Veterinary care for the companion animals of people experiencing homelessness.
Every week, outreach teams provide food, clothing, medical care, and support to people facing homelessness. Yet many beloved companion animals still go without access to basic veterinary care. The Companion Outreach Project exists to bring veterinary services directly to outreach locations—helping keep companions healthy and keeping families together.
Why This Matters
The Companion Outreach Project was inspired by firsthand experience volunteering with weekly homeless outreach efforts in Maine. During outreach, we regularly meet people whose dogs are their closest companions—emotional support, protection, and family.
We have also witnessed preventable health issues that often go untreated simply because veterinary care is difficult to access. These situations are often not the result of neglect. They are the result of limited access to veterinary care.
Common conditions we encounter include:
Bringing Veterinary Care Directly to Outreach
Our goal is simple: bring veterinary professionals directly to existing outreach events.
Wellness Exams
Basic health assessments and routine checkups for companion animals at outreach sites.
Vaccinations
Protecting companion animals from preventable disease through on-site immunization.
Parasite Prevention
Providing flea, tick, and parasite treatment and prevention resources directly on-site.
Minor Medical Care
Addressing common conditions before they become emergencies requiring costly intervention.
Referrals & Follow-Up
Connecting animals with additional care and follow-up services when needed.
Starting Small. Building Something Meaningful.
Our Initial Goals
The Companion Outreach Project will begin with a pilot program at a single outreach location in Maine.
Partner with at least one veterinarian
Establish a trusted clinical relationship with a local veterinary professional.
Establish recurring outreach visits
Create a consistent, reliable schedule of veterinary presence at outreach events.
Create an emergency treatment fund
Build a small reserve to address urgent medical needs as they arise.
Provide ongoing care
Support companion animals already known to local outreach teams in Maine.
Join the Mission
Veterinary Professionals
We are seeking veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and veterinary students interested in providing care during outreach events. Services may include:
- Wellness exams
- Vaccinations
- Parasite prevention
- Minor wound care
- Health assessments
- Medication support
- Referrals and follow-up recommendations
Veterinary professionals are the foundation of our outreach model.
Grooming Partners
Many companion animals could benefit from basic grooming services that improve comfort, hygiene, and quality of life. We welcome groomers willing to provide:
- Complimentary nail trims
- Basic baths
- Mat removal
- Paw care
- Grooming vouchers
- Reduced-cost services
These services may be provided at participating grooming locations rather than at outreach events.
Community Sponsors
Local businesses and supporters can help by contributing:
- Dog food
- Leashes and collars
- Harnesses
- Winter gear
- Flea and tick prevention
- Grooming assistance
- Financial support for veterinary care
Every contribution helps strengthen the safety net available to companion animals and the people who care for them.
Become a Professional or Community Partner
Whether you're a veterinarian, groomer, pet care professional, local business, or community supporter, we'd love to connect with you.
"Every Friday, I meet people who deeply love their dogs.
What I've learned is that lack of veterinary care is often not a lack of love—it's a lack of access."
The Companion Outreach Project was created to help fill that gap. Not by separating people from their companions. But by supporting both.
Because no one should have to face hardship alone."
— Founder, The Companion Outreach Project
Help Us Bring Veterinary Care Where It's Needed Most
Whether you're a veterinarian, donor, clinic, outreach worker, or community supporter, we'd love to hear from you. Together, we can build something meaningful.
The Companion Outreach Project