News Summary
Phoenix has opened the Marion and Bob Auray Animal Companion Clinic at St. Vincent de Paul to support unhoused individuals and their pets. This clinic provides free veterinary services, pet supplies, and promotes well-being for both residents and their beloved animals. The initiative, part of SVdP’s Companion Animal Program, aims to enhance the dignity of pet ownership among the unhoused population and will expand its services in the future.
Phoenix has welcomed a new resource for unhoused individuals and their pets, with the opening of the Marion and Bob Auray Animal Companion Clinic at St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) in early July 2025. This clinic is designed to support the animals of residents at SVdP, which serves approximately 450 people at any given time, a notable number of whom own pets, predominantly dogs.
The clinic occupies a 3,000 square foot space and operates by appointment only, facilitated by a team of volunteer veterinarians. This initiative is part of SVdP’s broader Companion Animal Program (CAP), which has provided services to over 2,640 companion animals since it began in 2021. The clinic aims to enhance the well-being of these pets by offering a range of free services, including food, supplies, wellness checkups, vaccinations, and spay or neuter procedures.
Facility Features
The newly established clinic features multiple facilities to cater to the needs of both pets and their owners. It includes three exam rooms, a designated wards for cats and dogs, a laundry room, a grooming space, and a pet pantry stocked with supplies. Plans are also in place to include surgical areas in the future. Additionally, there is a special play area for dogs, which has separate sections for different sizes, providing shaded areas for protection from the sun.
Current Services
Currently, the clinic focuses on administering vaccines and basic care, particularly for skin, ear, and eye health. Residents can also collect essential supplies like pet food and leashes directly from the clinic, making it a central spot for support within SVdP’s community.
Significance of the Clinic
The establishment of the clinic has been recognized as a critical support system, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic when veterinary costs have soared, creating challenges for pet owners in vulnerable circumstances. The emotional bond between unhoused individuals and their pets is profound, and the presence of the clinic is seen as a way to promote dignity and hope for these residents.
Community Impact
The role of the clinic extends beyond mere animal care. It serves as a bridge to foster trust and healing among the unhoused population. Observations from clinic staff suggest that providing health services for pets significantly aids residents on their journeys toward stability. In this process, it is emphasized that compassion is vital; understanding the unique stories behind each individual’s situation is imperative in providing effective support.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, the clinic plans to expand its services further, potentially offering workshops and classes on pet care, enhancing education about animal welfare within the community. The goal is to operate full-time, five days a week, thereby maximizing its impact on the lives of residents and their pets.
Background of the Initiative
The development of this clinic took approximately four years to come to fruition, with Marion Auray, a co-founder, leading the efforts. Auray has a history of volunteering with animal welfare organizations and was selected to spearhead this unique initiative, which stands out among SVdP’s various services. The clinic’s approach is tailored specifically for the needs of unhoused individuals, recognizing that their pets play a crucial role in their lives.
By identifying and addressing the challenges faced by pet-owning residents, the clinic aims to underscore the significance of animal companionship, as well as the inherent dignity of every individual. The Marion and Bob Auray Animal Companion Clinic is poised to be a transformative addition to SVdP’s mission, advocating for the well-being of both people and their beloved animals.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
St. Vincent de Paul Opens Animal Companion Clinic in Phoenix
Additional Resources
- Copper Courier: Phoenix Vet Clinic Offers Free Care for Pets
- KTAR: Veterinary Medical Center News
- NBC Philadelphia: New Low-Cost Vet Clinic
- Fox10 Phoenix: Bird Flu Pets Advisory
- Hoodline: Animal Cruelty Charges
- Wikipedia: Animal Welfare
- Google Search: Animal Companionship and Mental Health
- Google Scholar: Pet Care Community Support
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Animal Therapy
- Google News: Affordable Veterinary Care
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
