Mobile Clinic to Bring Veterinary Services Closer

Animals Fiji’s mobile clinic will begin serving pet owners in September, co-founder and managing trustee Casey Quimby announced.

The project, funded by a GoFundMe campaign launched in 2021, raised USD$25,000 (about FJD$50,000).

“We bought the bus from Coastline Transport and have started renovations, removing seats and electrical components,” Ms Quimby said.

“We aim to have it on the road by September.”

For the past 12 years, Animals Fiji has conducted outreach clinics in various locations, including trucks, porches, and community halls.

The new mobile clinic will enable street-by-street services.

“With the bus, we can park on every street or village without worrying about setup,” Ms Quimby said.

Animals Fiji is collaborating with the Lautoka City Council and the Ministry of Agriculture to collect data on the Tavakubu ward.

“Even with community outreach, people often didn’t know we were there or couldn’t bring their pets to us. The bus will solve this by bringing all necessary equipment directly to them,” she said.

The mobile clinic will travel with two to four staff members and is equipped with a generator, surgical tables, and sterilization facilities.

“We’ll have a camping layout with power for surgeries and recovery. Our team will handle sterilization on the road,” Ms Quimby said.

Initial clinics will be held near Nadi and Lautoka to acclimate the team.

“Our staff is obtaining licenses from the Land Transport Authority to drive the bus,” she added.

Positive feedback from the community has encouraged Animals Fiji to seek sponsorships.

“We’re looking for annual sponsors to cover costs like fuel, repairs, and maintenance. Sponsors can have their logos on the bus,” Ms Quimby said.

The bus has passed mechanical inspections, but final steps include updating wheel taxes and completing the interior setup.

Feedback: salote.qalubau@fijisun.com.fj