PUHI — The Kauai Humane Society (KHS) has added more clinic hours and welcomed a second veterinarian.
KHS has extended the hours of the Community Care Center (CCC) as an answer to the growing need for affordable veterinary care on the island, according to a press release. Since its inception in 2022, the CCC program has aimed to provide pets with quality veterinarian care without the burden of costly bills.
The budget-friendly clinic sees an average of 24 clients with 29 furry patients on each clinic day with a total of 1,1513 patient visits in 2024. The CCC will now be open on Saturdays as well as Tuesdays to further assist residents with pets.
The extended hours are made possible by the introduction of Dr. Beth Van Rys, a second veterinarian at the KHS who comes onboard from Ottawa, Canada.
Van Rys said she’s excited to see furry patients on Saturdays as well as continue to support the community with the quarterly mobile clinics around the island.
“I’m really looking forward to going out and into the community and supporting pet owners who need it,” said Van Rys.
Since her arrival in November, Van Rys has gained plenty of hands-on experience with the high volume of surgeries, along with spay and neuter procedures and dental work.
“We are so grateful to add Dr. Beth to our team,” said Dr. Dawn Ushio, KHS’s long-serving veterinarian.
“She has already fit in seamlessly with the compassion and commitment to the island’s pets,” Ushio said. “The addition of Dr. Beth benefits both the owned pets as well as the shelter. Providing accessible vet care is an important component to preventing pets from being surrendered to the already overcrowded shelter.”
Walk-ins are accepted at the CCC but appointments are preferred. Due to the vaccination clinic change, clients should now make vaccine-only appointments for their pets at the CCC.
“Adding a second day, especially a Saturday, provides greater accessibility for pet owners who may have limited availability during the week,” said KHS Executive Director Padraic Gallagher. “More pets receive care — this ultimately contributes to a healthier and more caring community.”
Pet owners can make an appointment for the CCC at www.kauaihumane.org/service/veterinary-services/. Appointment slots are 30 minutes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
