Free mobile veterinary program to support vulnerable households launched in Windsor-Essex

The Windsor/Essex County Humane Society has launched a ‘mobile vet’, helping vulnerable families care for their animals. CTV Windsor’s Chris Campbell reports.

The Windsor/Essex County Humane Society (WECHS) and the Windsor Essex Community Housing Corporation (WECHC) are launching a new pilot mobile veterinary program aimed at helping vulnerable households access essential pet care.

The initiative, called Helping Paws: Pet Health Access for Vulnerable Households, will bring wellness exams, vaccinations and other veterinary services directly into community housing neighbourhoods across Windsor-Essex.

The Humane Society says the program is designed to support families facing housing insecurity and financial hardship by removing long-standing barriers to veterinary and spay/neuter services.

The project is led by Dr. Emily Durbin, WECHS’s new community veterinarian, who says the effort was motivated in part by last year’s 2024–25 parvovirus outbreak in Windsor, an outbreak concentrated in the Glengarry neighbourhood.

“The parvo outbreak showed how urgently accessible veterinary services are needed in our community,” Durbin said in a statement.

“Helping Paws provides preventative care where it’s needed most, reduces disease spread, and helps keep pets with the people who love them.”

Officials say many residents in community housing face complex challenges such as poverty, domestic violence and unstable housing, which can delay veterinary care or lead to fear of being separated from their pets if they seek help. Helping Paws aims to keep families together by offering subsidized, accessible and judgment-free services.

Windsor Essex Community Housing Corporation CEO Fabio Costante said the partnership strengthens household stability by reducing transportation and financial barriers.

“CHC is committed to supporting the well-being of our residents, including the pets who are part of their families,” Costante said.

“This partnership removes barriers, increases safety, and strengthens household stability. We are proud to support an initiative that helps people stay housed, supported and connected.”

Under the program, WECHS will offer on-site veterinary support clinics in underserved neighbourhoods, provide education on responsible pet ownership and basic animal health, and connect families to resources such as pet food banks and emergency boarding.

The first clinic will take place Dec. 15 from 2pm to 4pm in the Glengarry neighbourhood, the same community hit hardest by the 2024 parvo outbreak.

Humane Society executive director Lynnette Bain said the program recognizes the crucial role pets play for families facing hardship.

“Pets are often the most constant source of love and support in people’s lives, especially during times of instability,” Bain explained.

“Helping Paws ensures that families don’t have to choose between their own needs and their animals’ well-being. By bringing services directly into the community, we’re meeting people where they are.”

Helping Paws is jointly funded by the OSPCA Cares Fund, the Windsor Essex Community Housing Corporation and the Windsor/Essex County Humane Society. The partners say they are seeking long-term funding to continue and expand the program beyond 2025, with 12 clinics set to take place throughout 2026.