The clinic run by Pham Xuan Van, 88, in Hanoi’s Gia Lam District offers free veterinary acupuncture and massage for dogs and cats, including abandoned animals. It is also the place for many students of Vietnam National University of Agriculture to work.
At around 7.30 am every day, many students are present at the clinic to provide treatment for pets under Xuan’s instructions.
When being a lecturer at the Vietnam National University of Agriculture, she received a doctor’s degree in veterinary acupuncture and massage on pets.
Students have chances to practise the skills of veterinary acupuncture for pets at the clinics.
Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the clinic mostly prioritise students who are about to graduate.
The love for pets is among the most important factors in this kind of job, Van said. It is also essential to be careful to avoid injuring animals.
Massaging helps boost the treatment effectively.
A dog called Bin was brought to the clinic around two months ago as one of its legs was paralysed. Following the active treatment, it now can run normally.
The owners only need to provide food for their pets, while the medical expenses are free, Van said. She added that food for pets during the treatment time must be nutritious enough.