Animal Protection and Education (A.P.E.) of Paton rolled out its new mobile veterinary clinic at the Great Iowa Pet Expo in Des Moines this weekend.
The rig, a conversion of a 1997 Born Free motor home, is the first non-profit mobile veterinary clinic in Iowa. A.P.E. will use it in providing trap-neuter-return (TNR) and low-cost spay and neuter clinics in 14 counties in central Iowa.
The mobile clinic is equipped for dog and cat surgeries with autoclaves, centrifuges, two isoflurane gas anesthesia machines, dental equipment, EKGs, and more. A special operating table allows staff to place a large dog on the table outside the unit and then slide the table inside the unit, eliminating the need maneuver the dog through the unit.
A.P.E. has been providing TNR and spay and neuter clinics since 2003. According to Linn Cipperly Price, a certified veterinary tech and director of APE, the non-profit does two clinics a week, seeing 20-30 animals at each clinic in what she refers to as a MASH (mobile army surgical hospital) clinic. It has been difficult to find locations that are able and willing to provide space for the surgical area and a recovery area.
“With the mobile unit we’ll be able to offer more service at more locations,” Price said. “And, in the event of a natural disaster or an emergency, we will be able to use the mobile clinic for veterinary triage.”
Price is seeking sponsors to fund additional equipment, including plumbing for the dental equipment. She explained that when humane groups do a breeder release, the breeding dogs are often in need of dental care. Having the equipment on the mobile clinic will shorten the time before the dogs can be placed in homes.
“We have a lot of veterinary equipment. However, with time, like everything else, things need to be upgraded or replaced. We, like you, expect this mobile unit to have ‘state of the art’ equipment, as it is the only mobile veterinary vehicle in operation via a non-profit origination in all of Iowa.” Price said.
Other items that need to be replaced include an autoclave, a pulse oximeter, a blood analyzer, a laser unit, a veterinary ultrasound, and some items for the vehicle. Price invites corporate sponsorships of $3,000, with all sponsors being named on the outside of the unit, on the A.P.E website, and on other promotional materials.
A.P.E. is a 501(c)3 public charity; all donations are tax deductible. Persons who want more information can call 515-460-7729 or email United4ape@gmail.com
