A little over a year after first hitting the road, Kansas State University’s Shelter medicine Mobile Surgery Unit has performed thousands of surgeries, helped a dozen animal shelters save on veterinary care costs and has drawn attention to the plight of homeless animals.

The Mobile Surgery Unit took its maiden trip on May 9,2015, with the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Brad Crauer, clinical assistant professor of clinical sciences; three fourth-year veterinary students; and a veterinary technician along to spay and neuter unowned pets at an area shelter. Students spend two weeks on the mobile unit rotation, providing surgery and veterinary care at no cost to participating shelters.

The Mobile Surgery Unit spent 218 days on the road in its first year and performed approximately 3,500 surgeries. For each trip students packed and loaded the 32-foot trailer with supplies for the day. the students use the up to two hours in travel time to reach participating shelters for classes and lectures to improve their knowledge of shelter medicine, procedures and the unique aspects of working with unowned animals.