At Willow Creek Veterinary Clinic in Des Moines, Iowa, the third Wednesday of every month is reserved not for profit, but for compassion. Since October 2024, the clinic has offered Free Pet Dental Days for families who can’t afford regular vet bills—cleanings, minor procedures, and preventative care all done at no cost.
Over 300 dogs and cats have already received treatment, many for the first time in their lives. Funded by a partnership with PetCare Foods and private donors, the program also includes educational materials, dental health starter kits, and a warm, judgment-free environment.
“We wanted to give voice to the voiceless,” says Dr. Megan Lang, the lead veterinarian behind the project. “Dental disease is silent, painful, and often ignored—but it’s incredibly preventable.”
Beyond the dental work, families leave with something more: dignity, support, and the comfort of knowing someone cares.
