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Penn Vet Accelerates Community Impact through University of Pennsylvania’s 30th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

By: Martin J. Hackett Date: Jan 21, 2025
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Penn Vet students examine a cat during the annual Dog and Cat Wellness and Vaccination Clinic.

The Ryan Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn Vet) hosted the 15th annual Dog and Cat Wellness and Vaccination Clinic in recognition of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. The Clinic is the School’s largest community service event offering services to pet owners who may not otherwise have easy access to veterinary care. Penn Medicine and CHOP also provided health screenings and free influenza vaccines for pet owners, making this a true “One Health” event.

Over 230 pets were vaccinated and more than 150 students, and 30 faculty and staff, volunteered in this year’s Clinic. Since its inception in 2009, the Clinic has vaccinated nearly 3,500 pets.

“The Clinic was a wonderful opportunity to connect with our local Philadelphia community that may not otherwise have access to routine care for their pets,” said Professor of Surgery David Holt and faculty sponsor for the event. “By offering vaccinations and preventive care, we reduced the incidence of preventable infectious diseases, such as rabies, and improved the overall health of our pet population.”

This annual community event supports and embodies the University’s strategic framework, In Principle and Practice.

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Penn Vet students examine a dog during this year's Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.

About Penn Vet

Ranked among the top ten veterinary schools worldwide, the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn Vet) is a global leader in veterinary education, research, and clinical care. Founded in 1884, Penn Vet is the first veterinary school developed in association with a medical school. The school is a proud member of the One Health initiative, linking human, animal, and environmental health.

Penn Vet serves a diverse population of animals at its two campuses, which include extensive diagnostic and research laboratories. Ryan Hospital in Philadelphia provides care for dogs, cats, and other domestic/companion animals, handling more than 34,600 patient visits a year. New Bolton Center, Penn Vet’s large-animal hospital on nearly 700 acres in rural Kennett Square, PA, cares for horses and livestock/farm animals. The hospital handles more than 6,200 patient visits a year, while our Field Services have gone out on more than 5,500 farm service calls, treating some 18,700 patients at local farms. In addition, New Bolton Center’s campus includes a swine center, working dairy, and poultry unit that provide valuable research for the agriculture industry.