Being a veterinarian isn’t just about giving vaccinations and doing surgery. It is about caring for the welfare of domestic animals and passing that knowledge on to the children of our community. It is also about volunteering services to show our support for groups that are, as we are, concerned about the welfare of the animals in our area, both domestic and wild.

Kirkwood Animal Hospital is dedicated to helping the community learn about appropriate health care for animals and to educate children about the career of veterinary medicine. We take part in a variety of service programs and volunteer in many ways to make this happen.

All of our doctors participate in various activities in schools in the St. Louis Area. We speak at career day programs in several grade and high schools. We lead tours here at the hospital to show classrooms of students or boy/girl scout troops about what everyday life is like at a veterinary clinic. Often, we allow high school students to "shadow" us at work; in other words, they spend a day following us in our normal routines of appointments and surgery. It gives their curious minds more information about whether a career in veterinary medicine is something that they would like to pursue. We even take time out of our day to go to kindergarten or grade schools to speak to young children about the animals that live in our homes. It is a joy to see how much love for animals can be nurtured in children, even at a young age.

We also participate by providing services at reduced cost to area rescue groups. Two examples are the German Shepherd Rescue and the Golden Retriever Rescue groups. We perform low cost spays and neuters for these pets and provide services (examinations, medications, etc) at a reduced rate for these organizations. It is our goal to get as many animals as possible off of the street or out of pounds and shelters and into appropriate and loving homes. Dr. Schuessler also takes part in caring for animals from the Wildlife Rescue Association. He has helped a variety of pets like possum, Canadian geese, and wild ducks for many types of injuries and medical conditions.

Kitten Adoption