Lees-McRae College and Avery Humane Society partnership will provide local animal care and hands-on learning opportunities

Lees-McRae College and Avery Humane Society (AHS) announced a new partnership that will provide healthcare for animals in Avery County and create experiential learning opportunities for students in the college’s Pre-Veterinary Medicine program.

Through the partnership, Lees-McRae will provide regular spay and neuter services to cats and kittens from AHS. Neuter services will be provided every one to two weeks throughout the year and spay services will be provided throughout June and July. The college will also host an annual community vaccine clinic for local cat and dog owners at AHS beginning May 2027.

“With this partnership the college has two primary goals, to create valuable experiential learning opportunities for our students, and to serve our local community here in Avery County by providing health and wellness care to our furry friends,” Vice President for Academic Affairs Pam Vesely said. “Students will be involved in all aspects of these cats’ veterinary care under the direct supervision of our licensed veterinarians. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Avery Humane Society.”

Training in spay and neuter procedures, shelter medicine best practices, and community wellness clinic care will be incorporated into the Pre-Veterinary Medicine summer curriculum. All care will be conducted at the May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center on the Lees-McRae campus with funding provided by both Lees-McRae and AHS.

“This partnership with Lees-McRae College is a fantastic opportunity for both the college and the Avery Humane Society. We couldn't be more excited about what this means for the animals in our community,” Avery Humane Society Executive Director Elsa Delgado said. “By joining forces with the college, we are able to expand our reach, strengthen our resources, and ultimately help more animals in Avery County find safe, loving homes. We believe this collaboration is a true win for our shelter, for the students, and for the community we both care so deeply about.”