The Southside Healthy Pet Clinic, a monthly walk-in clinic run by veterinary students from the College of Veterinary Medicine, will offer subsidized veterinary care for dogs and cats Nov. 23 at 11:30 a.m. at the Westcott Community Center 826 Euclid Ave., Syracuse. The last patients will be seen at 4:30 p.m.

Although walk-ins will be accommodated when possible, pet owners are strongly encouraged to make appointments. Call 347-620-4738 or email cuhealthypetclinic@gmail.com with times you are available. The visit will cost $30; proceeds go to the Syracuse Community Center. For an additional $15 fee, students will offer pet micro-chipping.

The program is modeled after one running at Ithaca’s Southside Community Center since 1996 that serves patients whose owners can’t afford well-visit care for their pets. Pet owners who wish to participate in the Southside Healthy Pet Clinic in Syracuse should bring one of the following documents with them: Medicare card; Social Security income card; EBT card; VA disability card; pay stub from the last 6 months; W-2 from 2012; proof of school lunch assistance or other proof of public assistance.

Owners are also required to bring proof of rabies vaccination for pets over four months of age and to bring all pets on leashes or in carriers.

During the event, students – under the supervision of veterinarians – will gain hands-on training as they provide  physical exams, vaccines and one-year supplies of heartworm, flea, tick and internal parasite prevention medications.

Organized by Cornell parasitologist Dwight Bowman and veterinarians Daniel Fletcher and William Hornbuckle, the clinic allows first- and second-year veterinary students to hone skills used during typical wellness visits. Students will examine pets that may not have access to veterinary care, and pets diagnosed with any clinical condition will be referred to local veterinary practices.

“These outreach clinics are great not only for the community but for the students, too,” said Christine Armao, a veterinarian with Cornerstone Veterinary Clinic in Ithaca and a regular Southside Healthy Pet Clinic volunteer. “They teach students how to interact with clients and their pets. … I wish something like this was available way back when I was a student. I truly believe these clinics help the students to be better veterinarians. A big part of medicine is being able to communicate with the owner.”