Project V.E.T.S
Project V.E.T.S
This past summer while we were in Wyoming, I met two wonderful people and we all became great friends. They were there to take photos of the wildlife, and scenery, so it was an easy connection.
Candy and Louis are retired vets from Boulder, Co. Candy started the organization Project VETS, and spends as much time running it as a non profit, as she did working full time as a vet. She is passionate about what Project VETS does, and the difference it has made for animals worldwide.
V.E.T.S is an acronym for Veterinary equipment, technology and supplies. Project VETS accepts donations of new or used, veterinary, and medical supplies. Everything from gauze and bandages, to larger equipment like microscopes, and IV pumps. They distribute these supplies to non profit organizations worldwide for the health and benefit of animals of all kinds. There are 78 organizations in 43 countries, caring for all species, that benefit from Project VETS. Their goal is to work with grass roots organizations that will benefit the community they are in. Each organization has to apply, and meet certain criteria before they are accepted as a recipient.

Sterilization Clinic, Animal Balance, Galapagos Islands (they also work in the Bahama Islands, Cape Verde, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Hawaiian and Samoan Islands)
As you can imagine, there is a constant need for supplies, and cash donations. Cash donations are used for shipping costs, as shipping worldwide can be very expensive.

Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center, New York, US

Gorilla Doctors, Uganda, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo

Raju on left, Elephant rescued in 2014 by Wildlife SOS, India
So how can you help? Several ways actually. First, do you, or people you know have extra collars, leashes, beds, anything of that sort laying around? Project VETS is always in need of extra pet supplies. I know I have more stuff than I could possibly use, and why not donate it to someone who has nothing?

Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, Zimbabwe

VSPCA, India
Second, talk to your vet. Apparently vets never get rid of anything, so chances are your vet has a closet full of stuff that could be donated, and used. This page on the Project VETS website, has a form to fill out, and information on getting the donations to Project VETS.
Third, shop through Smile.Amazon and chose Project VETS. They will get a donation for every purchase through this Amazon program. December 8th is Colorado gives day, and there are matching funds available for non profits that raise money on that day. So if you use the Amazon link on that day, Project VETS gets even more benefit.
Below are some statistics to show what they have accomplished so far.
Project VETS IMPACT STATEMENT
All over the world, animals are loved as dear friends, enjoyed by wildlife enthusiasts,
and worked to help families maintain crops and carry loads. Simultaneously, animals
face worldwide struggles with pet over-population, the poaching crisis and endangered
species survival as well as environmental disasters and every day human conflicts.
Project V.E.T.S. is a one-of-a-kind organization that focuses solely on helping
veterinarians perform hands-on work with companion animals, wildlife and working
animals in efforts to help address these struggles.
The need is great for animals! We can read the news, visit our local shelter or wildlife
rehabilitation center, and look at Project V.E.T.S.’s list of Recipient Organizations to find
evidence to support this fact. Currently Project V.E.T.S. supports 78 Recipient
Organizations in 43 countries! This is a 1200% increase from 2009, the year Project
V.E.T.S. was founded! In 2014 alone, these Recipient Organizations provided the
following services and programs to the animals in their care and within their local
communities:
• More than 89,000 sterilizations were performed.
• They offered minor wound treatment to approximately 34,000 animals.
• More than 17,500 surgical cases and 12,600 internal medicine cases were seen
and treated.
• 117,000+ animals were vaccinated.
• They administered parasite control to over 68,000 animals.
• And, educational services were provided to 48,000 adults, 71,500 children and
2,200 veterinary students and staff.
By collecting donated veterinary equipment and supplies, and then distributing them to
animal health focused non-profits and non-governmental organizations all over the
world, Project V.E.T.S. plays an important role in helping veterinarians treat the animals
that come into their care. The services listed above were made possible, in part, with
the help of Project V.E.T.S. and it’s supporters!
Project V.E.T.S.’s goals are twofold: 1) to keep valuable medical items and supplies
from being wastefully discarded, and 2) to have them put into the hands of those who
are making a difference in the welfare of wildlife and domestic (companion and working)
animals worldwide. By fulfilling these goals, there are many parties who benefit:
• Veterinarians and Recipient Organizations who partner with Project V.E.T.S.,
• Wildlife and domestic animals who are treated by these veterinarians,
• The communities in which the Recipient Organizations provide service, and
• Manufacturers, veterinarians and other donors who donate their surplus
equipment and supplies.
More and more animal health focused organizations all over the world are learning
about Project V.E.T.S. and are reaching out for support. It is our mission to serve the
needs of the animals in their care. With our expanding network, our ability to help more
animals and veterinarians grows! Together, we are healing the planet one animal at a
time.
Please help if you can, not just now, but all year. Keep the information handy, and if you can, donate. Talk to your vet, and your family and friends. Maybe have a fundraiser, or gather extra pet supplies to send. Any little bit helps.
Please share this post, because the more people see the need, the more chances there are of Project VETS receiving help.
GOod morning Mary! It’s great to see that there are many people in the world that DO care and support the well being of others, including animals. What a great connection you’ve made with two very special people. I wish them much success as they continue to help support a very important part of the earth’s chain of life.
Thanks Anita. They are pretty awesome people.
What a terrific organization!
Thank you for bringing them to our attention.
Sounds like a fabulous program. I’ll definitely spread the word.
As eventually sail farther afield, I’ve been thinking about different ways we can volunteer. I’ve known cruising sailors who delivered vet supplies to poor island nations. Maybe we can help Project VETs in the future and help keep those shipping costs down (shipping outside the U.S. is a bear).
Saving this post.
Thanks Pamela, I would love to see them get all the help they need. Your idea to carry supplies sounds like a good one too. Candy commented below, and would like to hear from you and maybe see if you guys can work something out.
Mary, thank you so much for the wonderful post! Everyone at Project V.E.T.S. appreciates your kind words and that fact that you have spread the word to all of your followers. It is amazing what can be accomplished, one person at a time. Everyone can make a difference and there are no acts too small!
Pamela…..what an interesting idea about having cruisers hand carry supplies. I have no idea what that would look like logistically, but we are always open to new ideas. Feel free to contact me with any thoughts.
Candy, it’s my pleasure. I hope more people will come forward with help for you guys.
Sounds like a great organization to support. I had never heard of Project V.E.T.S. before.
Thank you so much, Mary for sharing the information and the link!
I love it, I shared it!!
What a fantastic organization – doing such immensely needed work! Will spread the word, wishing the best of success in all their endeavors!
I almost fell off my chair. Candy used to be one of our vets!!!!! She is amazing, and I’m so glad that she’s still throwing her heart into Project VETS.
This sounds like a wonderful organization. I’ve heard of very few that help animals all around the world, what awesome people to take on such a large undertaking like this. Shared!
What an amazing organization and work that they do. How lucky you got to meet them and share their work. Love Dolly