Commissioner Diaz sponsors veterinary care partnership with UF

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY – An innovative partnership between the University of Florida and Miami-Dade County will help the County improve services for shelter animals at the County"s Pet Adoption and Protection Center in Doral while providing training for UF veterinary students.

The Miami-Dade County Commission on July 6 adopted a resolution sponsored by Commissioner Jose "Pepe" Diaz to formalize the agreement with UF, which houses the state"s only veterinary college. UF will provide a faculty veterinarian and veterinary technicians at the shelter to enhance a range of services for shelter animals and pets of low-income residents, including veterinary medical care for sick and injured dogs, vaccinations, and spay and neuter services to help achieve a "no kill" shelter – a goal embraced by the County Commission in a 2012 resolution also sponsored by Commissioner Diaz.

"This agreement with the University of Florida is a win-win for the County and UF," Commissioner Diaz said. "It will help the County achieve its "no kill" goal while providing valuable hands-on training for UF veterinary students at our animal shelter."

Commissioner Diaz began advocating for the partnership last year, when he sponsored a legislation to explore the idea.