COMMUNITY PET CLINICS
COMMUNITY PET CLINICS
Community Pet Clinics are structured, fast-paced outreach events held at partner locations such as shelters, service centers, or community spaces. Clinics are designed to provide accessible veterinary care while supporting pet parents with respect, dignity, and compassion. Preparing ahead of time helps clinics run smoothly for pets, pet parents, and volunteers
Volunteer veterinarians are the heart of what we do. Scheduling is based on veterinarian availability, and we regularly send out correspondence requesting coverage for specific dates or asking about upcoming availability. We encourage veterinarians to share schedules that work best for them, as our partner organizations and internal teams are generally flexible and will do their best to accommodate availability whenever possible.
Please review the calendar invite carefully and reach out with any questions prior to clinic day. It is important to read instructions for when to arrive, as it varies by clinic and location each time. Each volunteer should read parking and restroom instructions so you are prepared.
Wear & Bring:
Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing suitable for standing and moving throughout the clinic
Your PSV shirt so community members and partner orgs can easily identify you
Closed-toed shoes for safety
Water to stay hydrated during the event
A stethoscope, if available. If not, we will provide one
Volunteers arrive early to help unload supplies, set up the clinic, and attend a brief team huddle before the clinic begins.
Pet parents check in at the check-in table, where volunteers enter registration information directly into Clinic HQ, keeping pets organized in the queue to be seen by the medical team.
When a medical table is ready, the next pet parent is called from the queue. The veterinarian examines the pet, provides treatment, medications, and vaccinations as indicated, and discusses follow-up care as needed.
Veterinary technicians and assistants support animal handling, prepare and administer vaccines, assist with treatments, and document services and exam findings in Clinic HQ.
After the visit, the scribe or designated volunteer completes checkout in Clinic HQ, ensuring records are finalized and pet parents receive printed or emailed paperwork such as rabies certificates or discharge instructions.
Pet parents are then offered available food and supplies, with supply volunteers assisting as needed.
Once the clinic concludes, volunteers help pack up supplies and note any items that need restocking.
Scribes will ensure all medical records are complete. Clinic HQ records will allow the PSV team to identify pets who may need follow-up care or additional support after the clinic.