By Kolby LaMarche

As temperatures continue to fluctuate and economic pressures persist, a local chapter of The Street Dog Coalition is stepping up again to offer essential support not just for people, but particularly for their four-legged companions. 

The organization has scheduled a free pop-up veterinary clinic on Saturday, March 7, aimed at providing critical care to pets of individuals experiencing or at risk of becoming homelessness. 

The clinic, set for 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. (1 hour) at 57 North Champlain Street, will operate on a first-come, first-served basis with limited supplies available, organizers say. 

Services can include physical exams, core vaccinations such as rabies and parvo, parasite control for fleas and ticks, and evaluations for minor medical issues. 

Organizers emphasize that dogs must be leashed and cats secured in carriers to ensure safety for all attendees and their pets. 

The rising cost of veterinary care has posed a significant barrier for many pet owners in Burlington – for those both housed and homeless. 

Routine exams and basic services can quickly add up, with the average cost of a comprehensive visit (including much of what the Street Dog Coalition does) in our area ranging from $100 to $250 for dogs and $75 to $200 for cats. And then, in terms of cost, the owner best hope no complications come up – thyroid, liver, kidneys, disease, etc, as treatments grow every year in expense. 

In the Burlington area, a rabies vaccination — legally required in Vermont — typically costs $30 to $40 at standard clinics. 

For individuals experiencing homelessness, even modest fees become prohibitive, potentially forcing tough choices between pet health and personal stability. Furthermore, it poses a risk to public health and the health of other resident’s pets, research suggests. The Street Dog Coalition’s free clinics seek to directly address this gap, ensuring companions receive essential care without financial strain, they said. 

Founded nationally in Colorado, The Street Dog Coalition’s mission centers on delivering free veterinary services to pets of those facing housing instability, recognizing that affordable pet care can be a barrier to stability. “Our vision is a world where everyone, regardless of their housing or financial situation, has access to affordable veterinary care,” the organization said. 

In Burlington, the chapter was established in recent years under the leadership of veterinarian Michele Tulis, DVM, who serves as team lead. 

Tulis, a Cornell graduate with over 30 years of experience as a small animal mobile veterinarian, brings a passion for animal welfare intertwined with community service, according to a bio provided by the non-profit. 

She is joined by a dedicated team including Jocelyn Selim, DVM, from Louisiana State University, and Mary Lummis, DVM. Support staff like Emma Tieman, a veterinary technician new to Vermont from Maine, and Amy Englefield, referral manager at Burlington Emergency & Veterinary Specialists (BEVS), round out the group. 

Partners of the group include the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO), the Committee on Temporary Shelter (COTS), Community Health Centers of Burlington, the First Congregational Church, Howard Center, Humane Society of Chittenden County, Lucy’s House for Prevention of Homelessness, and Pathways Vermont. 

Over the past couple – cold – months, the City has worked to open warming shelters and other areas where the homeless can seek refuge, sleep, or just warm up before heading out. Importantly, the City has long allowed users of the site the ability to bring their pet(s) out of the cold as well. 

Donations fuel these initiatives, with the Burlington chapter encouraging contributions through their Kindful platform to sustain free care. As the March 7 clinic approaches, organizers urge eligible community members to attend early, given the one-hour window and supply constraints.

For more details or to get involved, visit thestreetdogcoalition.org/burlington-vt. 

The organization also welcomes volunteers and ambassadors to expand their reach.