Heart + Paw Volunteering Services for Finding Shelter Animal Rescue Event

Grant from MontcoStrong Allows for Pets to Receive Free Vaccinations and Services During Drive-up Events at Elmwood Park Zoo Parking Lot April 11 and 18

Finding Shelter Animal Rescue will be hosting a free, drive-up pet vaccination and services clinic for residents of Montgomery County on Sunday, April 11 and Sunday, April 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Elmwood Park Zoo (1661 Harding Blvd, Norristown, PA 19401). 

Services and vaccines at the clinic will be for cats and dogs only. Services include: rabies, DHPP, bordetella and FVRCP vaccines, heartworm tests, heartworm prevention, microchipping, and dog licenses. These services are made possible by a grant from MontcoStrong and will be serviced by veterinarians from Heart + Paw and Metropolitan Veterinary Associates. Donated pet food will also be available for families in need.  

Pet parents will need to pre-register for this free service online. Services are available to the first 700 pets registered (350 per day). Pets must belong to residents of Montgomery County only. Registration is available in both English and Spanish and there will be bi-lingual volunteers on-site to assist pet parents. Day-of registration and walk-ups will not be accepted due in part to COVID-19 safety restrictions.

“Families have been affected in many ways this last year by the coronavirus pandemic,” said Finding Shelter Animal Rescue Co-founder & President Grace Kelly Herbert. “This grant from MontcoStrong makes it possible for pet parents who have not been able to afford proper veterinary care for their furry family members during this crisis to get access to these much-needed services. It is vital that we take care of our pets because even the smallest issue could lead to a huge expense later on.” 

This event will be a drive-up, socially distant and contactless event. Pet parents and people in cars with the pets are asked to wear a mask. All volunteers at the event will also be wearing a mask and will remain socially distant. To register, visit https://www.findingshelter.org/vaccination-registration/. 

Heart + Paw, with 13 locations and several in the area including King of Prussia and a partner practice in Rockledge will have a team of doctors on hand. “Heart + Paw is committed to providing top-quality preventive care for all pets and their parents,” said Chief Veterinary Officer George Melillo. “We are happy to participate in this event that allows many dogs and cats to be examined, vaccinated, and protected from parasitic infections, especially when so many pet parents have experienced financial challenges during the pandemic. Our Heart + Paw family is so supportive of the local community here as well as those at each of our area locations.”

Metropolitan Veterinary Associates, located in Norristown, also has a team of specialists volunteering on-site. “In an effort to give back to the communities that so generously support our services, we are proud to participate in this event,” said Practice Administrator Stacey Connell. “Our doctors have years of experience and are proud to assist Finding Shelter in helping the people and pets of Montgomery County.”

The generous support of the Norristown Police Department as well as the Norristown Fire Department will help ensure the success of this event. 

“Our partners at the Elmwood Park Zoo, Heart + Paw, Metropolitan Veterinary Associates and the great volunteers at the Norristown Police Department and Fire Department have really helped bring this all together,” added Herbert. “None of this would be possible without their assistance.”

About Finding Shelter Animal Rescue

Finding Shelter Animal Rescue is a 501(c)(3), non-profit, no-kill volunteer supported animal rescue organization dedicated to the saving, rehabilitation, training and permanent placement of dogs and cats in need. Finding Shelter treats each adoption individually, with the understanding that placing a dog into a new home means having adding a new member to your family. Finding Shelter takes care in finding the right home, with the right family, for the right animal. To learn more, visit Finding Shelter online at findingshelter.org, or follow Finding Shelter on Facebook and Twitter.