Bridging Gaps in Veterinary Care: Restructuring a Community Clinic for Cultural Inclusion in Phoenix, Arizona

Champayne Danae Master^1*Marjorie Robin Vincent²Bridgid Ann Twomey²Claudia Vazquez¹Jyothi Vinnakota Robertson²

• ¹Arizona Animal Welfare League, Phoenix, AZ, United States
• ²JVR Strategies, Belmont, United States

This case study examines the Arizona Animal Welfare League's (AAWL) efforts to bridge gaps in veterinary care access for Latino communities in Phoenix, AZ with strategic guidance from JVR Strategies supported by Maddie's Fund. AAWL played a central role in shaping a culturally responsive engagement strategy, advocating for the involvement of community health workers called promotoras to lead in-person outreach and ensure the approach aligned with the lived experiences of residents. Insights gained from third-party community needs assessments supported by PetSmart Charities, Fix.Adopt.Save Coalition, and conducted by the Institute for Human-Animal Connection (IHAC), shaped the restructuring of AAWL's public clinic, leading to the establishment of a Saturday-only model, bilingual services, and off-site clinics in targeted zip codes. While the transition posed operational challenges, early results demonstrated increased patient volume and stronger connections with the community through bilingual outreach, community partnerships and expanded access to care. This case study examines the organization's process from the initial assessments in 2022 through the clinic's transition to a new model in March 2024, with data collection continuing through July 2024. It offers insights into the importance of inclusive data collection, community partnerships, and culturally relevant service delivery. These findings provide a framework for organizations aiming to develop community-based veterinary care programs in diverse settings.