Norway’s first free animal clinic opens in Oslo
Owners who cannot afford veterinary expenses must get help.
– It hurts, when you love people and animals, to see that animals don’t get the treatment they should have, because the owner doesn’t have money, says vet Caroline Holtet.
It could be a dog that has stuck its foot in an escalator, but the owner cannot afford wound treatment. Or a cat that has to go with a toothache, because the family lacks money.
Holtet is the project manager for Lisaklinikken, which will open next year.
It is supported by Animal Protection Norway. The clinic will provide free health care to animals with owners who have no money. It will be centrally located in Oslo close to the Oslo Emergency Department and several other services for people who are struggling.
As a veterinarian in Oslo, Holtet has met many drug addicts with animals, many disadvantaged people, single mothers with cats or dogs, people on unemployment benefits.
– Many believe that the disadvantaged should not own animals. We believe that these animals also deserve good lives and their regular vet. My experience is that these pet owners spend the money they have on food for their pet. The animals mean a lot to them, but they cannot afford expensive veterinary expenses, says Holtet.
She says that she is obliged to help if she meets animals that are not well at home, and in the worst case to notify the Norwegian Food Safety Authority.
These owners will get help
Holtet is a well-known name among veterinarians in Europe. She studied in Hungary and helped start both Buda dogs and FAFP. They help street dogs in Hungary to new owners in several countries. She has helped relocate 6,000 hundreds since 2013.
In Norway, she and several veterinarians in AniCura animal clinics have had an annual free day. Now she will lead the Lisa Clinic for Animal Protection Norway.
– The last time we had an open day, 200 animal owners came who needed help with their animals. Veterinary care can be expensive, if the accident happens. Many people live from hand to mouth, every single day. For them, a free offer is necessary for the animal to get help.
– Which customers will get access?
– Most of the owners have contact with other aid organisations. That makes them eligible for help at the Lisaklinikken.
– Do you think anyone will use the free offer without any real need?
– No. Those we have helped before have needed the help. Then we will also start a second-hand shop, where you can pick up clothing and equipment for free. Many animal owners refuse rehabilitation offers, because they cannot take their animal with them. In the long term, we will develop a network of voluntary foster homes. The animals can live there when the owner is in detoxification, a crisis center or in prison.
Vets send animals home without treating them
Animal Protection Norway adopted the Lisaklinikken project at the national meeting in May this year. Currently, NOK 1 million has been set aside for the Lisaklinikken.
– The animals of disadvantaged people who cannot afford it must also receive veterinary treatment. At regular clinics, they only get what the Norwegian Food Safety Authority covers. In reality, it only means money for euthanasia, says veterinarian Åshild Roaldset, general manager of Animal Protection Norway.
– We vets have to send animals home untreated, because owners cannot pay for the treatment. It is also a strain on the vets, she says.
The government’s support only covers the costs of euthanasia
The Norwegian Veterinary Association supports Lisaklinikken with NOK 50,000 for a record system.
– We think it is very good that there is a better offer for the poorly cared for animal owners, that their animals receive veterinary care and treatment, says president of the Norwegian Veterinary Association, Bjørnar W. Jakobsen.
According to Jakobsen, the state covers the costs of simple treatment or euthanasia, when the owner cannot pay.
– This applies in the few cases where animals come to the vet with serious and painful illnesses. In that case, it is welfare unjustifiable not to treat or euthanize them. At the same time, these rates have not been adjusted for many years, and in practice they now cover no more than the costs of euthanasia, says Jakobsen.