TrailCats Club: How U of A Vet Students Are Trading Stress for Summit Views
Southern Arizona’s fall and winter months offer something truly special—comfortable temperatures, clear skies, and spectacular landscapes just minutes from campus. For veterinary students navigating the demands of a rigorous academic schedule, this season presents an invaluable opportunity to step away from textbooks and recharge mentally and physically in the Southwestern landscape. The benefits of spending time outdoors are well-documented: nature reduces stress, lowers cortisol levels, and provides a mental reset that no amount of indoor studying can replicate. When you add friends and four- legged companions to the equation, those benefits multiply. Dogs in particular remind us to be present, find joy in simple moments, and prioritize movement even when schedules feel overwhelming. The TrailCats Hiking Club at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine embodies this philosophy. Founded by veterinary students who recognized the need for balance, community, and time away from the pressures of their field, TrailCats promotes a simple but powerful message: life is fuller when we make space for exploration, fresh air, and the companionship of both our peers and our pets. We sat down with the TrailCats leadership to learn more about their mission, their favorite local trails, and how they’re helping veterinary students find balance one hike at a time.
VETCAT INSIDER
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