For many Michigan animal shelters, finding homes for dogs and cats isn’t the biggest challenge. Finding veterinary care can be.

Without access to spay and neuter surgeries required before adoption, animals often remain in shelters longer, creating bottlenecks for organizations already operating with limited resources. To help address that problem, Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine has launched a new Community Medicine Program featuring a custom-built mobile veterinary surgical unit that brings care directly to animal shelters and welfare organizations across the state.

The 32-foot mobile clinic functions as a fully operational veterinary hospital on wheels, equipped with two surgical tables, advanced anesthesia monitoring equipment, climate-controlled recovery space and onboard power generation. The unit is designed to deliver high-quality surgical care to shelters while creating new opportunities for veterinary and veterinary nursing students to gain hands-on clinical experience.

“This project really started with two goals in mind: helping our students gain more hands-on experience in routine surgery prior to graduation and helping animal control agencies and animal welfare organizations reduce barriers to adoption through increased access to spay and neuter services,” said Kelley Meyers, executive director of the Veterinary Medical Center.

The program combines service and education in a way that benefits both animals and communities. Students work alongside faculty veterinarians performing surgeries, monitoring anesthesia and caring for patients while learning firsthand about the challenges facing shelters and animal welfare organizations across Michigan.

“We also wanted students to get out into communities and experience this work firsthand — to better understand the people, organizations and challenges involved in animal welfare,” Meyers said.

Initially, the mobile unit will serve animal welfare organizations within approximately a two-hour radius of East Lansing, helping provide the spay and neuter procedures required before animals can be adopted.

“It’s rare for two distinct needs to align so perfectly,” said David Emery, assistant professor and lead clinician for the Community Medicine Program. “While our students are eager for the surgical experience necessary to grow as clinicians, countless animals across Michigan require sterilization and care to become eligible for adoption. This partnership bridges that gap by enriching veterinary education while providing life-saving services to animals who might otherwise go without.”

Even before the program’s official launch, the team had already traveled more than 2,000 miles, partnered with 13 animal welfare organizations and performed more than 100 spay and neuter surgeries.

The Community Medicine Program was launched during an open house June 4 at the College of Veterinary Medicine. The initiative was supported by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, while the mobile surgical unit trailer was funded through support from the BISSELL Pet Foundation.

“These early results demonstrate both the need for this program and its potential impact,” Meyers said. “We’re helping animal welfare organizations increase access to care while preparing future veterinary professionals to serve communities across Michigan.”

While the mobile unit is now on the road, the program’s long-term success depends on continued philanthropic support. Donations help fund surgical supplies, medications, vaccines, fuel and operating expenses, allowing the Community Medicine Program to expand access to veterinary care and provide services to animal welfare organizations across Michigan.

Community members interested in supporting the program can learn more or make a gift through the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Community Medicine Fund.

By bringing veterinary care directly to shelters and underserved communities, MSU aims to reduce barriers to adoption, improve animal welfare outcomes and help more Michigan pets find permanent homes.