Uniting for a Cause: A Day of Feline Care and Learning
May 29, 2025
Vetcor hospitals, in collaboration with BI and Ashland County West Holmes Career Center, hosted a high-impact, hands-on feline spay and neuter clinic that brought together students, veterinary professionals, and community partners. They all stood behind the shared mission to provide compassionate care while fostering clinical excellence.
A total of 87 cats were brought to the career center, each receiving a spay or neuter as well as a 3-year rabies vaccine and a dose of parasite prevention donated by BI. These contributions ensured that every altered cat left healthier and better protected.
This event was generously sponsored by Vetcor and BI, which helped make this educational and community-focused initiative possible. We were also fortunate to have BI volunteers from their veterinary sales and support team on-site, contributing their time and energy to help the day run seamlessly.
Thanks to the meticulous organization skills of Anne Leidigh, RVT and class instructor at the Ashland County West Holmes Career Center, the day began without any issues. After the cats were dropped off in the morning, the team quickly got to work sorting and preparing the procedures.
Anne shared her inspiration for this day, saying: "I have wanted to do a trap-neuter-return event to help our community out for a LONG time and I knew that I couldn't do it alone."
After introductions, Dr. Zarle led the day with a live demonstration of both a neuter and a spay procedure executed with precision and efficiency. Her spay technique, completed in just 10–15 minutes, and neuters in under two, served as a masterclass in surgical skill and time management without compromising quality.
Supporting the effort were five veterinary technicians, one assistant, and approximately 16 high school seniors from the Career Center. Notably, 6 of the students used this event as their Health and Occupational Service Association (HOSA) community awareness competitive project. Their hard work paid off and they won regionals and advanced to state, where they proudly placed in the top 15 for this impactful project.
Before diving into the day’s work, Dr. Zarle energized the team with a powerful message: "Let's help make this senior student project impactful and very meaningful for them by demonstrating the power of teamwork, hard work, and enthusiasm for a great cause."
This event also served as a valuable opportunity for recent graduates and early career veterinarians to practice and refine their surgical skills in a real-world setting. Under the guidance of experienced DVMs, they were able to build confidence, improve technique, and contribute meaningfully to a cause that benefits both animals and the community.
With volunteers managing anesthesia and surgical prep, the clinic ran efficiently and safely. Dr. Zarle circulated around the room to offer guidance, answer questions, and ensure everyone felt supported throughout the day. Her leadership set the tone for a collaborative and educational environment.
Post-surgery, the BI volunteers and students worked together to wash and repack surgical kits for sterilization, keeping the operation running smoothly. To keep spirits high, snacks and drinks were available throughout the day, and a hearty boxed lunch from a local restaurant gave everyone a well-earned break.
This was more than just a clinic; it was a multi-causal event that brought together students, community members, veterinary staff, and DVMs all striving to grow, give back, and become better at what they do.
Special thanks to the volunteers from our Vetcor hospitals:
Roberts & Wendt Animal Hospital
Looking ahead, the team is already planning future events, potentially a smaller-scale clinic this fall and a larger spring spay and neuter clinic in March of next year. If you're a part of Team Vetcor, are near the Ashland, OH area, and are interested in participating, please reach out to your hospital manager.
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