Mesa Community College’s veterinary medicine program will continue to care for animals being held by Maricopa County Animal Care and Control under a contract renewed last week.
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MESA — Mesa Community College’s veterinary medicine program will continue to care for animals being held by Maricopa County Animal Care and Control under a contract renewed last week.
Under the agreement, Maricopa Community College District will house select animals provided by MCACC prior to adoption. This will be implemented in their educational modules as they will provide medically necessary services such as dental procedures, spay and neuter, and grooming.
This contract between the county and MCC was originally created on Jan. 17, 2017, as a five-year agreement. The renewal now spans from Sept. 1 and ends Sept. 1, 2025, with the opportunity to be renewed for two one-year extensions.
“MCC requires subject animals to perform certain medically necessary procedures to allow for the use of the students in the Veterinary Technology Program,” the contract states. “The use of subject animals allows the students to acquire experience and assist with certain medically necessary procedures, such procedures being taught in the Veterinary Technology Program.”
Neither party has a financial obligation under the contract.
Not only does this program give a select number of homeless animals a better chance for adoption, but it’s the only school in the county that gives this kind of experience to students, officials said.
“It’s been a really nice community partnership,” said Program Director Kimberly Focht. “We usually get around 6-8 dogs and 5-7 cats a year, and the students get assigned their animal for the year.”
The course spans both the fall and spring semester in which students run lab work and complete behavior training. In the spring semester, the students get hands-on experience with spaying and neutering as well as with the use of anesthesia. This experience is what Focht said makes the partnership special, as the students get to master their skills as well as give physical care toward the animals.
Focht said most students fall in love with their companions over the course of the school year, which tends to result in adoption of their animal or from a close relative. They also helps to spread awareness to help the remaining pets seeking adoption.
Students that complete this program receive their associate in applied science in veterinary technology, which prepares students for careers in veterinary technology which require knowledge and skills involving basic medical sciences, animal care and management, veterinary medical care, and client communications and service.
Frank Espinoza is a recent graduate of Northern Arizona University from the beginning of 2022. He prides himself on covering topics that give a spotlight to individuals or groups who give back to the community. He has covered local sports, community events, and important issues that impact the state. In his spare time, he loves to watch Street League Skateboarding and hang out at Cowtown Skateboards in Goodyear.
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