Free Vet Care on Wheels: How DEGA is Changing Lives in North Carolina One Pet at a Time!
In North Carolina, a remarkable mobile veterinary group, DEGA Mobile Veterinary Care, is making a profound difference in the lives of pets and their owners, regardless of income status. Founded by Dr. April Gessner, DEGA (Determined for Everyone to Gain Access) is committed to providing essential veterinary care through pop-up clinics at absolutely no cost for those who meet the criteria.
Named after Dr. Gessner's first dog, DEGA's mission is to ensure that basic veterinary care, including vaccines, preventative care, and surgeries, is accessible to all. "Our aim is to keep pets healthy and with their owners, reducing the number of animals in shelters and rescues," Dr. Gessner explains. This approach is particularly vital in addressing the challenges many face in affording even low-cost veterinary options.
A critical aspect of DEGA's services is promoting spay and neuter programs. According to Dr. Gessner, these procedures are essential in controlling the pet population and reducing the number of unwanted animals in shelters, many of which face euthanasia due to limited space.
Gina Jennings, a dedicated DEGA volunteer, shares her enthusiasm for the initiative: "Working with Dr. April to provide high-quality veterinary care free of charge in underserved neighborhoods is incredibly fulfilling." The non-profit boasts 80 volunteers, but there's a growing need for more veterinarians, registered veterinary technicians, and experienced veterinary assistants.
DEGA's impact extends beyond medical care. "We also provide food, toys, and up to six months of flea and tick preventative treatments," Gina adds. The transformation in animals that receive these services, often for the first time, is both immediate and lasting.
DEGA Mobile Veterinary Care not only offers a lifeline to pets in need but also represents a model of compassionate, community-focused veterinary care. To learn more about their work and how you can support this noble cause, visit the DEGA Mobile Veterinary Care website.
