December 20th, 2023
Rochester Emergency Veterinary Services (REVS) to open in January
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Monroe County Executive Adam Bello and Congressman Joe Morelle announced today that funding has been approved through the County of Monroe Industrial Development Agency (COMIDA) to help open a new emergency veterinary clinic in Rochester. This investment will help address the crisis created by the recent closure of the only overnight animal hospital in the greater Rochester region.
Rochester Emergency Veterinary Services (REVS) will open its overnight animal hospital at 1150 University Avenue in January 2024. The COMIDA board on Tuesday approved $100,000 in funding to help cover the cost of equipment necessary to open the facility.
“The closure last month of our region’s only overnight animal hospital has left our community without emergency care for animals, forcing pet owners to travel hours for care and endangering the pets of the Rochester area,” said County Executive Bello. “Our investment in REVS will address this critical gap in emergency care for animals and improve the quality of life for pets and the families who love them.”
Congressman Joe Morelle was instrumental in convening stakeholders to address the immediate need for veterinary care in the Rochester region. He brought together a team of veterinarians, members of Monroe County government, and representatives from COMIDA to develop a plan and secure funding for the new center.
“I’m thrilled to be announcing a solution to the heartbreaking shortage of emergency veterinary services in our area,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “Veterinary care is a key component to the wellbeing of our beloved pets who are just like family to many—and inability to find immediate care can quickly become a crisis. I’m extremely grateful to the County and our local veterinarians for coming together and ensuring pet owners have access to 24-hour care, as well as peace of mind.”
The opening of the REVS center will create 20 new jobs for veterinarians, licensed veterinary technicians and other support staff. A proposed partnership with Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine will provide learning opportunities for students and address the critical shortage of skilled veterinary workers.
“Emergency veterinary care requires specialized equipment that is critical to saving the lives of beloved pets,” said Dr. Brenda Buck, Rochester Emergency Veterinary Services. “The COMIDA funding will allow us to purchase that much needed equipment. We are immensely grateful for the support from Adam Bello's office, Representative Joe Morelle's office, Alice Calabrese at Lollypop Farm, and our community who are making this much needed veterinary care a reality”
“The new veterinary emergency hospital fills a vital local need to help animals that require urgent lifesaving services,” said Alice Calabrese, president and CEO of Lollypop Farm. “Established and run by local veterinarians, this hospital will ensure health and safety for Rochester’s pets and peace of mind for families in our area. Rochester Emergency Veterinary Services brings hope!”
“As a key resource in furthering Monroe County’s economic and community development, COMIDA’s goals include protecting and promoting the health and quality of life of Monroe County residents,” said Ann Burr, COMIDA board chair. “That includes the care of our animals who serve important roles in families, households, and community-based organizations throughout Monroe County. COMIDA’s support for this emergency veterinary clinic will help offset costs of equipment purchases necessary for its establishment and continued operation. It is of further benefit to Monroe County communities that the clinic will support the mission of the Humane Society and provide employment and training opportunities for veterinary technicians, clinical staff, and veterinarians.”
Over the past year, members of our community have struggled to find veterinary care when emergencies arose. The launch of REVS will ensure lifesaving care is available when needed, help our region retain its veterinary workforce, and assist in educating future veterinary service workers. Emergency veterinary care plays a crucial role in preventing unnecessary distress and saving the lives of our beloved animals.
