Ten years into his nearly 40-year career as a veterinarian, Dr. David Zanders read an article that opened his eyes and inspired him to take action.
“I learned that 50,000 animals were being euthanized locally each year, and I knew I needed to get involved,” he says. Since then, Dr. Zanders has been a staunch advocate of spay and neuter and animal rescue. A former two-term president and 13-year board member of the former Escondido Humane Society (now part of San Diego Humane Society), Dr. Zanders has used his leadership and veterinary practice to encourage responsible pet ownership and educate the public about the benefits of adopting instead of buying.
“There are so many great animals in shelters, and mixed breeds can be so much better in terms of health,” he says. “You have to remember that it’s the personality of the animal, not the looks or breed.”