Utah Students Bring Essential Vet Care to Rural Communities—See How They're Helping Over 300 Dogs in Clarkston

In a shed tucked away next to the church and behind the fire station in Clarkston, Utah, the future of veterinary care met its community. Last Saturday, four Utah State University veterinary students from the College of Veterinary Medicine arrived, ready to provide essential rabies vaccines for the town's beloved dogs.

Clarkston, with a population of just 769, is home to about 300 registered dogs, according to Mayor Craig Hidalgo. For the past two decades, the town has partnered with local veterinarian Susan Benson and USU to offer an annual clinic that provides rabies shots for the community’s dogs, an essential service in rural areas where veterinary access can be limited.

Meeting the Need in Rural Utah

For Clarkston residents, the convenience of a local clinic is a lifeline. The closest veterinary office is located in nearby Richmond, 12 miles away—a difficult trek for pet owners, especially when facing the challenges of rural living. The annual clinic, which administers rabies vaccines at just $20 per dog, brings much-needed services directly to their doorsteps. As Mayor Hidalgo notes, “We do have some dog bites... And people love their dogs.”

For those who may not otherwise have access to veterinary care, this event is not only practical but vital. It ensures the town’s dogs remain protected while fostering a sense of community care.

A Day of Caring and Learning for Veterinary Students

The clinic is also an invaluable hands-on learning experience for the veterinary students involved. Jared and Katelynn Slater, Tessa Ganellen, and Bailey Bunker all brought their clinical experience to the table, performing pre-vaccination exams, taking temperatures, and administering shots. The fast-paced environment of the clinic offers a real-world opportunity for the students to develop their skills while contributing to the health of the local pets.

The diverse mix of canine companions arriving at the clinic was a sight to see—German short-haired pointers, a Great Dane, a French Bulldog, and even a Chihuahua, all awaiting their vaccinations with varying degrees of patience. There were even a few challenges, like the Great Dane who nervously vomited in anticipation, which the mayor quickly handled with a shovel—a reminder that working with animals requires both skill and a sense of humor.

The Impact of the Clinic

In total, 36 dogs received their rabies shots, contributing to the safety and well-being of both pets and people in the community. The clinic turnout was similar to the previous year, a clear indicator of its importance to residents. The proceeds from the event go toward supporting scholarships for veterinary students at Utah State University, making it a win-win for both the community and the students.

This annual event is part of a broader initiative to improve veterinary care accessibility in rural areas. According to the Veterinary Care Accessibility Project, Cache County’s Veterinary Care Accessibility Score is 45 out of 100—an indication that care is somewhat accessible but could still be improved. In some neighboring areas, like Sanpete County, access to care is nearly nonexistent. By offering outreach programs like the Clarkston clinic, the College of Veterinary Medicine is helping to bridge the gap and provide crucial services in veterinary deserts.

The Clarkston rabies vaccine clinic is one of five held in rural Utah communities between January and March, further supporting the growing need for accessible veterinary care in the state. Through these efforts, both the students and the community come together to ensure that the animals in these areas remain safe and healthy.