Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine teams up with area shelters and rescues to provide free wellness and spay/neuter care for shelter and rescue animals in the college’s hospital facilities. Participating shelters and rescues bring their new animals to Iowa State where 3rd year veterinary students, under the supervision of clinicians, provide medical assessments and preventive care, as well as spay/neuter surgeries as part of their Surgical Education Program.

The program provides students the opportunity to learn about canine and feline preventive care for all life cycles including vaccines and parasite treatment, prevention and productions. This has a significant impact on preparing students for their fourth year clinical rotations and life as a veterinarian.

kitten closeupProgram Highlights

  • More than 4,500 dogs and cats were provided medical care since the program’s inception in 2016.
  • More than 28 Iowa shelters participate in the Community Outreach Program
  • Upon returning to the shelters, these animals were ready for adoption

 

DVM Surgical Training

The College of Veterinary Medicine teams up with area shelters and rescues to provide free wellness and spay/neuter care for shelter and rescue animals in the college’s hospital facilities.

Student veterinarian in scrubs holding a cat

This class is about more than just spaying and neutering our patients. It’s about helping them however we can, whether that’s giving them vaccines and monthly preventatives, or treating their infections. It’s a good experience because these are all the things we will be doing when get out into practice.

Izabelle Krupa, Class 2026

Sponsors

Thank you to our sponsors who have provided assistance for the program

  • IDEXX Laboratories
  • Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedia, Inc.
  • Purina
  • Securos
  • Zoetis
  • Boys Foundation
  • Ethicon
  • Dave and Jeanne Allbaugh

Contact

For more information or questions on the Community Outreach Program contact Rebekha Lauridsen.

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Make A Gift

Show your support of the Community Outreach Program by making an online gift.