We love our animals, or at least we say we do. In reality, many of us are pretty discriminatory towards outside animals. We love our fluffy cats and playful dogs, but have a hard time extending that to other people's disobedient pets. In our eyes, our immediate pets are the best and everyone else's can eat grass. Despite this, we still show respect to them, because we respect the people. Can we say the same about strays? How many of us would actually stop and try and help stray animals? That number is incredibly small, and not for no reason. Strays can be hostile, infected, or even happy being a stray, but we would never know so we chalk it up as us being too busy to check. However, if we really care about animals we would extend some care for the animals without a home, and fortunately there is at least one group in every community that truly wants what is best not just for your pet, but every animal in the community.
Animal shelter veterinary services are essential for protecting the health and well-being of stray and abandoned animals. Many animals that arrive at shelters suffer from injuries, malnutrition, or diseases that require immediate medical attention. Veterinary care ensures these animals receive proper treatment, vaccinations, and rehabilitation—giving them a second chance at life and increasing their likelihood of adoption. Without these services, shelters would struggle to manage outbreaks or provide humane care, leaving countless animals vulnerable to unnecessary suffering.
For household pets, shelter veterinary services also play a key role in maintaining broader community health. Vaccination and spay/neuter programs prevent the spread of contagious diseases such as rabies, parvovirus, and distemper, while also helping to control overpopulation. By providing affordable or low-cost veterinary care, shelters make it possible for more pet owners to keep their animals healthy, reducing the number of pets surrendered due to medical costs. These preventive measures support responsible pet ownership and strengthen the bond between families and their animals.
On a larger scale, animal shelter veterinary services contribute to public health and safety. Stray animals can carry zoonotic diseases—those that can be transmitted to humans—and unchecked populations can create sanitation and safety concerns in neighborhoods. Regular veterinary oversight helps minimize these risks by ensuring that animals entering communities are healthy and properly managed. In this way, animal shelter veterinary services not only protect animals but also uphold the health, compassion, and safety of the communities they serve.
Redlands, California is seeking proposals from qualified vendors to provide animal shelter veterinary services to specified areas. If interested in this opportunity, click on the link to learn more. The bid closes November 3, 2025.