To the list of challenges facing the animal welfare field, add the growing threat of heartworm infection, particularly in dogs. A New Orleans organization is meeting this challenge with an innovative program aimed at preventing and treating heartworm in dogs and cats while helping keep pets and people together.
Heartworm: A Growing Problem and an Innovative Solution
The American Heartworm Society has documented increasing heartworm prevalence, while VetSource has identified the dual problem of decreasing number of vet visits and fewer doses of heartworm preventive being sold. Veterinary and pet care giant Mars has projected that millions of dogs do not have access to veterinary care.
Taken together, this paints an alarming picture, with an urgent need to increase access to heartworm prevention and treatment. The Inner Pup (TIP) program in New Orleans is one model that is doing just that.
TIP has developed novel and accessible protocols to provide care in the most efficient way. They are data-driven and record compliance and treatment outcomes to assess their program’s effectiveness. And what’s more, they’ve fine-tuned their clinic processes and have put together how-to guides to help other organizations start programs of their own.
The New Orleans-based nonprofit is dedicated to improving the lives of companion animals and their owners. Founded in 2014, TIP’s mission is simple but powerful: they prevent suffering and save lives by eradicating heartworm disease, offering low-cost veterinary care, and educating communities about responsible pet ownership. Their focus is on serving areas where access to veterinary services is scarce and the need is greatest.
Put more simply, program co-founder Genie Goldring said, “TIP is here to help people and pets thrive together.”
TIP reaches underserved communities through its Heartworm Prevention and Treatment Clinics, providing essential care to pets who might otherwise go without it.
“What makes TIP unique is our deep-rooted, community-based approach,” said Goldring. “We don’t just treat animals; we educate owners and empower neighborhoods. Our team and a dedicated group of volunteers work tirelessly on the ground, meeting people where they are—literally and figuratively. We know that keeping pets healthy goes hand in hand with keeping families together, so our work centers on providing long-term solutions rather than quick fixes.”
Tackling Heartworm: TIP’s Protocols
Heartworm disease disproportionately affects dogs in underserved areas where veterinary care is often out of reach. TIP has designed a heartworm treatment protocol tailored to meet the needs of these communities, balancing medical efficacy with client compliance for dogs lacking access to more traditional melarsomine therapy.
“Our protocol is simple yet effective,” said Genie Goldring, TIP’s co-founder. “For heartworm-positive dogs, we begin with one month of doxycycline paired with a ProHeart 12 injection. At six months, we administer a second ProHeart 12 injection, followed by retesting at 13 months. If the dog remains positive, we repeat the cycle, though most dogs don’t need to go beyond that.”
This approach, which combines a slow-kill method for active heartworm infections in addition to prevention of new infections, minimizes the need for monthly compliance, a common barrier for underserved clients. Goldring explained that while monthly medications might offer higher sustained dosages, they often fall by the wayside in communities where consistent access to resources is a challenge. “We needed a protocol that works for the realities of the people we serve,” she said.
Building Beyond Clinics: Sharing Expertise Nationwide
Recognizing that the threat of heartworm isn’t limited to Louisiana, TIP has developed resources to help other organizations replicate their success. Their free affiliate program includes a comprehensive handbook and step-by-step guidance for launching heartworm prevention clinics. TIP also invites prospective partners to observe their pop-up clinics in action.
“We’ve created a scalable model that’s adaptable for other underserved areas,” said Goldring. “We consult with groups across the country—even as far away as Saipan. Many are eager to learn but lack the capacity to implement programs on their own.”
Transport of heartworm-positive dogs to non-endemic areas has further complicated the fight against the disease. TIP’s team often fields inquiries from shelters unfamiliar with heartworm management, highlighting the growing need for education and accessible solutions.
A Community-Centered Vision
TIP’s efforts go beyond treating individual animals. Their One Health model links pet health with human health to strengthen entire communities. TIP partners with local organizations that provide free human health services, such as Narcan distribution, HIV and Hepatitis C testing, and COVID-19 vaccinations.
Goldring envisions an expanded role for TIP in community health, integrating services like blood pressure screenings and further preventive care. “When someone can’t afford their pet’s health, they often can’t afford their own health either,” she said. “Our work isn’t just about animals; it’s about fostering healthier, more resilient communities.”
Goldring’s dream is that larger animal welfare organizations will see the value in the work they’re doing in the area of access to care and prevention. “We have a scalable model of animal welfare that is adaptable in underserved communities,” she said. “And we’re at capacity. How do we sustain ourselves? There is a real limit unless we grow larger and dream bigger.”
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