Community Involvement
Veterinary Specialty Center is committed to the community in a variety of ways. Below are just a few examples.
Employee Volunteer Program
In embracing our core value of Giving Back and supporting our community, VSC’s Employee Volunteer Program encourages and rewards our employees for volunteering for non-profit organizations. We recognize that participating in these sorts of activities enriches the lives of our employees and the greater community, both locally and globally. When an employee volunteers for a 501(c)(3) organization on their own time, the employee will be paid 1 hour for every 2 hours volunteered. Employees can get paid for up to 20 hours per calendar year.
Adopt a Highway
Veterinary Specialty Center has adopted 2 miles of Milwaukee Ave from Aptakisic Rd. to Lake Cook Rd. We have pledged to remove litter regularly, which not only improves the aesthetic of our community but also the health of our environment.
Lincoln Park Zoo, Brookfield Zoo, and Shedd Aquarium
VSC is proud to support the Lincoln Park Zoo, Brookfield Zoo, and Shedd Aquarium and their mission to study, care for, and save species. Our team provides in-kind support in various ways including consulting services, use of our facility, and equipment when needed.
Shelter Animal Surgical Services (SASS) Program
Our Shelter Animal Surgical Service (SASS) Program provides VSC’s rotating interns, surgical interns, and our surgical residents with supervised clinical experience while providing much-needed surgical services for shelter animals. The program works in conjunction with the 501(c) (3) organizations that pull from Chicago Animal Care and Control to help shelter animals receive the basic surgeries they may need to help them get adopted.
Chicago and Buffalo Grove Pride Parades
To celebrate our inclusive culture and honor our employees and friends of the LGBTQ+ community, VSC has participated in and supported both Chicago’s and Buffalo Grove’s annual pride parades and festivals.
Year Up Chicago
VSC is proud to have been a past sponsor in the Year Up Chicago program. Year Up is a one-year, intensive training program that provides talented and motivated, yet under-served young adults, ages 18-24, with a combination of hands-on skills development, coursework eligible for college credit, corporate internships, and wraparound support. In addition to having hosted several interns, VSC is actively involved in networking and workshop exercises for their incredible students.
Potluck Fundraisers
Our staff holds “Potlucks with a Purpose” to raise money for non-profit organizations that they choose. All money raised is matched by VSC and goes directly to that organization to support its mission. Past fundraisers include:
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Blanding Turtle Program
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Live Like Roo
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Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
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Children’s Heart Foundation
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Greater Illinois Pediatric Palliative Care Coalition
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Nina’s Pet Pantry
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Our House of Hope
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Midwest Veteran's Closet
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America’s VETDOGS
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Naomi’s Village
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A.R.P.S Hooved Animal Rescue & Protection Society
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City Bee Savers
Veterinary Care Foundation Fund
Veterinary Specialty Center (VSC) has a long history of working with many of Chicagoland’s non-profit shelter and rescue organizations and we invite you to help us by donating to our Veterinary Care Foundation (VCF) Fund to support our charitable work. VSC has partnered with VCF, which provides veterinarians with a simple and effective way to offer charitable veterinary services to clients facing personal hardships and animals rescued from abuse and neglect, as well as to advance the care we are able to provide.
The Veterinary Care Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) intended to cover a set portion of the bill to help offset the cost to owners. 100% of every dollar contributed goes directly to a Veterinary Specialty Center client in need of financial assistance for their pet. 100% tax-deductible contributions to the fund can be made here. To submit a check by mail, it can be made payable to the Veterinary Care Foundation and sent to:
Veterinary Care Foundation
16550 NW 46th St.
Morriston, FL 32668
Please be sure to include that your check is for the fund at Veterinary Specialty Center, 2051 Waukegan Road, Bannockburn, IL 60015.
Our goal is to be able to offer services to families that may be otherwise forced to surrender or euthanize their pet. All requests for assistance must come through VSC. Allocation of funds is determined on a case-by-case basis by a member of our management team.
Thank you in advance for your donation. All gifts, no matter the size, are greatly appreciated.