on limited means represent the core of their client base.

“Even the simple, basic care that we are able to provide can easily rack up to a $200, $300 vet bill just for routine exams and vaccines and stuff. For the people that can’t afford that it’s a big help.”

The next Helping Paws clinic is scheduled for Thursday, April 18 at 12:30 p.m.

More information on Helping Paws can be found on the organization’s publically accessible Facebook page.

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes