About 80 Michigan State University veterinary students will offer free pet care at Reutter Park in Lansing on Sunday, Sept. 27. The clinic serves residents who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

The Michigan Community Street Clinic, a student organization in MSU's College of Veterinary Medicine, holds the outdoor event twice a year, East Lansing Info reported. On a typical clinic day, volunteers see just over 100 animals.

Clients line up early. Isabelle Bembas, a third-year veterinary student and senior officer in the group, told East Lansing Info that people begin waiting before students finish setting up.

Bembas said the work lets veterinary medicine extend beyond traditional clinic walls to serve the community directly. She added that the group focuses on preventive care because students lack advanced diagnostic equipment on-site.

Student teams split into separate areas for dogs and cats, with a licensed veterinarian overseeing each team. Services include physical exams, rabies and leptospirosis vaccinations, microchipping for pets not already chipped, and checks for skin and ear infections. Every animal seen also receives six months of heartworm, flea and tick prevention medication.

Danielle Henry, also a third-year veterinary student and senior officer, said many of the pet owners they serve worry about losing their animals.

"They really value that human-animal bond … Without the services that we provide, they would most likely not get any veterinary care," Henry told East Lansing Info.

Beyond medical care, the clinic hands out pet food, cat litter and winter clothes for animals. Basic grooming such as nail trims and sanitary shaves is also available.

The group partners with Homeless Angels, a Christian street-based ministry in Lansing founded in 2013, to spread the word to potential clients. Costs are covered through supply donations and grants from veterinary companies including Banfield. Donation bins are set up at area vet clinics, businesses and dog boarding facilities.

The clinic runs Sunday, Sept. 27, at Reutter Park, 400 S. Capitol Ave. in Lansing. Residents with questions or who want to donate can email [email protected].