Submitted by Island Haven Animal Sanctuary
Harmony Veterinary Services has taken a stand in support of unwanted horses by participating in the Unwanted Horse Veterinary Relief Campaign. As part of the outreach program, equine veterinarians help rescue and retirement facilities provide healthcare for America’s unwanted horses.
Island Haven Animal Sanctuary in Friday Harbor has directly benefited from the program. The facility, which provides care for 15 horses, recently received core equine vaccines thanks to the support of American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP)-member Harmony Veterinary Services. Dr. Sandi Farris supported the Island Haven’s UHVRC application to obtain vaccines to protect these horses against Equine Encephalomyelitis Viruses, Equine Herpesviruses, Equine Influenza Viruses, West Nile Virus, Tetanus and Rabies.
“Tens of thousands of horses end their days unwanted or unneeded,” says Julie Duke “Our equine rescue center relies on the generosity of our supporters. Not only do we depend on them – our horses do as well. We want to thank Harmony Veterinary Services for making a difference in the lives of so many of our horses. Having Dr. Sandi Farris on board in conjunction with the UHVRC is fantastic news for equine welfare.”
About the UHVRC
Established in December 2008 by Merck Animal Health and the AAEP, the UHVRC is committed to protecting the health of unwanted horses by donating equine vaccines to qualifying equine rescue and retirement facilities. Since January 2009, the UHVRC has aided more than 46,000 horses across the country.
Equine rescue and retirement facilities are required to work with an AAEP-member veterinarian to complete and submit an application, the facilities checklist and the equine vaccine order form to receive complimentary Merck Animal Health equine vaccines.
Through this program, qualifying equine rescue and retirement facilities are provided with American Association of Equine Practitioners recommended core vaccines to protect against eastern equine encephalomyelitis, western equine encephalomyelitis, rabies, tetanus and West Nile virus, as well as equine influenza and equine herpesvirus, which are important risk-based diseases.
Equine facilities that follow the AAEP Care Guidelines for Equine Rescue and Retirement Facilities and have a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status are qualified to receive support from the UHVRC. To download an application and the AAEP Care Guidelines or to learn more about the UHVRC visit: www.UHVRC.org and www.facebook.com/unwantedhorse.
Since Dec.1, 2008, a portion of all Merck Animal Health equine vaccine sales has gone to support the UHVRC. To learn more about Merck Animal Health’s full line of innovative, high-quality, equine-health products, visit www.merck-animal-health-equine.com.
About Island Haven Animal Sanctuary
Since 2015 we have provided lifetime care for equines and farm animals who, while still able to lead a quality life, are unable to find homes due to disabilities or chronic or age-related illnesses. For more information visit www.islandhaven.org
About Harmony Veterinary Services
Harmony Veterinary Services offers a variety of state-of-the-art treatment and diagnostic modalities. Concentrating on equine sports medicine, soundness issues, digital imaging, farriery consults, and pre-purchase evaluations in sport horses we also enjoy providing quality, professional care to beloved farm animals. For more information visit www.harmony-veterinary.com.
