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14 Feb 2016
but more is needed.
This is one of the main reasons
why the “South African Veterinary
Association Community Veterinary
Clinics” was established in 1998.
Since its inception, the SAVA-CVC
has continued to provide primary
veterinary services (sterilisation,
vaccination and deworming)
to animals from disadvantaged
communities, linked to education on
basic pet care.
All the Community Veterinary Clinics
are linked to a registered veterinary
practice, which is regarded as the
home base. The approach differs from
area to area and even from clinic to
clinic, but all aim to provide primary
animal health care services to indigent
communities. In all cases, the rules
for the veterinary profession (and
veterinary para-professions, where
applicable) as compiled by the SAVC,
have to be adhered to.
One of the essential components of
CVC work is that a means test must
be used to determine whether any
individual qualifies for the services
rendered. Proof of income, proof of
residential address and a certified
copy of the owner’s identification
document must be submitted by
animal owners. The CVC Principal
has final say in who qualifies, but
the CVC may not be in competition
with existing veterinary practices
in the area. Owners who have the
means to pay the fees charged by the
local private practice (based on the
guidelines and means test) must be
referred to this practice.
Most of the current CVC’s deal
primarily with companion animals;
efforts are underway to change
this and to also establish CVC’s in
communities where the need is more
towards production animals. Many
CVC’s raise funds for their activities
themselves; central support consists
of the provision of education material,
special deals with pharmaceutical
companies and some financial support
aimed at specific projects. The SAVA-
CVC head office is working on a new
approach, aimed at more intensive
central fundraising efforts, to so be
able to provide support for projects
countrywide.
Everyone can make a
contribution!
• Veterinarians can
- Establish new CVC’s, or
- Make time available to support
current CVC’s (please refer to
the list below), or
- Offer to perform sterilisations
for free or at a huge discount
(even one-vet practices can
find the time to do some),
supporting existing CVC’s in this
way.
- Donate material/vaccines/
dewormers and other
parasiticides/other products
(either specifically purchased, or
stock that is close to expiry (not
already expired) that you know
you will not use before the sell-
by date, to existing CVC’s.
- Donate money.
• Veterinary nurses and other
practice staff can
- Volunteer to assist at one of the
existing CVC’s, or
- Support the principal of the
practice they work for in the
establishment of a new CVC).
- Assist with fundraising
campaigns.
- Donate money.
Please contact the
SAVA-CVC Head
Office at Vethouse
in Monument Park
if you can make a
contribution.
Elmien Delport –
or
082 897 8575
Elize Joubert – or
012 346 1150 (general enquiries/CVC’s
outside Gauteng)
Elsa Daniels – or
012 346 1150 (CVC’s in the Gauteng
area). v
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