Doggie Wash:Veterinary students to hold fundraiser
A new upcoming fundraiser planned in Cape Coral is going to the dogs – literally.
The Veterinary Assisting Program at Cape Coral Technical College will host a dog wash Sept. 8 from noon to 3 p.m. and Sept. 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the campus, at 360 Santa Barbara Blvd. N.
Small dogs cost $15 and large dogs – 50 pounds or more – cost $20.
The fee will cover the wash, along with a nail trimming, ear cleaning and light brushing.
Dog owners who bring a towel to donate will receive $2 off.
Instructor Sherry Braddock explained that the Veterinary Assisting Program is a new seven-month program. Upon passing the certification examine, the students can become veterinary assistants.
Currently, the college has 14 students enrolled in the program.
The dog wash is the first fundraiser for the students.
“There’s typically a need in the public and community,” she said of dog washing services. “A lot of people have dogs they can’t handle at home.”
Portable tubs will be set up, and there will be a walk-in tub for larger clients.
“So we can do three or four at a time,” Braddock said.
Owners must have their dog on a leash.
“If the dog has aggressive behaviors and they have a muzzle at home, bring that,” she said.
If the dog requires a special or medicated shampoo, owners are welcome to bring it.
“It’s first come, first serve,” Braddock said. “We’re not taking appointments.”
A registration desk will be set up so people can sign up upon arrival.
“We’ll have shaded areas and air-conditioned areas for them to wait,” she said.
“The animal should be almost all the way dry when it leaves,” Braddock added.
Forms will be available for owners to fill out if they want to be contacted for the next dog wash.
“We’re probably going to try to do them once a month or once every six weeks,” she said.
As a class project, the students are preparing informational brochures to hand out to owners on a range of pet-related topics, including fleas and ticks, teeth cleaning, preventative medications and more.
According to Braddock, the students are taking part in an educational behind-the-scenes tour of the Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa in October. The proceeds from the fundraiser will go toward the trip.
“The goal for the weekend is to try and raise $800,” she said. “The funds will help adsorb the costs for the students.”
For more information on the dog wash, contact Braddock at 724-984-8734.
For information on Cape Coral Technical College, visit: www.capecoraltech.edu/.