Vol. 3 No. 3/1994
In our last newsletter we featured a luxury spay/neuter van that is currently covering Houston , Texas. to demonstrate the diversity of solutions, we are featuring Dr. Jeff young of Planned Pethood Plus of Denver, Colorado in this issue, Dr. Young’s van, fully equipped, cost under $15,000.
The reason Dr. young began using a mobile van was that it was less expensive than renting an office. He paid $7,500 for a school bus that had been converted to an RV. He removed the bed and replaced it with carriers. The RV already had running water, heater and the capacity to be hooded up to 110 volt electricity with an extension cord. His major costs, doing much of the work himself and buying used equipment where possible were as follows:
Van…$7,500
Anesthesia machine…1,000
Microscope (used)…300
Centrifuge…200
Table…200
Autoclave (pressure cooler)…300
Surgical instruments (8 packs)…1,000
Light…50
Carriers…300
plus required drugs, surgical gowns, gloves, etc.
While prices may vary in different parts of the country, his costs come to just under $15,000; it
JEFF YOUNG AND HIS MOBILE VAN
could be double that in areas with higher costs of living.
in the West, mobile vets are accepted because there are many practicing large-animal vets. Denver has a whole page of mobile vets listed in the yellow pages of the phone book. It is true that in some states the veterinary associations have tried to limit low-cost and mobile spay/neuter clinics, but as Dr. Young points out, in those states where restraining legislation was enacted, the laws were challenged, and where challenged, they were beaten. Because it is legal to use mobile vets for large animals, it follows that the profession cannot set different standards for smaller animals.
the usual reason given for not allowing mobile vets to do s/n is that they “will not be around for follow-up care.” However, they are reachable just as local vets are (by phone) to give a prescription or a referral. As is standard in fixed-site surgery, packs are sterilized, sterile drapes and disposable
gloves are used and the field is cleaned and prepped. Why does Dr. Young like the mobile van? First, it takes away the excuses. Simple procrastination is the reason for the existence of many and unwanted litter. It also removes the legitimate reasons why many people do not get to a clinic – lack of transportation. Second, a mobile van enables the vet to pinpoint a trouble area and go there, door to door if need be, as often as necessary. And last but not least, the mobile van enables Dr. Young to live his world view as a veterinarian. As a part of society that feels it is his responsibility as a professional to speak out about problems that affect animals – irresponsibility of pet owners and the overpopulation of cats and dogs. His mobile van gets him out into the community where he can do public education as well as that is affordable to those he serves. Dr. Young’s motto, “Think Globally, Act Locally” is his life in action.
