W. Jean Dodds, DVM, president of the private blood bank for pets Hemopet, is spearheading a drive for the nation’s first center focused on restoring health for cats and other pets with special needs.
Dodds’ $10 million capital and endowment campaign is for a permanent two-acre, short-term rehabilitation facility in Orange County, Calif.
If built, the Restore Health Center would feature a unique group of apartment-style units, with support rooms, outdoor exercise yards and playgrounds for 200 rescued greyhounds.
The Restore Health Center would provide short-term transitional and emergency care for cats, dogs and other pets, and it will offer a pet ambulance pick-up service.
The care includes alternative therapies such as acupuncture, physiotherapy, chiropractic and herbal medicine. A veterinary nursing service will be available to make home visits to pets that need ongoing care once they’ve returned home.
Community rooms would be used for educating veterinarians and the public about companion animal health, nutritional testing, vaccines, holistic care, first-aid and other pet-friendly topics. The Restore Health Center will also house a diagnostic and related clinical research laboratory.
“As a veterinarian with a deep love for the health and well-being of animals, especially pets, this facility will serve their needs as well as those of their caregivers,” Dodds said. “Pets need a place to recover from physical injury and emotional stress as a result of being rescued, from disease and from medical procedures, such as major surgery. Owners and caregivers need to be assured that their pets have a safe and caring facility during their recovery.”