When our beloved pets get sick, our first instinct is to take them to the vet. But, for many in our community, this care is out of reach. Cost, transportation, lack of information, and other factors can create barriers to veterinary care.
“Pets are family, and there is a reciprocal relationship between their health and happiness and ours,” says Kelly Bremken, Oregon Humane Veterinary Social Worker. “And, when our pets are suffering, we suffer too.”
Kelly regularly sees the incredible bond that people have with their pets—particularly among those who live in tiny home villages or transitional housing. Kelly’s outreach work is often focused on increasing access to care for pet owners in these communities.
When donor Linda Polier was alerted to the overwhelming cat population at Dignity Village, she knew she had to help. She facilitated a connection with Oregon Humane and offered to fund the cost for spay/neuter surgery for the cats living at Dignity Village. Then, another donor who learned about the effort stepped forward to offset the cost of surgery so all the dogs could also be spayed/neutered as well.
Kelly then brought several departments together to develop a plan. Since many residents of Dignity Village lack access to transportation, Oregon Humane’s Second Chance team was tapped to pick up and return the pets. A half pallet of pet food was transported back to Dignity Village to help with ongoing care.
Subaru of Portland also stepped up with an $8,000 donation through the Subaru Loves Pets initiative to underwrite the cost for veterinary supplies, staff cost, and expenses. Because of their support, each animal was also able to receive a full medical check-up including vaccines and flea treatment, plus a microchip. It was a milestone day for the residents and pet owners at Dignity Village.
Seeing their beloved pets get the veterinary care they needed, and knowing they would never be burdened with an unwanted litter of puppies or kittens was very emotional for Dignity Village residents.
During the one-day event 27 cats and six dogs were spayed/neutered and received veterinary care—most for the very first time.
“This was a powerful project,” says Kelly. “Today, we got to see the smiles, gratitude, tail wags, and slow blinks. We are reminded how much people love their pets and how our work can impact their lives.”
Making Veterinary Care Accessible
Ensuring animals and humans have a safe, healthy and supported foundation is an important part of Oregon Humane’s mission. The need is huge in our community, which is why several times a year, our medical and operations teams go the extra mile to fill critical gaps.
2026 Schedule
Events designed
July 8 – Community Veterinary Hospital and Salem Veterinary Clinic Spay/Neuter Event**
Oct. 28 – Community Veterinary Hospital and Salem Veterinary Clinic Spay/Neuter Event**
Nov. 16 – Blanchet House Pet Vaccine Clinic*
*Walk-in only
**Appointments available 4-6 weeks prior to event. Schedule online at oregonhumane.org
