Vet leads the pack with mobile service
But now a vet has converted a former HSE ambulance into an “animal ambulance” to bring preventive animal medicine closer to rural Ireland.
Veterinary surgeon Henk Offereins, who runs the Kenmare Veterinary Centre in Co Kerry, claims that the mobile veterinary service is the first of its kind in the south-west.
And he hopes that the vehicle, which has begun calling to several towns and villages in West Cork and Kerry, will make it easier for pet owners or farmers to bring their animals for a check-up, vaccinations or treatment.
His practice’s setting between the isolated Beara and Ivereagh peninsulas helped drive the idea forward.
“Services in rural areas like these are often scattered, and when it comes to animal welfare, that doesn’t always benefit the animal,” Mr Offereins said.
“Treatment is often carried out too late, or in some cases, not carried out at all.
“We hope that by bringing this service into communities, by bringing animal medicine closer to those living in rural areas, by being there right on their doorstep, that we will have closer contact with clients that will encourage them to attend.
“Its purpose is also to increase awareness of animal care, like vaccinations and neutering, so we’ll be at animal welfare events as well.
“There’s obviously a commercial angle for us, but ultimately, we hope it will benefit animal welfare,” he said.
Mr Offereins sourced the decommissioned HSE ambulance while it was being used as back-up vehicle in the east of the country about 18 months ago.
He adapted it for animal patients, removing the stretcher-holding devices, and installing a stainless steel medical examination table in the back.
However, the vehicle’s other system, including the central heating and extraction systems, were kept.
The converted ambulance can now cater for smaller animals including pet cats and dogs, but it is also equipped to deal with sheep and calves.
It is staffed by the three vets in the Kenmare practice — Mr Offereins, Francois Walch and Niamh McCormack — who have devised a rota system which saw Mr Walch on duty in it in Kilgarvan and Sneem yesterday.
“The introduction of our mobile clinic is the latest step towards truly comprehensive and compassionate care for all animals,” Mr Offereins said.
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