Fifty Cats and Dogs received vaccinations during Free Community Animal Clinic
Baton Rouge, La. – The Southern University Ag Center and the SU College of Agricultural, Human and Environmental Sciences’ Animal Science Pre-Veterinary Medicine Club, in partnership with the LSU Community Outreach Mobile Unit, held the Vet on Wheels a free vaccine clinic for dogs, cats, and ferrets on Nov. 6, 2024.
This free community event was held on the lawn of Fisher Hall on the Southern University campus as a part of the Ag Center’s Ag Week events geared towards community outreach.
“The economy has been hard, and some people can’t afford to get services for their pets,” expressed Dr. Tyra Davis, Assistant Professor of Agricultural Science and Technology in the College of Ag. “This program gave individuals an opportunity to get their pets healthy without having to accrue an additional cost,” she added.
Fifty dogs and cats received their core vaccines including the rabies vaccine during the clinic.
The event also allowed Southern University Pre-Veterinary Medicine students to obtain hands-on experience.
The LSU Community Outreach Mobile Unit was also on-site to assist in the vaccinations.
“We aim to go out to communities to help provide access to care that some communities cannot afford or have access to,” said Dr. Krista Miller, LSU PetcoLove Community Outreach Veterinarian and Assistant Professor at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. “We work endlessly with the community outreach program. We provide low or no-cost vaccine care, which is what we are doing by partnering with Southern and we also go to schools, career fairs, and career events to try to promote the knowledge of veterinary medicine and how people can care for their animals properly,” added Miller.
The pet owners expressed their appreciation for the free service with one individual driving from Lafayette to have her dog vaccinated.
“We had a great turnout in my opinion for our first time and the students raved about how much they enjoyed the event,” said Dr. Davis.
She also stated that the students hope to do a community outreach event every semester.
For additional information on the Vet on Wheels Animal Clinic, contact Dr. Davis at tyra.brown03@sus.edu.