City of Burien
Senior Pet Grooming Partnership
Project statement
For nearly two years, students from this vet program commute to the Burien Community Center on a monthly basis to perform complimentary basic pet grooming needs for the pets of the senior community. Such dedicated service reciprocally benefits the students and senior communities in that it enhances professional and customer experiences for the students, meets the needs of low-income seniors and their pets, and promotes intergenerational interaction and caring, which is much needed in today’s more distant and individually-centered society.
Project summary
The Burien Senior Program Pet Grooming Project is a partnership between the City of Burien’s Senior Program and the Veterinary Careers Program at Puget Sound Skills Center. Students from this vet program selflessly give their time by helping to meet the needs of low-income seniors in the Burien community who are either unable to perform basic grooming needs for their pets or are unable to afford such services.
The Pet Grooming Project consists of students visiting the Burien Senior Program site once a month to gain hands-on experience by performing basic pet grooming needs such as nail trims, shaving, teeth brushing, and ear cleanings on both cats and dogs free of charge. This program has made a huge impact with the seniors, many of whom are unable to perform this service themselves and the cost to do so can be a burden for those on fixed incomes.
Given the essential role these play in the quality of life for these seniors, the services performed by the students has enabled these seniors to take better care of their pets, provides direct experience for the students, and enabled them to learn valuable customer service skills. Many times we have watched the interaction between these generations and been delighted with the outcomes.
The project has received much praise from both the senior citizens and the community. The students in the veterinary careers class and the staff of the community center have enjoyed this project so much, that it is now going on its third year. They took the project to compete in a competition called SkillsUSA in Kansas City, Missouri in 2005-2006, placing first at the regional competition and second place at the state competition. In 2006-2007, they placed first at the regional competition, first at the state competition, and second in the national competition.
The senior participants are eager to sign up every month and look forward to the excellent care their animals receive. The students continuously provide dedication and commitment to this program, and should be commended for their desire to make a positive impact in their community.
Contact
Michael Lafreniere
Development Director for Parks, Recreation, & Cultural Services
206-988-3700