Hamilton Small Animal Veterinary Centre Community Initiatives
At Hamilton Small Animal Veterinary Centre, we like to get involved with a variety of community initiatives that are centered around animals.
See below for further information for some of the events and causes we support.
Sponsoring Assistance Dogs
Congratulations Katie and Kowhai!!
Our team has been sponsoring Katie and Kowhai, Assistance Dogs in Training for over two years. Recently their hard work and the dedication of all involved in their raising and training paid off, when they both became fully qualified as Assistance Dogs. They have now been placed with families, both in the North Island, assisting children with autism and epilepsy. Their training took over two years and their new families had been waiting up to six years for an Assistance dog to come into their lives.
A variety of tasks were taught depending on the role best suited to them, some of these tasks include locating destinations, deep pressure calming, scent detection, stop and anchor position, tracking and object retrieval. Each applicant for an assistance dog is assessed and then matched with one that is suitable.
Once matched they are trained as a team, with ongoing support provided to ensure they continue working well together. 90% of clients are children under 12 years of age with autism and other neuro-disabilities and there is a long wait for these incredible dogs.
Not all dogs make it through the program, so this is a huge accomplishment for them both and we couldn’t be prouder!
Watch this space for our next recruits!
Meet Our New Recruits! – Sponsoring Assistance Dogs
Introducing Iggy and Inka!
Our team is excited to introduce our two new clinic sponsor puppies! Meet ‘Iggy and Inka’ from Assistance Dogs New Zealand. With Katie and Kowhai our previous two sponsor dogs having recently graduated and now improving the quality of life with two young people, it was time for new recruits!
Iggy and Inka are currently living with their Puppy Raisers learning all about life. We will follow their journey over the next two years of training and keep you updated.
Not all puppies make the cut and graduate, so fingers crossed Iggy and Inka become top students so they can make a difference to people’s lives!
Team Donations
Throughout the year as a team we donate to local rescues and charities. Over the past two years we have donated over $2000 along with food, pet products and time.
PAWS 4 LIFE
www.paws4life.co.nz
This is a charitable trust and one of the few rescue centers available in Hamilton for stray animals.
Their mission is to ‘Rescue, Rehabilitate and Re-home’ companion animals. Unbelievably since January this year, 950 kittens and cats alone have landed on their doorstep. They would really appreciate any help, from volunteers, to fundraising, foster families or donations.
Or are you looking for a new pet to join your family? All animals are vet checked, desexed, vaccinated, microchipped and flea & worm treated. Contact Racheal on 021 2468978 or check out their website for further information.
Mobility Dogs NZ
www.mobiltydogs.co.nz
These specially trained dogs help disabled New Zealanders with individual and unique needs, through practical support and unconditional love, these dogs truly transform the lives of their partner, so they can enjoy greater independence and quality of life. There are so many ways to get involved, check out their website for further information.
We are privileged to see these amazing pups and dogs in training at the clinic for the vaccinations and health checks and it gives us great pleasure to donate to this cause. Every bit helps.
Bianhka Wolzak
Reuniting Pets
Veterinary Nurse Bianhka Wolzak, whom our clinic has had the pleasure of working with for a number of years is a lady on a mission. Bianhka has made it her aim to reunite injured or deceased cats with their owners throughout Hamilton and the wider area. In her time she has reunited over 150 cats with their very grateful owners.
Cancer Society NZ
www.cancer.org.nz
Pretty much everyone knows someone that has been touched by cancer, in support of Daffodil Day on the 26th of August our team donation went towards this great cause.
Pet Refuge
www.petrefuge.org.nz
This amazing charity provides temporary shelter and care for pets affected by domestic violence, keeping them safe while their owners escape abuse. They provide them with safe beds, transport, veterinary healthcare, exercise and wellbeing eventually reuniting them with their families. Thank you for what you do!
Gumboot Friday
www.gumbootfriday.org.nz
Gumboot Friday gives young Kiwis, free and fast access to qualified counselling. This service relies on the continued generosity of many New Zealanders. Having depression is like walking through mud every day. Our team donation was added to the gold coins collected in our reception Gumboot.