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Home » About Us » Press Room » LOLLYPOP FARM BRIDGING GAPS IN VETERINARY CARE BY EXPANDING SERVICES AND CAPACITY WITH ADDITIONAL HIRINGS

LOLLYPOP FARM BRIDGING GAPS IN VETERINARY CARE BY EXPANDING SERVICES AND CAPACITY WITH ADDITIONAL HIRINGS

FAIRPORT, N.Y. – With a nationwide shortage of veterinarians creating significant barriers to care for pets and the people who love them, communities across the country are facing growing challenges in accessing timely, affordable veterinary services. In the Greater Rochester region, Lollypop Farm, the Humane Society of Greater Rochester, is taking action to bridge local gaps in care by reinforcing its veterinary capacity, strengthening community resources, and increasing access to low-cost care for animals who need it most.

“Access to veterinary care is fundamental to animal welfare, and when people cannot access the care that their pets need, the consequences can extend beyond an individual animal,” said Alice Calabrese, President and CEO of Lollypop Farm. “By investing in our veterinary capabilities, we’re creating greater capacity to serve animals and the people who care for them, while also strengthening our ability to support rescue organizations, and address some of the challenges facing our community in a meaningful way. We’re hopeful that by committing resources that expand our ability to provide impactful services, we can prevent problems before they become crises, helping keep pets healthy and in their homes, and making sure our community has a trusted resource it can turn to when animals need support.”

As the needs of animals and the community evolve, Lollypop Farm is looking ahead and investing in the people, programs, and services that will help the organization respond to those needs for years to come. The hiring of three new veterinarians, bringing Lollypop Farm’s veterinary team to four full-time veterinarians, along with per diem and part-time staff, significantly expands its potential to provide essential care while supporting pet owners, animal welfare organizations, and community partners. This investment builds on Lollypop Farm’s longstanding mission to keep people and their pets together and ultimately prevent animals from entering shelters when possible.

Locally, Lollypop Farm has not been immune to the impacts of the nationwide veterinary shortage. Earlier this summer, facing staffing challenges, the organization temporarily paused community-based veterinary programs while it worked to rebuild its veterinary team. With its veterinary team now fully staffed, Lollypop Farm can resume these services and effectively address the growing need for accessible veterinary care. In November, the organization will reopen applications for its community Spay/Neuter Incentive Program (S.N.I.P.) for cats, which helps eligible pet owners access low-cost spay and neuter services. By making these services more accessible, the program helps prevent unplanned births, reduce the number of animals entering shelters and rescues, and support healthier, more stable outcomes for pets and the people who care for them. Lollypop Farm is also planning to build upon its successful community pet care events and vaccination clinics, while continuing to foster veterinary partnerships with local rescue organizations to offer spay/neuter procedures, wellness exams, vaccinations, Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR), and other essential services.

Additionally, the increase in staffing will allow Lollypop Farm to bring services directly into underserved communities through its Mobile Veterinary Clinic, which will help in removing transportation-related barriers to care and provide a lifeline for animals in need.

“Every day, we see how access to timely veterinary care can make a difference in the life of an animal and the people who love them,” said Dr. Anna Young, Lollypop Farm’s Medical Director. “Having additional veterinarians on our team means we can reach more animals, provide high-quality care to more community members, and help address needs before they become more serious or difficult to manage. It’s incredibly rewarding knowing that the work we do can help an animal heal, help a family stay together, and create healthier futures.”

Together, these efforts reflect Lollypop Farm’s commitment to being a trusted animal welfare and veterinary resource for the Greater Rochester community, helping to improve access to care, keep pets healthy and with the people who love them, support the organizations working on the front lines of animal advocacy, and ultimately improve the lives of animals and community members across the region.

To discover how Lollypop Farm is impacting the Greater Rochester region through life-saving animal care, essential services, and impactful educational programming, or to learn how you can get involved, visit www.lollypop.org.

About Kindness for All Kind

Construction is underway on Lollypop Farm’s Kindness for All Kind project! Together, we’re building a brighter future for animals and the people who care for them throughout the Greater Rochester area and beyond. This visionary project will create a safe haven for animals in need, offer compassion to those seeking help, and provide unwavering support to the community and caregivers who make second chances possible every day.

Kindness for All Kind will enhance our abilities to care for animals and serve our community. The innovative project includes a new Animal Intake Center, enhanced Dog Holding Facilities, a community-focused Welcome Center, the Karpus Family Foundation Learning Center, expanded farm facilities, a modernized Maintenance Barn, and a Donations and Support Center to meet the growing needs of Lollypop Farm and the community. To learn more about Kindness for All Kind, including how you can support this generational investment in compassion and community, visit lollypop.org/kindness or contact Cathie Wright, Vice President of Donor Relations, at (585) 223-1330 ext. 245 or at wright@lollypop.org.

About Lollypop Farm

Established in 1873, Lollypop Farm, Humane Society of Greater Rochester, which celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2023, is the largest animal welfare organization helping pets and people in the Greater Rochester area. Lollypop Farm is committed to creating a just and compassionate world for all animals. Together with our community, we better the lives of animals through justice, prevention, and life-saving care. With its main campus in Fairport and a satellite adoption center in Greece Ridge Mall, the organization provides shelter, care, and adoption for dogs, cats, small animals, birds, reptiles, horses, and other farm animals. Lollypop Farm is an independent, nonprofit organization supported through donations and program fees. For more information and to meet current animals available for adoption, please visit www.lollypop.org and follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.

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