A Helping Hand in Tough Times
A drive to Richmond, VA could help financially stressed owners and their pets with serious health issues.
Dr. Lori Pasternak is on a mission. A mission to ensure that no pet will go without the care it needs or deserves. In today’s economy some expensive, but needed, surgeries may be postponed because owners have to decide between making ends meet and providing for their pets. Dr. Pasternak opened Helping Hands Affordable Veterinary Surgical and Dental Care in Richmond, VA to provide surgical and dental care for needy animals at very affordable rates. By limiting their scope of services to only surgery and dental care, they cut out office visit/consultation time and fees in order to put all of their efforts into treating your pet. “People in my community no longer have to choose between paying their rent or saving their beloved pet’s life. I have been so deeply touched by being able to help so many in such a unique way. I’m hoping more people across the country will be inspired by my story to do more for their community in whatever way they have a talent to share,” says Pasternak. Many people in the Northern Virginia area have made the trip down to her practice to receive care for their pets.
What they are not.
Helping Hands does not offer routine health care, sick animal care, radiology, or long- term hospital stays. For those types of visits, you would see your regular veterinarian. Where Helping Hands comes into the picture, is if your dog has been diagnosed with something serious and needs a surgical procedure, or routine dental care. They are only a drop-off, outpatient clinic; so all pets must be picked up by 5:30 on the day of the surgery. For post surgical, and continued care, you would go back to see your regular, full-service veterinarian.
How low are the prices?
Unlike some animal hospitals, they have a list of procedures and corresponding prices on their web site at (www.helpinghandsvetva.com) Prices are all inclusive—which means everything your pet needs, associated with the procedure—is included for one price. The only exception is for senior pets. Older animals are required to have blood tests prior to anesthesia, which is an additional fee. Knowing the cost prior to your pets’ procedure takes the financial anxiety out of the experience. “I have seen more routine dental care visits than ever because people can now afford it,” says Pasternak.
Pay it Forward
In addition to helping your immediate needs, $5 from the cost of each procedure is donated to the “Good Citizen, Helping Hands Fund” that constantly generates money for those that can’t even afford the already lower cost. (There is a growing Tree of Perpetual Kindness painted on an exterior wall for those that donate $50 or more. They have already raised over $6,000.) People can apply for funding towards their pet’s procedure from the fund, and for every $10 they are awarded, they must pay it back in 1 hour of volunteer time either at the hospital or any local animal rescue organization. This
allows a person to take responsibility and ownership of their pet, and give back to
the animal loving community that helped them get the care they needed. “Volunteers have shown up ready to repay their debt with broad smiles on their faces,” says Pasternak.
You can see photos and testimonials on their Facebook page, where Dr. Pasternak stays connected with her patients and their families.
Helping Hands Affordable Veterinary Surgical and Dental Care is located in Richmond, VA at 3402 W.Cary Street. Contact them at 804-355-3500 or visit www.helpinghandsvetva.com.
