Why Atlanta Humane Society and Remedy?
The need for veterinary care for the companion animals of people experiencing homelessness and people in our most vulnerable communities has grown exponentially since the founding of St. Francis Pet Care (SFPC). In order to meet the increasing demand, SFPC identified a partner organization with similar goals and missions of providing accessible and affordable veterinary care to those that need it most and would help them grow its existing business. Joining forces with Remedy, the affordable veterinary practice of the Atlanta Humane Society (AHS), will enable SFPC to continue to serve its current clients throughout North Central Florida and be able to see and treat thousands more vulnerable pets.
Like St. Francis Pet Care, Atlanta Humane Society recognizes the need to provide veterinary health care to those who cannot currently access it and to do so in the most financially sustainable way. Across the country, the need for accessible veterinary care is the most significant animal welfare challenge of today and it will take a multi-faceted approach to serve that need.
Atlanta Humane Society is fortunate to have a long history of service and equally long history of supportive community members and donors. The strength of operations and knowledge of the AHS staff is an asset that can help St. Francis Pet Care improve and help more animals within our community and region. AHS wants every organization to be at its best to serve pets and people and recognizes that strengthening other organizations means more pets can have lives of health, wellness, and love.
How are Remedy and Atlanta Humane Society connected?
Remedy is the affordable veterinary practice of the Atlanta Humane Society. Joining forces with them will enable SFPC to continue to serve its current clients throughout North Central Florida and be able to see and treat even more vulnerable pets.
Does this mean the mission of St. Francis Pet Care is changing?
No. For nearly 15 years, SFPC has been committed to serving the needs of animals and people in our community and strengthening the human-animal bond. Over that time, those needs have evolved, and SFPC has always met those changing needs with a very clear focus: helping the pets who need us most and supporting the relationship between people and pets. Atlanta Humane Society and Remedy share our mission and vision. This transition will not change our mission and will only allow us to do more.
Does this plan mean that Atlanta Humane Society (AHS) will make all changes or shifts immediately?
No. AHS will thoughtfully and carefully plan any transitions that are needed. We expect the first six months of the transition to focus on internal backend systems as AHS and Remedy learn more about the intricacies of St. Francis Pet Care’s work and clients. Any changes or shifts will happen in a planful way.
How will this impact current clients?
St. Francis Pet Care clients should not significantly feel this change. Our hope is that in the future, clients will be impacted positively as we work to streamline the financial and record-keeping systems.
Will St. Francis Pet Care continue the work with GRACE and SWAG?
Yes. We will continue to provide veterinary care at the Gainesville clinic, GRACE Marketplace and SWAG Family Resource Center. The partnership with Remedy will enable SFPC to take advantage of economies of scale, shared back-office support, and a call center so it can expand and focus on meeting the growing veterinary care needs of the most vulnerable communities.
Atlanta Humane Society understands the importance of this work and is committed to serving those without access or with limited access to veterinary care.
Can I still volunteer with St. Francis Pet Care?
Absolutely. Our work depends on the dedicated, hard work of our volunteers and staff and that work will continue. We will continue to find opportunities for volunteers to deliver the service our clients are used to while we also look for opportunities to expand our capacity.
What does this mean for St. Francis Pet Care in the long term?
This is an incredible opportunity for St. Francis Pet Care to reach even more pets and people in our community. The Atlanta Humane Society has the systems in place to allow us to become more strategic and stream-lined in our operations, thereby allowing us to help even more people receive the care their pets deserve.
Last Updated August 1, 2022
