Rural Area Veterinary Services, a nonprofit organization that provides free veterinary care to animals in remote communities worldwide, is holding its first Bay area fundraiser at 7 p.m. May 18 at the Muse Gallery in San Francisco. The event, which is free and open to the public, will feature a silent auction, a DJ, wine and appetizers. Each year, RAVS provides more than $1 million in veterinary services to more than 10,000 animals. “I have witnessed the effects of war, poverty and isolation on human communities and their animals,” said Jennifer Scarlett, a lead veterinarian for RAVS. “When beasts of burden, domestic animals and feral animals suffer, their suffering compounds the health and economic problems of the people around them. “With RAVS, I’ve seen the entire community change and take on humane responsibility for the animals in their care. Likewise, I’ve had the pleasure of watching veterinary students gain empathy and skill.” RAVS projects include caring for sick and injured animals in rural communities, free spaying and neutering, vaccination and parasite control services for dogs and cats, and routine care for horses and livestock. RAVS also provides educational programs for adults and children on topics such as disease prevention, dog bite prevention and humane animal care. The Muse Gallery is at 614 Alabama St., San Francisco. Suggested donation is $20. For more information, call (415) 515-5798. <HOME>
