Compassion Beyond the Clinic
At Animal House of Chicago, caring for animals goes beyond the exam room. Several members of the team are volunteering their time with People Helping Pets, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing essential veterinary services to pets in underserved communities.
The hospital's involvement began when Dr. Tellez connected with Dr. Valbuena, one of the co-founders of People Helping Pets, while speaking to veterinary students at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. Inspired by the organization's mission and the impact it was making, Dr. Tellez began volunteering at the monthly clinics and soon encouraged other members of the Animal House of Chicago team to get involved.
People Helping Pets provides free preventive care services, including rabies, DA2PPV, leptospirosis, and FVRCP vaccinations, along with microchips and heartworm testing when available. When donations allow, families may also receive preventive medications at no cost. The organization's monthly clinics serve approximately 100 pets, helping ensure that more animals receive the care they need to stay healthy.
After seeing firsthand how meaningful the clinics were for local families, Dr. Tellez shared the opportunity with her colleagues. What began with one volunteer quickly became a team effort. Over the following months, several Animal House of Chicago technicians joined the clinics, bringing the hospital's total volunteer participation to four team members.
For many pets, these clinics provide their first-ever veterinary visit. In addition to administering vaccines and preventive care, volunteers help identify potential health concerns and connect families with affordable veterinary resources when additional treatment is needed. Sometimes, a simple conversation or piece of educational guidance can make a lasting difference for both pets and their owners.
The clinics also help remove barriers that can prevent families from seeking veterinary care. Most of the volunteer veterinarians speak Spanish as their first language, allowing them to communicate directly with many of the pet owners they serve. This creates a more welcoming experience, encourages meaningful conversations about pet health, and helps families feel supported as they navigate their pets' care.
For Dr. Tellez, that mission is especially meaningful. Having seen firsthand how language barriers can affect access to veterinary care, she is passionate about helping families feel heard, understood, and empowered to make informed decisions for their pets.
Through their partnership with People Helping Pets, the Animal House of Chicago team is strengthening the human-animal bond while giving back to the community. Whether providing preventive care, sharing educational resources, or connecting families with additional support, their volunteer efforts are making a meaningful difference for pets and the people who love them.
