Thanks to donors like you, the LEAP program in Amarillo is making a real difference for pets and their families. In partnership with Amarillo Meals on Wheels (AMOW) and the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine (TTU-SVM), LEAP provides both annual wellness care and education to help pet owners protect their pets, themselves, and their homes from issues like fleas.

During a recent LEAP visit, AMOW client Ms. Harvey’s cat, Milo, was due for his annual wellness care and also struggling with a severe flea infestation in the home. Milo received all recommended vaccinations and a year’s supply of flea and heartworm preventives. With multiple treatments and the support of the TTU-SVM team, along with a dedicated AMOW volunteer driver, both Milo and the household are now healthy and flea-free.

“For our students, having the opportunity to work directly with clients and engage with the local community is invaluable,” said Dr. Trista Mills, Assistant Professor of Practice at the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine. “It allows them to apply years of learning and hands-on practice to both patient care and client communication. Experiences that are hard to replicate in a traditional classroom setting.”

Through LEAP, students at TTU-SVM have an additional opportunity to apply their classroom learning in real-world settings. They gain hands-on experience in communication, animal handling, wellness care, time management, and professionalism, while also learning a compassionate approach to helping both animals and people. Your support allows these future veterinarians to serve as advocates and lend a hand in the local community, complementing the education they receive through their formal curriculum.

Your generosity ensures pets like Milo receive the care they need, families gain valuable knowledge, and future veterinary professionals gain experiences that shape their careers—all making a lasting impact in the Amarillo community.