(upbeat music) - Escalante Community Animal Clinic is a new non-profit animal welfare program serving rural areas in southern Utah.

Joining us remotely with more information is Director Morgan Flynn.

So Morgan, let's talk about why you decided to create the clinic and its services.

- Thanks, Mary.

Yeah, so there is a critical need for improved access to veterinary services, especially in areas like Southern Utah where pet owners have to drive two to three hours to get to the closest veterinarian.

- Okay, and so what you've created is both a clinic that's in Escalante and a mobile unit.

So kind of talk about how that works and how far you go sometimes to reach these pets.

- Yeah, so we serve Garfield and Wayne counties right now.

So typically one to two hours of driving time for our volunteers.

And we provide spay, neuter, and wellness and preventative care, and we practice community centered care where the needs of the pet are considered, along with the capabilities and circumstances of their owners.

- Yeah, I know, and you've said that it's really important to get this kind of care.

It's important for the community, for the families because people do consider their pets part of the family.

- Yeah, we recognize the bond between pets and their families, and it's really important to us to practice care strategies that support keeping pets in their homes whenever possible.

- Which is great.

And talk a little about what other services you provide.

I know you have the veterinary services, but you also, as you say, try to keep their pet in the home.

And you like keeping them out of shelters?

That's one thing, yeah.

- Yeah, so that community center and model is really focused on keeping pets with their families.

And we do also coordinate with local rescue groups, and we also provide a pet food pantry for those who need it.

- Okay, that's great.

Well, thank you for what you do and for starting that.

It's a really needed service, so thank you.

- [Morgan] Thank you.

- And if you'd like to know more about the Escalante Animal Clinic, they do have a mobile unit, go to escalantevet.org.

I'm Mary Dickson.

Thanks for watching "Contact".

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Hi, I'm Mary Dickson.

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