For more than two decades, the Rural Area Veterinary Services (RAVS) program has worked to expand access to veterinary care in underserved rural communities where poverty and geographic isolation make regular animal health services unavailable.
RAVS’ veterinary teams have treated more than 170,000 animals, providing a range of services valued at more than $33 million - all at no cost to the clients or communities we serve. In addition, our field training programs have provided life-changing service-learning opportunities for more than 9,700 veterinary and veterinary technician students and professionals.
The RAVS program expands access to animal health resources via three interconnected approaches:
- Direct care veterinary services provide immediate response to relieve suffering and promote animal and community health.
- Clinical training and mentorship for veterinary professionals and students to increase awareness of the issues, provide relevant clinical experience and empower individuals to help shape effective solutions.
- Community development support and project facilitation builds local capacity for community-based animal care resources and sustainable service programs.
The success of our program depends on the generosity of volunteers and donors who support this important work. You can help us continue by volunteering your time or making a tax-deductible donation.
This website is primarily intended to provide information to prospective RAVS volunteers. For more information on The Humane Society of the United States and our work to end suffering for all animals visit humanesociety.org.
The Fund for Animals - HSUS merger is complete
March 12, 2024: The Fund for Animals and the Humane Society of the United States have finalized the merger announced in 2021. The Fund for Animals—which operated Black Beauty Ranch, Duchess Sanctuary and Rural Area Veterinary Services—has been an affiliate of the Humane Society family of organizations since 2005, and is now fully integrated.
RAVS will continue to operate at the HSUS as we always have - bringing essential care to animals in under-served communities while providing high-impact service learning opportunities for veterinary students and professionals - and your support will continue to be essential.