A Missouri non-profit organization dedicated to creating opportunities for people with developmental disabilities is also helping people care for horses and pets-worldwide.
In the past year, the unique first aid kits for horses and pets offered by Vocational Services, Inc. have met success from Argentina to Canada. In its home community of Kansas City, Mo., VSI has also seen increased demand for doghouses, bird feeders and other wood products through local pet and lumber companies.
Founded 34 years ago to provide employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities, VSI is entered these unusual markets as a way to continue ad expand employment opportunities at its three workshops. But everyone from trail riders to hunting dog owners has found these kits provide quality care designed with input from veterinarians and animal lovers.
"Although pet first aid might seem a big jump for us, it's a natural outlet," explained Randy Hylton, VSI executive director. "It's proven to be a good way to continue our employment efforts in the face of economic changes. What's also gratifying is the reception our products have received from owners." The most recent additions have included Trail Kits for horses sold to Canada and Pet Kits in South America.
Show-Me Animal Products offers a range of f first aid kits for both equine and pet owners. Show-Me Animal Products had its start in 1992 when a trail riding accident revealed a serious lack of quality first aid in convenient kits. Customers and veterinarians then suggested kits for pets, birds and dogs that led to the most complete line of such products available.
Acceptance of the relatively new idea came quickly. In 1995, Vet Kit™ was featured on "Horseworld," the nationally syndicated program on the cable network, Prime Sports. One of the most unique applications of Show-Me Animal Products' kits involves the Racine, Wisc. Police Department. The department is one of many law enforcement agencies that appreciate the VSI Sport Dog Kit™ that was originally designed for hunters and other outdoorsmen and women. Kits also have been sold as far as France and the United Arab Emirates. Canada has proven to be a big market for the Trail Kit saddlebag equine kits.
If you want to know more about Show-Me Animal Products, please call the toll-free number at 1-800-831-7245 or visit the World Wide Web at http://www.petfirstaid.org.
