Social Impact Policy

At Castillo Animal Vegan Vet & Surgery, we are dedicated to making a positive and lasting impact on the communities we serve, promoting responsible animal care, and advancing humane practices within the veterinary profession. Our commitment to animal welfare, sustainability, and educational growth guides our initiatives, with an emphasis on the following core values:

1. Educational Opportunities: Internships & Externships

We are proud to offer hands-on learning experiences for veterinary students, veterinary technician students, and aspiring Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs). By providing these internships and externships, we aim to support the next generation of veterinary professionals, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to provide compassionate, ethical, and effective care for animals.

Our interns and externs are welcomed into an environment that prioritizes high-quality, humane veterinary medicine. Through this experience, students gain insight into:

Advanced techniques in spay/neuter surgeries.
Shelter medicine and care for rescue animals.
A vegan approach to veterinary practice, promoting empathy and respect for all species.

2. Advocacy for Spay and Neuter

As a pro spay-and-neuter practice, we recognize the importance of controlling animal overpopulation and reducing shelter intakes. We advocate for and provide accessible, high-quality spay and neuter services to support sustainable animal guardianship in our community. Through education and outreach, we encourage responsible animal care to mitigate the suffering associated with overpopulation and stray animals. Our goal is to work alongside community members and local organizations to make a tangible impact on reducing the number of homeless animals.

3. Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) Program for Community Cats

To address the community cat overpopulation in Los Angeles, we support and actively participate in Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) initiatives. TNR is a humane and effective strategy to manage and reduce the population of free-roaming and feral cats. By providing TNR services, we help prevent the birth of more homeless cats, which in turn alleviates the strain on local shelters and reduces euthanasia rates. Our TNR program includes comprehensive veterinary care to ensure each cat’s health and well-being prior to their release back to their familiar environment.

4. “Adopt, Don’t Shop” Mission

Aligned with our commitment to animal welfare, we actively support the “Adopt, Don’t Shop” philosophy. We collaborate with local rescues, shelters, and adoption agencies to provide veterinary care to animals awaiting their forever homes. We encourage the adoption of rescue animals and stand firmly against breeding practices that contribute to animal homelessness and suffering.

5. Promoting a Vegan Lifestyle

We believe that adopting a vegan lifestyle can be a powerful catalyst for change—not only for animal welfare but for environmental sustainability and global compassion. Our practice actively encourages both our clients and staff to explore vegan food and lifestyle choices. With a background in wildlife conservation, our Medical Director emphasizes the urgent environmental impact of meat and dairy industries, which are significant contributors to global warming and habitat destruction.

We also believe that promoting compassion toward animals from an early age can help reduce violence in the world. Teaching children the value of respecting all creatures can foster a more compassionate and peaceful future for our planet. By promoting vegan choices, we strive to build a healthier, more sustainable world for both people and animals.

Our Promise

Through these actions, Castillo Animal Vegan Vet & Surgery is dedicated to promoting responsible, humane, and sustainable practices in veterinary medicine. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for our interns and externs, advocating for animal overpopulation solutions, and contributing to a more compassionate world for all animals.