KU’s People for Animals & Pre-Vet Club aims to educate students on vital issues relating to animals 

The club creates a perfect environment for aspiring veterinarians and animal lovers

By John Mahoney 

KU’s People for Animals & Pre-Vet Club is the perfect place for aspiring veterinarians, animal lovers and anyone who loves to give back. The PFA&PVC has a goal of educating students on vital issues relating to animals and providing opportunities and experiences to fight against these issues.  

Some of the activities that PFA&PVC facilitates are presentations, trips and fundraising events like bake sales. Their most recent back sale, held on Oct. 31, was a Halloween bake sale where the club sold baked goods, stickers and dog toys. Proceeds from such fundraising events go towards purchasing necessary supplies for the club to do things like make dog toys and plan trips.  

PFA&PVC frequently holds painting and pet photo competitions, as well as taking part in big events such as donation drives for animal shelters and volunteer work at shelters and sanctuaries. According to club president Laura Gotshall, the club also partakes in unique events every semester.  

“Last semester we toured Penn Vet’s Working Dog Center in Philadelphia, and this semester we will be hosting a presentation by a veterinarian and suture technique workshop,” Gotshall said. 

Gotshall also said that the club collaborates with other clubs and events such as the Kindness Karnival and the AFSP campus walk.  

PFA&PVC has also helped provide students like Gotshall with major leadership opportunities that have been extremely valuable and crucial in their learning.  

“I plan on attending vet school after graduation, so running the People for Animals & Pre-Vet Club has afforded me many opportunities related to my major, like going to Penn Vet’s Working Dog Center, listening to presentations from vets, and partaking in suture technique workshops,” said Gotshall. 

PFA&PVC meets the first and third Tuesdays of every month at 11 a.m. in Boehm 260. The remaining meeting dates for the rest of the Fall 2024 semester are Nov. 19 and Dec. 3.