Borough Exploring Veterinary Services for Rural Areas

Mat-Su Borough Animal Care Director Vanessa Forbes says the Borough recognizes the challenges of finding veterinary care in the Upper Susitna Valley. Though no funding has been allocated to date, she says they are looking into grants that may support future one-day clinics.

Forbes says it’s not likely to be a full suite of services, but potentially a one-day event that might offer spay and neuter services, vaccines, and microchips. Costs are dependent on how many veterinarians and technicians will participate and whether they will be voluntary or paid. The Borough is requesting $50,000 through the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, or ASPCA, and Forbes says they will submit the grant request soon.

The focus of the program will be underserved rural communities, similar to that of the Alaska Rural Veterinary Outreach, the model for this proposed program. 

Forbes says they’re focusing on several communities in the Upper Valley and would like to do multiple clinics if funding allows. She says the goal would be to service 16 to 20 animals in one day if there are multiple veterinarians available. Startup costs for this sort of program are difficult to pinpoint because there are so many cost variables. 

Other rural clinics charge up to about $150 for the services, but Forbes says they would like to reduce that cost or make it free if funding is available. Forbes says the Borough is committed to providing access to veterinary care for the Upper Susitna Valley and are exploring ways to make that happen.