Students from the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine are teaming up with Purina, the Emerge Center Against Domestic Abuse, and Sister José Women’s Center to provide free veterinary care to pets of domestic violence survivors and others in need.
Led by third-year student Stefanie Contreras, the effort brings the college’s 53-foot mobile surgical unit to community events, starting with the Footsteps for Healing walk at Reid Park on October 18. Survivors selected by Emerge and Sister José’s receive free wellness exams, vaccinations, and screenings for their pets, with supplies donated by Banfield Pet Hospital. Contreras expects to treat at least 100 animals during the event.
Later that day, students will participate in Oro Valley’s Bark at the Park at Steam Pump Ranch, offering games, activities, and educational booths alongside Purina’s “Courageous Together” statue, which honors domestic violence survivors and their pets…