Community Support

We are committed to the communities where we live and work. Our teams often engage in events in their local communities to support charitable organizations that care for pets. We’re also proud to be involved with some national initiatives aimed at improving the lives of pets and their people.

Shelter Surprise 

Nominate for Shelter Surprise 2024 – nominations open in Sept. 2024!

Shelters and rescues are close to our hearts, and we often collaborate with them to provide care for shelter pets. However, they are often under-resourced for the important work they do. We’re excited to be able to show our gratitude for their passion and commitment to caring for pets and finding them loving, forever homes. 

Each fall, we offer the MedVet Shelter Surprise where supporters can nominate shelters. From the nominations received, we choose 10 finalists which are part of a public vote to determine which three deserving shelters win cash prizes to support their mission.  

The winners are announced during National Animal Shelter and Rescue Appreciation Week which takes place each November. 

First place was FurEver Friends of Asheville in Asheville, North Carolina
Second place was Lucky Tales Rescue in Ft. Thomas, Kentucky
Third place was RESCUEDohio in Columbus, Ohio
MedVet Cincinnati team members standing behind large yard sign that says, “The Service Dog Event!” out in front of veterinary hospital
Veterinary Ophthalmologist giving a service dog a free exam.
Brown Doberman service dog sits between the veterinary ophthalmologist and his owner’s wheelchair after his free eye examination

Support for Service Dogs

We are proud to participate in the annual American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists and Epicur National Service Animal Eye Exam event. The ACVO is an approved veterinary specialty organization of the American Board of Veterinary Specialties that board certifies veterinarians as ophthalmologists. The organization developed the ACVO/Epicur National Service Animal Eye Exam event in 2008, and since its inception, nearly 76,000 service and working animals have received free screening eye exams throughout the country. 

Board-certified ophthalmologists at several MedVet hospitals and Veterinary Eye Institute practices offer free eye screenings to service animals each May. Check out a few photos from our most recent Service Dog Event.  

Military and First Responders

We are grateful to our military and first responders for all they do to keep us safe, and we’re also aware of the important role that working animals have supporting military and emergency response efforts. We are proud to offer a military discount to active duty military personnel.  

We also have partnered with police, fire, and rescue organizations to offer training to first responders, so they are able to address the needs of pets in emergency situations. This includes pet CPR and first aid. If you’re interested in training for your department, please contact us.

German shepherd with his military handler is receiving a special veterinary eye exam for service animals
State police officers in classroom learning how to give CPR to dogs in an emergency
Classroom of fire department first responders receiving CPR training for pets