Day 3

An examination and worming treatment for a pet in and around Cologne

Love of animals must not be a luxury

The mobile veterinary practice: Help for animals, respect for people

Andrea H. (54) and her mixed-breed dog Leila (7) regularly attend the mobile veterinary clinic (TieMo) for those in need. Leila suffers from osteoarthritis, and Andrea wouldn't be able to afford the necessary medications and vet visits on her limited income. Due to a mental illness, she has been on early retirement for some time. Since then, Leila has become even more important to her: She gives Andrea a daily reason to get up and go outside. To care for Leila, Andrea does everything she can to manage her daily life as best as possible and also take care of her own health.

She is very grateful for the support from TieMo: "To set something like this up voluntarily is truly special and requires a lot of commitment. An older, sick dog is so needy and requires our care and attention even more. I’m so touched that, thanks to the support of the TieMo team, I will have more good times with Leila."

The mobile veterinary practice: Help for animals, respect for people

TV presenter and author Biggi Lechtermann tells you about her favorite project

need

Free basic veterinary care for low-income owners

activity

Volunteer veterinarians and helpers regularly offer examinations, consultations and simple treatments at TieMo hotspot locations

Measurable performance

Number of treatments performed, animals treated and their owners

Result

Better health of the animals, financial and psychological relief for the owners

Systemically relevant impact

Helping animals does not only mean respect for their human owners, but also strengthens their mental health. The animal owners will be able to improve their living situation supports

background

In almost half of all German households (46%), there is at least one pet. Around two-thirds of families with children have pets, but older people also appreciate animal companionship: Around a quarter of pet owners are over 60 years old (ZZF). It has long been scientifically proven that animals are good for people. Exercise from walking the dog, relaxation from cuddling, and the trust that comes with being unconditionally accepted by an animal—all of this promotes physical and mental health (ZZF).

Even five to ten percent of homeless people share their lives with animals, mostly dogs. These animals are constant companions, best friends, protectors and protected, mediators in social contacts, and sources of unconditional love for their owners (Bergmann, 2021). Animals are increasingly being used in the therapy of mental health issues. At the same time, pet ownership is becoming a luxury.

In November 2022, the fee schedule for veterinarians was adjusted. Since then, the simplest examination costs at least 23.62 euros instead of 8.98 euros (for a cat) or 13.47 euros (for a dog), and the prices for vaccinations have doubled (BTK 2023). Concern for older and sick animals is a significant psychological and financial burden for the poor and low-income individuals, much more so than for those with higher incomes. When animals are surrendered for financial reasons, there are no winners: not only do the animals and their owners suffer from the separation, but ultimately the consequences can also strain the healthcare system, turning it into a societal issue.

4o mini

The good deed

TieMo has four fixed locations (Brühl, Grevenbroich, two in Cologne), which are visited alternately every week. After registration through local partner organizations, verifiably needy people can have their animals examined for free. Veterinarians and helpers work on a voluntary basis, and medications and supplies are funded through donations.

At TieMo, simple but necessary treatments, such as regular worming, are carried out, pet owners are advised, and sometimes food or material donations are distributed. For many owners, the beloved animal is an emotional support and best friend, for whom they want to provide the best care possible. That’s why even people who are reluctant to ask for help for themselves—out of fear of being patronized—come to TieMo. The shared desire for the animal’s well-being creates a connection on equal terms. This experience can help pet owners become more open to other forms of support.

About Germany

Berlin

Capital city

84,482,267

population

as of 2023

52,745.8

Gross domestic product per capita per year in USD

as of 2023

0.950

Human Development Index (Human Development Index)

as of 2023/2024

Cat purring is not only soothing, the vibration accelerates the healing of injured bones and joints - not only in the cat itself, but also in humans when in close contact.

About the organization and further information