A $3.1 million grant from the Giorgi Family Foundation is helping to fund discounted or free veterinary services for southeastern Pennsylvania pet owners.
Humane Pennsylvania, a coalition of animal welfare groups, reported that the gift will permit the expansion of community veterinary services in the Reading area.
The first Healthy Pets, Healthy Lives clinic took place Oct. 16 at the Humane Society of Berks County in Reading. The fees paid by Reading residents ranged from $45 for a feline spay or neuter and $95 for a canine neuter to $140 for a canine spay.
Among the free services were rabies vaccinations, deworming, the DA2PP (distemper, adenovirus-2, parainfluenza and parvovirus) vaccine for dogs and the FVRCP (rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia) vaccine for cats.
Pet microchipping also was free.
“The key to solving the problems facing animals in our community is to provide comprehensive and intensive services, with resources and facilities which fully support them,” said Karel Minor, CEO of Human Pennsylvania. “We’ve had a 21st-century vision but we’ve only had 20th-century resources. The Giorgi Family Foundation’s gift changes everything.”