The University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine’s newest clinic focuses on a type of care long practiced by veterinary professionals but only recently gaining traction as a formal approach in their training: spectrum of care. 

Spectrum of care (SOC) is the wide range of care options veterinarians can provide that takes into account medical evidence while considering each patient’s circumstances and each client’s resources, goals, and ability to provide medical care for their pet. The Companion Animal Teaching Clinic (CATC), which opened to the public this month, puts this approach at the center of its experiential learning opportunities for the college’s veterinary students. 

Spectrum of care is an approach that can be implemented across veterinary practices serving nearly any type of patient and is vital for students entering the profession, according to William Frahm-Gilles, executive director of CATC. The clinic allows students to put this concept into practice as they take the lead in patient care. 

“It is an important day-one skill, as everyone will be working with pet owners from a variety of situations with a variety of goals for their pets,” Frahm-Gilles says. “This clinic will give them more confidence in stepping into the primary provider role, which historically has been a big jump in responsibility. This way, they can take that jump with support and guardrails.”

The SOC concept encourages students to meet clients where they are, rather than pushing for the most expensive or intensive care options for pets. When presenting a range of options that include considerations such as finances, beliefs, or time, students offer a path forward that includes the client in decision-making to determine what best fits their situation. 

As part of their experience, students on rotation at CATC provide physical exams for well and sick pets, vaccinations and preventative care, diagnostic testing, select surgical procedures, and end-of-life support. While students practicing at the clinic are asked to take the ability to pay into consideration when working with clients, the clinic is not intended to provide free or explicitly low-cost care. 

CATC is currently undergoing a phased opening, and appointments are only available to the University of Minnesota employees and students at this time due to limited capacity. A public grand opening is planned for Fall 2026.