As a private, non-profit, no kill animal rescue organization, Palmetto Animal League (PAL) is fiercely dedicated not only to saving animals, but also to preventing animal homelessness in the first place. In 2012, the PAL Veterinary Clinic officially opened its doors giving thousands of hardworking Lowcountry families access to quality, affordable veterinary care.
“Accessible care helps keep pets in a loving home for their lifetime, decreasing the number of animals surrendered to shelters,” says PAL President Amy Campanini.
Now, in the midst of a nationwide veterinarian shortage, PAL has gotten creative to continue offering the vet services so many in our community rely on. By introducing virtual vet visits, PAL is able to serve the pets of established clients needing routine care, minor wellness checks, and rechecks. Similar to telehealth visits for humans, during virtual vet appointments, a PAL veterinarian calls in via video to monitor the visit while vet techs are hands on in the office.
“It benefits the client because unlike true telemedicine, our virtual visits still provide the ability to conduct diagnostic testing, administer medications, and give vaccines,” explains PAL Vet Clinic Manager Colby Smith.
The only difference between PAL’s virtual visits and a regular veterinary visit is that the doctor is on a screen instead of physically in the room.
“Without using our virtual vet option, we would not be able to offer enough appointments to serve the needs of our community,” says PAL Veterinarian, Dr. Kirsten Cianci.
Dr. Kris may be retired from her career as a full-time veterinarian, but her desire to help animals is as strong as ever.
“Virtual appointments give pets access to veterinary care that they might not receive otherwise, as their owners can still take advantage of PAL’s reasonably priced care even when the veterinarian isn’t in the building,” says Cianci.
Not only do PAL’s virtual vet visits provide affordable, loving care for every pet and every family, but they also come full circle to support our organization’s no kill adoption center that is a refuge for over 300 animals until they find a loving home.
“All proceeds from the PAL Vet Clinic are funneled back into PAL’s mission to provide a safe, homelike environment and medical care for abandoned, abused, and neglected animals in our community,” says Smith.
Help homeless animals when you care for your pet at the Palmetto Animal League Veterinary Clinic in Okatie’s Riverwalk Business Park. For details on our services and to make an appointment, call 843-645-1727.
Lindsay Perry, Palmetto Animal League Marketing Coordinator
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Thank you to our Partners in Rescue, The Bluffton Sun and The Hilton Head Sun for being beacons of compassion and hope for homeless pets in our community. Please show your support for these local animal loving businesses!
