At our most recent free spay/neuter and wellness clinic for animals belonging to low-income Latinos, I found myself very aware of the incredible amount of good work being done by so many people in one place, at the same time, for so many animals in need.

Over 25 volunteer veterinarians, veterinary technicians, veterinary students, and other animal lovers woke up early on a Sunday, came out and worked themselves incredibly hard during the 10 hour day – servicing 69 animals who would otherwise not have access to veterinary care and spay and neuter due to economic and language barriers.

The clinics are not only enormously beneficial for animals in need – they are also an incredible outlet for folks who want to volunteer. They provide the opportunity to come out and to work hard, as part of a real united team who all share the same simple goal – helping the animals however we can. Channeling that energy into a meaningful, productive event each month has proved enormously beneficial for our community with over 1500 animals cared for over the past year.

In attendance at the clinic, too, were a delightful group of UC Davis undergraduate students who are part of a campus club that strives to provide underrepresented minorities with exposure to different professions and fields. These students , all of whom come from Latino families themselves, have been at attendance at many of our clinics and all have a strong interest in veterinary medicine. It has been really rewarding to watch them learn and experience the field of veterinary medicine in the free clinic setting, where they are able to use their Spanish and their love for animals in such a productive and unique way.

I can only hope that at least a few of these students will go on to become veterinarians and once they have achieved that goal that they will continue to be inspired by their experiences at these clinics and continue to give back to their community.

Another wonderful volunteer at this and many other clinics is a Latina veterinary student named Veronica. She hasn’t missed a clinic since she first came to one about 6 months ago. She made my day on Sunday when she told me that she and some other students were going to set up their own free clinics for migrant workers in the greater Sacramento area.

I’ll be quite honest, we set forth to do these free monthly clinics with one intention in mind – bringing veterinary care and spay/neuter to animals who would not otherwise receive them. What I have discovered along the way is that we have managed to achieve that goal and much, much more.

The chain reaction of doing good for good’s sake is undeniable. A little momentum in the direction of compassion and kindness can set a whole world of positive change in motion.