From Idea to Impact: Youth Veterinary Day Comes to Life

Anna (left) practices suturing with fellow students. (Photo by Dot Barnard)

The atrium and Education Room at Dakin Humane Society buzzed with energy on Saturday, May 2, as 25 young animal lovers, ages 10–15, gathered for a one-of-a-kind event celebrating the very first Veterinary Youth Day in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

This milestone day was sparked by the passion and determination of 12-year-old Anna Banas-Chen and Representative Angelo Puppolo, Jr. of Hampden County. A lifelong animal lover with dreams of becoming a veterinarian, Anna has already authored two children’s books—Rainbow the Cat: Makes New Friends and Rainbow the Cat: Goes to the Farm—and generously donates a portion of the proceeds to support Dakin Humane Society.

But Anna wanted to do more.

Frustrated by the lack of hands-on veterinary opportunities for kids her age, she set out to create change. With a growing national shortage of veterinarians—projected to reach up to 24,000 by 2030—Anna recognized how important it is to inspire the next generation early. She envisioned opportunities for youth that would spark curiosity, build skills, and nurture a lifelong commitment to animal care.

With Rep. Puppolo’s support, that vision became reality through House Bill H.4737, officially designating May 2 as Veterinary Youth Day in Massachusetts. In recognition of Anna’s leadership, a Resolution was introduced at the State House in Boston on April 29, marking May 2, 2026, as the inaugural celebration.

Just days later, Anna stood among fellow animal enthusiasts at Dakin, helping bring her idea to life.

After sharing opening remarks, she joined participants in rotating through four hands-on activity stations, each led by Dakin’s expert staff:

  • Bandage Wrapping – Using stuffed animals, students learned to wrap limbs to protect animal wounds (led by Pet Health Center Manager Merrica Modeste)

  • Animal Intakes – Participants learned how to conduct an intake exam on new Dakin arrivals (stuffed animals), looking for signs of abnormalities or sickness, weighing, giving vaccines, and more (led by Veterinary Services Manager Mary Jane McGuire)

  • X-Rays – Youngsters learned how to read x-rays to better understand what’s happening inside an animal’s body (led by Veterinary Technician Abigayle Bogdan)

  • Suturing – Students practiced suturing using bananas, needles and suture thread (led by Public Medical & Education Director Dr. Jack Muth)

Students at the animal intake activity table. (Photo by Dot Barnard)

Each station offered a glimpse into the real-world skills and care that define veterinary medicine.

By the end of the day, the room was filled with proud smiles and a sense of accomplishment. Each participant received a certificate recognizing their dedication to learning about animal health and welfare—and perhaps took one step closer to a future in veterinary medicine.

Dakin staff join participants for a group photo. (Photo by Dot Barnard)