Example: At one shelter partnership, routine screening at intake identified a cluster of hookworm infections. Early treatment prevented spread and reduced euthanasia risk, saving the shelter resources and many lives. Running a specialized clinic in a small town posed challenges: fluctuating caseloads, seasonal parasite cycles, and the stigma some owners felt about bringing stool samples. Mara addressed these by offering discreet sample drop-off hours, sliding-scale fees for low-income owners, and outreach through local radio and the farmer’s market.
Example: At one shelter partnership, routine screening at intake identified a cluster of hookworm infections. Early treatment prevented spread and reduced euthanasia risk, saving the shelter resources and many lives. Running a specialized clinic in a small town posed challenges: fluctuating caseloads, seasonal parasite cycles, and the stigma some owners felt about bringing stool samples. Mara addressed these by offering discreet sample drop-off hours, sliding-scale fees for low-income owners, and outreach through local radio and the farmer’s market.