Merck Animal Health Announces Partnership with The Street Dog Coalition

Donation will provide vaccines and treatment for pets of the homeless

Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside the US and Canada, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA (NYSE:MRK), today announced a partnership with The Street Dog Coalition to provide medications, vaccines and treatment for pets of those experiencing homelessness. Currently present in more than 50 cities across the United States, The Street Dog Coalition is a non-profit organization that offers free basic veterinary care to pets of homeless individuals by taking a One Health approach to street medicine and caring for the lives on “both ends of the leash.”

 “For those experiencing homelessness, having a pet by your side can provide valuable love and companionship, mental health benefits, security and opportunities for responsibility – but it can also present challenges,” said Christine Royal, DVM, associate vice president of the U.S. companion animal & equine business unit,  Merck Animal Health. “As a company that stands by our unconditional commitment to pets, pet owners and those who care for them, it’s an honor to team up with The Street Dog Coalition and offer resources that allow their volunteer veterinarians to deliver accessible, quality care to those who need it most.”

Through the partnership, Merck Animal Health will support The Street Dog Coalition’s volunteer team of veterinarians, veterinary students, practice managers and technicians, by donating a year-long supply of its portfolio of vaccines and medications, including Bravecto^®, Sentinel^® and Nobivac^®, to protect thousands of unsheltered dogs and cats from various infectious diseases and problematic internal and external parasites caused by fleas, ticks, heartworms and intestinal worms.

“For all of us veterinarians, we understand how powerful the human-animal bond can be; and now, especially during the unprecedented times we’re living in, we’ve seen homeless owners give up everything to be with their pets, including overlooking their own meals and medical treatment, and living unsheltered to sleep with their dog or cat,” said Dr. Jon Geller, DVM, National Director and Founder of The Street Dog Coalition. “With approximately 20% of the homeless population owning pets, our partnership with Merck Animal Health allows us to offer a holistic solution by providing preventive and routine medical care for pets of those experiencing homelessness.”

Along with free veterinary care for dogs and cats living with homeless owners, The Street Dog Coalition works with local organizations to offer routine medical attention for humans experiencing homelessness. Through its collaboration with veterinarians, students and social workers, The Street Dog Coalition is committed to providing the best possible support for homeless individuals and their pets who love them unconditionally. To follow The Street Dog Coalition’s efforts on social media, visit them on Facebook and Instagram, @TheStreetDogCoalition.

Short URL: http://caninechronicle.com/?p=196161

Posted by chesliepickett on Jan 11 2021. Filed under Breaking News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.