WASHINGTON HEALTH OUTREACH

Pet owners are finding themselves at the intersection of three crises:

1) More than 40,000 people are now experiencing homelessness in King County, and more than 100,000 low income households are severely cost burdened (paying more than 50% of their income on housing).

2) The demand for qualified social workers is forecasted to increase by 16% by 2026. By 2025, there is predicted to be a shortfall in the demand for social workers of 35%.

3) By 2030, the U.S. will need nearly 41,000 additional veterinarians and nearly 133,000 credentialed vet techs to meet patient needs. Simultaneously, mental health among Veterinarians is at an all time low, with nearly 70% having lost a colleague or peer to suicide.

Without access to the housing and resources people need for themselves, or to preventive care and treatment for their pets, quality of life for both humans and animals is drastically reduced. It has become increasingly difficult even for well resourced people to access veterinary care for their pets, let alone people who are living homeless or with a low income. At the same time, Veterinarians who are pressured by for profit clinics to prioritize generating revenue over delivering quality patient care are not just leaving the industry–many are losing their lives. Social Workers and Case Managers have extremely high caseloads, leading to poor social care and connection.

These conditions too often result in people being separated from their animal companions; pets are lost without microchip/identification or they are surrendered to shelters or given away when their owners find themselves unable to provide them with the care they need. About 5,000 animals entered our King County shelter in 2022. Washington Health Outreach seeks to address the needs of people, their animal companions, and the communities where they live holistically and through a trauma informed lens--providing care not just for people or pets, but for entire families and neighborhoods.

We partner with local mutual aid groups, food banks, community centers, low income and senior housing facilities, organizations serving veterans and youth, Tribes, etc. to meet people where they are in their own communities and provide care through mobile pop-up clinics. We will offer preventive and wellness Veterinary services, social care referrals and support, and food and other basic need resources for people and pets who are living homeless or low income.

Our team includes a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, a Veterinarian, a Licensed Veterinary Technician, several experienced Veterinary Assistants, and a group of dedicated and compassionate community members who are coming together to deliver this care for our neighbors. Thank you for considering this important work with your donation!