The need for veterinary care in my community has increased, particularly due to the increasing number of stray animals and the neglect of pets. These issues highlight a significant gap in proper animal care and emphasize the importance of finding solutions to provide these animals with the care they need. As I graduate high school and go to major in biology and pre-veterinary medicine, I acknowledge that my studies will not only allow me to fulfill my want to help animals, but will also give me the skills that are necessary to bring attention to the concerns of animal welfare in my community.

The amount of stray animals in my community is upsetting. Whether these animals are abandoned, neglected, or lost, we find these animals roaming the streets, lacking proper food, shelter, and most importantly medical attention. Stray animals are highly at risk for various health issues, such as injuries, parasites, and infections. All while facing these problems, strays also find themselves suffering from starvation and dehydration which lowers their rate of survival. Due to the overwhelming amount of stray animals, it creates a strain on local shelters that don’t have much space left. With limited resources and space to handle and address this problem effectively, many of these animals suffer from conditions that could be treated or managed, in a timely manner, with the right veterinary attention.

On top of the issue with stray animals, there is also the problem of pet neglect. Many pet owners fail to provide their pet with the proper care, whether it’s from lack of knowledge, irresponsible behavior, not scheduling regular vet appointments, lack of proper nutrition, or even, sadly, physical abuse. The consequences that these animals face due to neglect is severe, with trauma, malnourishment, and diseases. Some owners abandon their pets, this can be from lack of time, money, space, natural disasters, etc., which adds to the population of strays within my community.

As I enter college, ready to study biology and pursue a pre-veterinary track, I am excited that my education will directly contribute to improving animal welfare in my community. My studies in biology will set me on track with my pre-vet track as well as provide me with a strong knowledge in life sciences and genetic makeup, which is important for understanding the anatomy of animals and how to diagnose them correctly. This knowledge will be an important factor in identifying health issues like diseases and injuries in stray or neglected animals in a timely manner. After my biology courses I will begin my pre-veterinary track. Through this track I will learn the medical procedures, diagnostics, techniques, and treatment options that will allow me to provide care to the animals in need. It will also teach me the basics like how to get the vitals of the animal and how to insert an IV. 

I’ve chosen to address this problem in my community and to study pre-vet medicine and biology because of my love for animals. I’ve always loved animals and they hold a special place in my heart. Throughout my whole life animals have been a huge part of it and have helped me through hard times. Seeing animals in need hurts me and it would complete me to know that I am giving back and giving these animals a second chance. By becoming a veterinarian, I will be able to positively impact the lives of stray animals in my community by improving their health conditions and advocating for responsible pet ownership. By pursuing a college degree in biology I will attain the skills necessary to give them the care and compassion that they deserve.