It’s an impossible choice: you finally find an affordable apartment to rent in northeastern Connecticut that also welcomes your beloved dog. But you can’t manage the costs of your dog’s vaccines, or perhaps the additional pet security deposit required by the landlord. What do you do?

The Connecticut Humane Society (CHS) is stepping in to prevent anguished decisions like these by offering vaccines, pet food, and veterinary care. And if a person is evicted or in a temporary living situation, the agency can board a pet short-term until a person achieves stable housing. For people striving to make ends meet, especially older adults who may find companionship only in their pets, the assistance can be life-changing.

CHS offers free veterinary care clinics at human services agencies like the Thompson Ecumenical Empowerment Group (TEEG). There, participants and their pets hailing from 11 northeastern Connecticut towns get care and support.

Kerry Garofano, CHS’s assistant director of development, marketing, and community outreach, says it’s not unusual to hear stories of people rationing their own meals to ensure their pets have enough to eat.

Imagine the relief and gratitude when CHS makes it possible for pet owners to live together with their dogs or cats and get the nourishment each needs!

Garofano credits the Community Foundation’s grants and the years-long partnership between agencies for the customized care CHS provides. One shining example relates to pet food.

She reports, “We get to know owners and their pets through repeated mobile clinic visits. We learn what type of diet each pet requires, then we provide a 1-3 month supply of the same food. That continuity can prevent the GI issues that occur when pets switch foods frequently.” Beyond nutrition, CHS veterinarians treat pet health issues and provide preventive treatments to avoid costly health issues down the road.

In the end, owners and pets can thrive together.