Our mission at Veterinarians to the Rescue is to reduce the number of economic euthanasias for small animals in the Central Kentucky region by providing access to veterinary care. Through our services and community outreach, we strive to create a future in which all animals have access to the care and resources they need to lead healthy and happy lives.
Who We Are
Veterinarians to the Rescue Inc., (VTTR) is a 501c3 non-profit founded with the purpose of reducing economic euthanasias for small animals. VTTR follows a process to provide veterinary services at reduced or, in some cases, no cost. Ultimately, it is our aim to decrease the amount of unnecessary, heart-breaking, euthanasias that take place daily.
Stop
Economic
Euthanasia.
An “Economic Euthanasia” is when a pet has a fixable condition, but the rescue group, shelter, or pet owner is unable to pay for the procedure, instead electing for euthanasia. This results in euthanizing an otherwise healthy pet due to lack of funds.
Impact
Veterinarians to the Rescue was founded in March 2022. We have been working on our cause from the beginning and aren’t slowing down!
Since March 2022, as we have been structuring the organization and planning how to have the biggest impact on our cause, we have been working on cases in parallel. We are proud of the impact we have already had and are excited to continue to expand and further realize our mission.
Our History
Veterinarians to the Rescue (VTTR) was founded in early 2022 by Dr. Warren in Lexington, Kentucky. From its inception, the aim of VTTR was to reduce the number of economic euthanasias. As a veterinary practice owner for nearly 20 years, Dr. Warren had seen first-hand the heartbreaking impact that economic euthanasias have.
Upon establishing a board consisting of members with key areas of experience and expertise, a multi-phase approach was followed to gradually scale the organization. The phase approach allowed the organization to begin realizing its mission immediately while laying a foundation for maximizing its impact in the future.
Phase One of VTTR saw the organization assisting other 501c3 rescue groups and animal shelters by providing procedures including and beyond spay and neuter services at heavily reduced fees. Many pet rescue groups and shelters are unable to finance procedures that would increase the likelihood of successful adoption. By working with these centralized organizations, VTTR was able to help many animals in immediate need while its network was still being built to include a more varied catchment of those in need.
Transitioning to Phase Two, VTTR began to expand its offerings to the general public. VTTR, provided life saving medical and/or surgical procedures at a reduced cost to those members of the general public that could demonstrate a qualifying economic need.
Having a pet in the household can provide life changing companionship to a person and/or family. Pets in the home can teach children patience and empathy, improving the quality of life of that child in addition to nurturing a kind, more empathetic, citizen for the benefit of our society. Furthermore, pets can provide unconditional and consistent love to members of our community who may be on a very limited budget or on disability. As an organization, being directly involved in facilitating these positive factors is paramount to both our success and that of the community.
Building upon the successes of working with organizations and the public, VTTR moved into Phase Three where the organization worked directly with the community to have a positive impact on the future of our cause. In Phase Three, VTTR began conducting community outreach efforts and events to underserved and poverty-stricken communities.
As the organization now works full-time to realize its mission, it continues to build upon the strong foundation laid during the formative phases.
Veterinarians to the Rescue (VTTR) was founded in early 2022 by Dr. Warren in Lexington, Kentucky. From its inception, the aim of VTTR was to reduce the number of economic euthanasia’s. As a veterinary practice owner for nearly 20 years, Dr. Warren had seen first-hand the heartbreaking impact that economic euthanasia’s have.
Upon establishing a board consisting of members with key areas of experience and expertise, a multi-phase approach was followed to gradually scale the organization. The phase approach allowed the organization to begin realizing its mission immediately while laying a foundation for maximizing its impact in the future.
Phase One of VTTR saw the organization assisting other 501c3 rescue groups and animal shelters by providing procedures including and beyond spay and neuter services at heavily reduced fees. Many pet rescue groups and shelters are unable to finance procedures that would increase the likelihood of successful adoption. By working with these centralized organizations, VTTR was able to help many animals in immediate need while its network was still being built to include a more varied catchment of those in need.
Transitioning to Phase Two, VTTR began to expand its offerings to the general public. VTTR, provided life saving medical and/or surgical procedures at a reduced cost to those members of the general public that could demonstrate a qualifying economic need.
Having a pet in the household can provide life changing companionship to a person and/or family. Pets in the home can teach children patience and empathy, improving the quality of life of that child in addition to nurturing a kind, more empathetic, citizen for the benefit of our society. Furthermore, pets can provide unconditional and consistent love to members of our community who may be on a very limited budget or on disability. As an organization, being directly involved in facilitating these positive factors is paramount to both our success and that of the community.
Building upon the successes of working with organizations and the public, VTTR moved into Phase Three where the organization worked directly with the community to have a positive impact on the future of our cause. In Phase Three, VTTR began conducting community outreach efforts and events to underserved and poverty-stricken communities.
As the organization now works full-time to realize its mission, it continues to build upon the strong foundation laid during the formative phases.
Our Board
Dr. Lisa Warren
President / Founder
Dr. Warren is the founder of VTTR and a veterinarian with over two decades of experience. After selling her practice of nearly 20 years in the Denver foothills, she moved to Lexington, KY with her dogs, cats, and horses.
Dr. Warren has worked closely with animal rescue groups during her entire veterinary career, served on the State of Colorado Veterinary Medicine Board, and always been involved in preventing economic euthanasia.
Since settling in Kentucky, the urgent need to address economic euthanasia on a larger scale became critical. In the spring of 2022 she founded Veterinarians to the Rescue to address this need and reach solutions that could be implemented worldwide.
Susan Nocket
Vice President
Susan Nocket is the owner of an exclusive cat lodge in the foothills of Denver, CO. In addition, Susan manages the feline portion of a large rescue organization and has been instrumental in creating the foundation of VTTR.
Susan brings decades of successful rescue management, client education, interstate transportation of rescue cats, event planning, and an awesome sense of humor! Susan is also extremely knowledgeable in the successful rehabilitation of feral or poorly behaving cats.
Rita Garson
Secretary
Rita Garson is the CEO and Editor of a medical publishing company. Rita brings her business expertise and experience to VTTR, implementing tried and tested problem solving skills and innovative solutions.
Rita has campaigned for human rights and animal welfare advocacy throughout her life. She excels in event planning and bringing the right minds together to get the job done. Rita enjoys spending her spare time on her ranch with her several dogs, cats, and horses.
Shannon Wang
Public Member
Shannon Wang owns a real estate and property management business which requires multi-tasking and managing a large staff. Shannon not only brings her management and business skills to VTTR, but also her lifelong passion for animal welfare.
Shannon also offers hands on help to VTTR during surgery days ensuring the pets recover with a loving and comforting caregiver. Her commitment to end animal suffering and economic euthanasia within her community has made her a valuable asset to the VTTR board as its public member.
