Article Release: Issue 13
Release Date: October 30, 2024
Written By: Alyssa Rodriguez

On September 21, 2024, Animal Surgical Center opened its doors to a spirited group of young, aspiring veterinary professionals for our first-ever Youth Day. Coinciding with National Responsible Pet Owner Day, this event aimed to introduce children aged 8-12+ to the world of veterinary medicine, animal rescue, and responsible pet ownership. As advocates for animal welfare and education, our team was thrilled to share the day with such passionate and curious young animal lovers.

A Day of Discovery and Fun

Youth Day was packed with engaging activities, a hospital tour, arts and crafts, and the joy of meeting adoptable pets. Our team led the children through a behind-the-scenes look at how the hospital operates, showing them the equipment we use, explaining different veterinary roles, and even discussing some of the surgeries we perform. The kids eagerly followed along, asking insightful questions and showing a remarkable understanding of animal care.

One highlight of the day was an interactive game called “What Would You Do as a Vet?” where the kids acted as doctors facing common pet concerns. They amazed us with creative solutions—suggesting enrichment for an energetic cat, providing care for a goldfish, and even a six-year-old offering to clean up after a sick dog. It was an afternoon filled with discovery, fun, and invaluable learning.

Giving Back to the Community

We were honored to partner with Hurley’s Heart Bulldog Rescue for Youth Day. The rescue team introduced the children to their lovable, adoptable animals and educated them on animal advocacy and volunteer opportunities. Seeing the kids bond with the animals was truly heartwarming, and Hurley’s Heart founder Summer Somer shared an inspiring message about the importance of supporting rescue organizations. “I hope this day marks the beginning of these kids’ futures as animal advocates and rescuers, and makes a big difference,” she said.

Though Youth Day had no admission fee, we encouraged families to consider donating to Hurley’s Heart Bulldog Rescue or getting involved with a local shelter, reinforcing the spirit of giving back to the community.

A Successful Mission

As Dr. Tomas Infernuso explained, “We believe it is crucial to instill a sense of responsibility and compassion for animals in the younger generation.” Dr. Infernuso’s passion for animal care set the tone for the day, inspiring everyone to contribute wholeheartedly to making Youth Day an enriching experience. Dr. Dong-Woo Jin, our newest team member and a proud new father, added, “An experience like Youth Day gives kids a chance to learn about veterinary medicine hands-on, helping them develop an appreciation for what it takes to keep animals healthy.”

“We believe it is crucial to instill a sense of responsibility and compassion for animals in the younger generation”

Hosting our first Youth Day was a beautiful reminder of our mission at ASC—to build a future where compassion, education, and responsible pet ownership thrive. Seeing the kids’ faces light up as they explored the world of veterinary medicine was immensely rewarding, and we are grateful to all the parents who expressed excitement about returning.

We are so proud of how Youth Day turned out, thanks to our dedicated staff, rescue volunteers, and, most importantly, the amazing kids who brought their enthusiasm and curiosity. We look forward to hosting more events like this and continuing to inspire the next generation of veterinary professionals and animal advocates.

To see footage of Youth Day, follow us on social media @animalsurgicalcenter. Thank you for sharing this journey with us, and stay tuned for more events that bring our community together in support of animal care and education!

Highlight Photos From Youth Day