How would you describe the primary mission of TrailCats as a student club? The Trailcats Hiking Club is a student veterinary group that focuses on outdoor exploration through hiking, physical and mental health and well-being, and safe, responsible practices, while encouraging camaraderie among students outside the classroom. Our goal is to get students, faculty, and staff out of the school and share a piece of life beyond the field of veterinary medicine. We love exploring and getting into nature! Why is promoting outdoor activities with dogs, such as hiking and camping, important to you? Promoting outdoor activities is a fantastic way to relieve stress—being in nature has been proven to reduce cortisol levels! TrailCats is a great way to build relationships with your peers and especially to get to know students from
other cohorts. We are family-friendly and love welcoming dogs on many pet-friendly trips. How does helping members and their dogs get outside more often help balance the stress of veterinary school? Being involved in other activities helps to rebalance one’s view on life as a whole. Not everything is about veterinary medicine. Taking yourself out of the field of medicine and into the great outdoors allows you to take a step away from the stress of school for a while, all while still being able to relate to those around you. Exercising with your pet in an immersive way is an added benefit for mental and physical well-being. What advice would you give others to encourage safe and enjoyable outdoor adventures with dogs? We encourage dog owners to bring plenty
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