UF Small Animal Hospital to provide free eye, heart exams for service dogs
Press release from UF Health
BY SARAH CAREY
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida’s Small Animal Hospital will offer free eye and heart screenings for service animals on May 17 as part of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists-Epicur Pharma National Service Animal Eye Exam event.
Service animals typically include guide dogs, disability assistance dogs, detection dogs, police dogs, search and rescue dogs, and formally trained and certified therapy dogs. Only active working animals certified by or enrolled in a formal training program or organization qualify for the exam. Caryn Plummer, D.V.M., a professor and board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist at the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, will perform the eye examinations. Board-certified veterinary cardiology faculty member Michael Aherne, D.V.M., will provide the heart screening examinations.
“Healthy eyes and vision are critical for a service animal to be able to perform to the best of its ability. Regular screening may help detect problems early that are potentially sight- or comfort-threatening, so intervention may be possible,” Plummer said.
If the veterinarians find more tests are needed, owners will be able to schedule appointments. Owners or their representatives should call Lily-Anne Drawdy at the UF Small Animal Hospital, 352-392-2235, to schedule an appointment between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Registration through the sponsor via acvoeyeexam.org is also required during the month of April.
“We are very pleased to be able to offer these screenings for this incredibly important group of animal heroes,” Plummer said.
IF THEY ARE WEEDING OUT THE SERVICE DOGS IN A PRIVATE TRAINING GROUP VS SERVICE DOGS I BELIEVE THEY ARE NOT ADHERING TO THE ADA BECAUSE THEY CANNOT REQUIRE ANY PROOF BUT ASK IF THEY ARE A SERVICE DOG AND ASK IF THEY ARE TRAINED. LETS SUE UF FOR BREAKING FEDERAL LAW AND MAKE THEM UPHOLD THE LAW. BESIDES THAT FACTS UF VET IS PROBALLY GETTING A GRANT TO TO THIS OR IS REQUIRED TO OFFER FREE SERVICES BECAUSE THEY GOT A GRANT BUT ARE PICKING WHO THEY GIVE THE FREE SERVICES TO.
Gee, how big of ya UF to offer free eye and heart screenings….UF should voluntarily contribute ALL vet care free for service and police dogs.