Animal Rescue Outreach (ARO) will celebrate a major milestone with the launch of its third mobile veterinary clinic on Thursday 8 May, marking a significant step forward in expanding access to animal care in under-resourced communities.
Founded by Lindsey Concer, ARO has seen a growing demand for its services in recent years, with more pet owners relying on affordable and accessible veterinary support. According to Concer, the addition of a third mobile clinic has become essential to meet this increasing need.
ARO, originally known as the Voluntary Animal Rescue Organisation (VAR), was established in 1986 to combat the neglect and abuse of animals in the Old Crossroads area.
“The journey to securing ARO’s third mobile clinic has been both exciting and challenging,” she said. “Demand for our services has grown significantly, and expanding our fleet was necessary to ensure we can continue supporting the communities that depend on us.”
Last year, Concer said she hoped the new clinic could expand their services and allow them to support more communities where animals need vaccinations and sterilisations in places like Jim se Bos, Lekkerwater, Egoli, Phumlani, Siqalo, and most recently, Smallville (“Mobile clinic needs funds”, People’s Post, 22 July 2025).
One of the biggest challenges the organisation faced was funding. As a non-profit, ARO relies entirely on donor contributions, fundraising efforts and partnerships to sustain its operations and develop new initiatives. Securing a fully equipped mobile clinic required substantial financial backing, while still maintaining existing services.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed to making this possible,” Concer added.
The process was further delayed by difficulties in sourcing a suitable vehicle, with limited availability setting the project back by several months. A breakthrough came when Volkswagen N1 City stepped in to assist. The dealership’s commercial department offered ARO a demo model vehicle that had previously been outside the organisation’s budget.
Sales consultant Jacky Nel identified the opportunity when the vehicle became available through another department and acted quickly to secure it at a discounted rate, making the purchase financially viable.
Beyond acquiring the vehicle, ARO also had to address operational challenges. Each mobile clinic requires trained personnel, including an animal welfare assistant and a mobile assistant. This meant recruiting and preparing additional staff to ensure that services could be delivered safely and effectively.
Site accessibility and safety remain ongoing concerns. The communities most in need of veterinary support are often the hardest to reach, requiring careful coordination with local ward councillors and community leaders. Identifying locations that are both accessible to residents and safe for staff continues to demand flexibility and detailed planning.
Despite these obstacles, ARO has remained committed to its mission. The new mobile clinic is expected to significantly improve service delivery by reaching more communities, reducing waiting times and providing more consistent access to essential veterinary care. This includes primary healthcare, sterilisation services and educational outreach aimed at promoting responsible pet ownership.
For Concer and her team, the launch represents more than just an additional vehicle. “This is a meaningful expansion of care to the animals and families who need it most,” she said.
With the third mobile clinic now ready to roll, ARO is poised to make an even greater impact—bringing vital veterinary services where they are needed most and continuing its work to improve animal welfare across the region.
