Community clinic provides free pet care in Chicago’s Medical District

CHICAGO – On Saturday, in a part of Chicago normally reserved for human healthcare, WGN-TV found patients with paws.

At the Medical District Veterinary Clinic, 20 dogs and 59 cats received the care they needed for free.

“With everyone from One Tail at a Time and Tree House Humane Society, our neutering, spaying, vaccinating, providing prevention and mircro chipping,” veterinarian Dr. Ana Valbuena said.

The initiative is part of the community medicine program. Many of the patients come from families who may not otherwise be able to afford the care.

“It’s amazing. I come from one of these communities so it really does hit home for me, and I think it’s amazing that the school is partnering with the rescue and shelter groups to make an event like this possible,” Naomi Esquivel, student of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, said.

Esquivel and her peers also marvel at the opportunity to provide real world care.

“It gives them a lot more confidence and the yearning of wanting to work on animals is met through these types of events,” Esquivel said.

For owners like Patrice Hayes and 4-month-old Musuko, it’s welcomed help.

“They bring joy to your life. That’s my baby; that’s my heart. So it was a pleasure coming in to get service and making sure he’s gonna be okay, be ready,” Hayes said.

The free clinics are held a few times a year, with other low-cost services also available.