As part of the celebrations for World Animal Day, Contreras Veterinary Clinic hosted a successful preventive medicine drive focused on the well-being of community pets. During the event, dog and cat owners had the opportunity to provide their animals with high-quality veterinary care at reduced, community-friendly prices.
Preventive Care and Accessible Pricing for the Community
Shawn Franca, veterinary assistant, explained that the campaign’s main objective was to lend a helping hand to pet owners who face financial challenges in covering veterinary costs:
- Deworming and Vitamins: Available for just 5 florins.
- Dog Vaccines: Offered at 45 florins.
- Cat Vaccines: Offered at 80 florins (a significant reduction compared to the regular price of around 120 florins).
- Free Check-ups: Health evaluations for pets were conducted free of charge, thanks to the valuable collaboration and support of students and staff from Xavier University.
Franca emphasized that caring for a pet is not limited to a single day of the year, but requires consistent monthly attention to prevent serious illnesses common in Aruba:
“It is extremely important to keep your pet dewormed. Something that is vital here in Aruba is monthly heartworm treatment, as well as tick and flea prevention. Keep vaccines up to date, provide good fresh food and clean water daily, and bring them in for a veterinary check-up at least once a year.”
Regarding the pet population challenge, the veterinary assistant mentioned that spay and neuter efforts continue intensively both at their clinic and across other veterinary practices, treating a large number of animals daily.
The Animal Day campaign proved to be a resounding success, with over 100 pets receiving deworming and vaccination treatments.
“I am very happy with the outcome. I am truly glad there were people who love and care enough about their pets to take the time to bring them in and provide them with the care they need,” Franca concluded.