FALL 2020
Meet PIN's New Medical Director, Dr. Tami Goforth

Left: Dr. Goforth collects kisses from a nervous pup; Right: With her late husband, Harold Dates, our featured speaker at Petcasso 2018


We're delighted to introduce Tamara Goforth, DVM, as our new in-house medical director. A 1981 graduate of the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine, Tami brings with her a wealth of experience and knowledge -- including thirty-one years as SCPA Cincinnati's first (and only) medical director. In addition to being our primary surgeon, Dr. Goforth will oversee the operation of our new Advanced Treatment Suite and expanded in-house services. She currently serves as president of the Cincinnati Veterinary Medical Association and is the proud mom of a son, two daughters, five dogs, and two cats.

Tami says she's gratified to be helping low-income families and their pets. “In my many years of working in veterinary medicine, I’ve been astounded by the number of animals that don’t even get basic care. It's not because their owners don't love them -- they simply can't afford the services. Pets in Need fills that void."

Tami's late husband, Harold Dates, the longtime CEO of SPCA Cincinnati, was an ardent supporter and good friend of our clinic. In his retirement, he was quietly using his years of experience and passion to help advance our mission and fundraising capacity. Tragically, Harry died suddenly last year. However, in a fortuitous twist of fate (or maybe divine intervention...) Tami is now carrying the torch. "I really feel like this is right where I'm supposed to be."
It's Finally Over... and it Was Worth the Wait!
Two years of planning and six months of nonstop construction noise, dust, and aggravation has paid off. The result is a new Advanced Treatment Suite from which we'll provide in-house surgeries and dental procedures, including digital x-rays. Our state-of-the art equipment was made possible by a grant from PetSmart Charities.

We're excited to now be able to give our low-income clients the same full-service medical home for their pets as they'd have at a private practice.
Congratulations, Dr. Lovitt!
We're so proud of Dr. Amberly Lovitt for realizing her dream of becoming a veterinarian. Amberly joined the PIN family in 2014 while she was a student in the UC Blue Ash Veterinary Technology Program; last December, she received her DVM from the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Lovitt practices at Pleasant Ridge Pet Hospital, and also spends several days a month at PIN. We're happy to have her back in our fold! "I’m very blessed," she said. "My life's work is to make a difference in the lives of animals and their people. Anytime I can help an owner take care of their best friend, it’s a good day." 
Our Scouts Come Through Again
Due to both COVID and the mess of the construction project, our front gardens had been neglected for months. But thanks to the hard work of Reading's Cadette Troop 45869, they've been restored. Bushes were pruned, weeds were pulled, flowers were planted, and all four beds were mulched. What a transformation!

These young ladies selected PIN in 2017 as the beneficiary of their service work and have helped with various PIN projects every year since. It's been such a pleasure to watch them grow up -- and we're so grateful for their friendship and many contributions!


"Pets in Need is a blessing. I don't know how I'd be able to afford to get Smokey the care he needs without you. Thank you to all who make this happen."
Your Support is Needed Now More Than Ever

After having to close the clinic for five weeks, when we finally reopened, it was only at half-capacity due to COVID safety protocols. Providing half the vet visits, however, wasn't at half the cost. In fact, operating with curbside service for both appointments and medication pickup required the same level of staffing. For more than four months, copayments were cut in half while program costs remained the same, taking a heavy toll on our budget.

As more families are facing financial hardship, the demand for our affordable services is at an all-time high. Moreover, although there are now several options for low-cost wellness care, PIN is still the only resource for comprehensive veterinary care for the sick pets of low-income pet families.

We're now operating at close to normal capacity but are receiving enrollment applications at twice the rate of the past 3 years...