TEARS adds two first-of-its-kind Education and Veterinary Outreach Clinics to its operational fleet
TEARS adds two first-of-its-kind Education and Veterinary Outreach Clinics to its operational fleet
TEARS Animal Rescue is excited to announce the launch of two proto-type Mobile Education and Treatment Clinics that will allow it to extend its compassion education and treatment impact in the Western Cape thanks to a legacy-based programme funded by the Dov, Edie, and Cicely Blumberg Project.
Designed in collaboration with vehicle conversion specialists, Advanced Vehicle Engineering (AVE) at a cost of over R3M, these pioneering vehicles blend education and veterinary healthcare facilities, providing TEARS with an advanced platform for transforming animal welfare and community engagement in the Southern Peninsula and beyond.
Says TEARS Co-Founder and Director, Marilyn Hoole,
“The Dov, Edie, and Cicely Blumberg Project will strengthen TEARS’ mission to rescue and treat vulnerable pets while fostering compassion and community awareness. The rollout of these dual-purpose Mobile Clinics marks a milestone in Cape Town’s animal welfare efforts and embodies the Blumberg family’s enduring legacy of kindness and care. While my dear friend, Cicely is unable to witness her mission realised, the Dov, Edie, and Cicely Blumberg Project will ensure that her legacy continues to make a difference to the people and pets within Cape Town's underserved communities.”
Each fully renovated Fuso truck is equipped to serve as a “classroom on wheels” and a mobile veterinary clinic. With audio-visual equipment for educational presentations, 26 cages for safe animal transport, and space for limited treatments, including microchipping, vaccinations, as well as transport for animals in need of specialised care at the TEARS Veterinary Hospital.
TEARS Operations Manager, Mandy Store, comments,
“As prototypes, the TEARS Mobile Education and Treatment Clinics redefine our approach to veterinary outreach, expanding our capacity to provide pet care support and education to at-risk pet owners. They will be vital in helping us extend our reach in our mandated communities, and to partner with other non-profits in other vulnerable communities in order to engage youth, pet owners, and pets more effectively than ever.”
Each Mobile Education and Treatment Clinics features:
- A generator and inverter
- An extendable outdoor awning, 20 foldable chairs, a table, an integrated whiteboard and a 75 inch LED TV and accompanying soundbar that allows for the outdoor screening and broadcast of education-based and teaching videos to youth
- The interior of each Unit is divided into two separate sections to accommodate cat and dog examinations and procedures
- Each section is fitted with its own retractable ramp and stainless steel security door which enables cat and dog owners to queue in separate lines
- There are 11 cat cages on the cat examination side, including a fold-up examination table, work surfaces, basin and fridge
- The dog section is constructed as a replica but features 4 large and 8 medium dog cages
- Each section includes overhead lighting, air-conditioning, a water tank, a grey water tank, and a medical waste bin
The TEARS Mobile Education and Treatment Clinics will enable TEARS to expand its core mission to communities that previously had limited access to primary veterinary care and educational resources. With the capacity to offer medical services and host interactive education sessions in schools, at community centres and events, TEARS will now better address challenges like pet overpopulation, neglect, and animal welfare at a grassroots level.
TEARS Fundraising and Communication Manager, Lara Van Rensburg concludes,
“Working with donors, local non-profit partners and schools, TEARS has been delivering targeted pet care training and compassion education programmes covering responsible pet ownership, the Five Freedoms, and humane education in Vrygrond over the last several years. But the introduction of these vehicles is a game-changer for us as we can now host workshops, demonstrations, and hands-on activities that will hopefully promote more engagement across a wider footprint, help to foster empathy and support responsible pet care practices.”
