MADISON, Wis. — Some Wisconsin animal rescue groups are working to provide pet owners who are struggling to make ends meet, with quality veterinary care.

Underdog Pet Rescue of Wisconsin started organizing free pop-up vet clinics in Madison’s Warner Park, after noticing more and more people are struggling to afford vet care for their pets.

College student Samantha Gonzalez is one of them.

“I’ve looked at and talked to a bunch of vets around Madison,” she said. “The price is really extreme and something that I can’t afford.”

Gonzalez brought her 15-year-old dog, Coco, to one of the free clinics in June. Not only do they offer a wide range of veterinary services for animals, but they also provide pet supplies and food.

“We started seeing a lot of pets that should have been treated for something a long time ago,” said Lauren Brinkman, Executive Director of Underdog Pet Rescue. “We realized that it’s not that the people don’t care about their pets, it’s just really expensive for anyone to be acquiring vet care these days.”

Brinkman and her team reached out to a national group with a similar mission to obtain more funding for these local events. The Street Dog Coalition offers free vet care to pets of people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. There are chapters in cities across the country.  

Brinkman decided to start a chapter of The Street Dog Coalition in Madison. And word about what they offer is spreading. Volunteers see a growing turnout at each free clinic.

“It’s been a really great eye opener to meet other people in our community, and to work together to help the things we love most, which are our pets,” Brinkman said.

There are two more free vet care clinics planned for this year: Aug. 25 & Oct. 27 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Warner Park, 1511 Northport Dr. in Madison.