Dedicated to care, driven to make an impact

Under the harsh lights and the cold metal tables of an emergency veterinary room, Dr. Meghan O’Sullivan ’17 leans down to comfort a pet taking its final breaths. As the owner says goodbye, O’Sullivan sees it—the way the animal’s eyes soften, comprehending the love and heartache in the room.  

“Even in their last moments, animals have a sense of what is happening,” she said. “In those instances, I am reminded of how powerful the human-animal connection is, and how important it is to handle those experiences with the utmost care and compassion.”

An ER veterinarian and genuine animal lover, O’Sullivan credits her path towards the profession to the sense of ethical responsibility instilled during her time studying biology at Redlands and the influence of Professor Kathie Jenni.

“Her commitment, love, and dedication to animals in need were truly inspirational and deeply influenced my path,” O’Sullivan said. “Through her mentorship and the compassionate perspective she brought to her work, I gained a deeper understanding of the ethical responsibility we have toward animals.”

For Jenni, the memory of O’Sullivan as a student is vivid; “Meghan brought a joyful exuberance and absolute commitment to every aspect of our hands-on work, from hosing down kennels to comforting frightened cats,” she said. “Her dedication went well beyond coursework; she found and jumped on opportunities to help animals of every kind—wild, domesticated, loved, ignored, or reviled. She brought a loving, focused, joyful energy to everything she did.”

O’Sullivan’s dedication took many forms, including founding a wildlife club that raised awareness and support for animals in need, becoming “one of the most valuable experiences at U of R,” and preparing her for veterinary school.

“Through the club, I not only gained leadership and organizational skills, but I also had the opportunity to learn more about wildlife conservation and the importance of advocacy for animals,” she said. “It was incredibly rewarding to see how our efforts made a tangible impact, which reinforced my passion for animal care, especially in underserved communities, and helped me develop a deeper understanding of the responsibility veterinarians have beyond medical care.”

For Jenni, the ultimate hope is that students like O’Sullivan carry their ethical learning beyond the classroom.

“I hope that studying ethics gives students headed for animal care professions the tools to take a thoughtful approach to difficult scenarios they will encounter, such as owner-requested euthanasia, and to question societal norms about which animals are worthy of care,” she said. “I hope, too, that they’ll pass along that critical spirit to the people they come to know in their practices.”

O’Sullivan is doing just that. Whether treating smoke-injured animals during a wildfire or guiding pet owners through hard decisions, she approaches each case with empathy and care.

“Ultimately, my goal is to make a meaningful difference in both the lives of animals and the families who care for them, creating a positive impact in the community,” she said.

As O’Sullivan continues her career, and with Jenni’s teachings leaving as lasting impression, her advice to Redlands students considering veterinary careers is heartfelt; “While it can give you an incredible sense of purpose, it’s important to recognize that the job comes with its fair share of highs and lows,” she said. “It’s not always an easy path—there will be moments of intense pressure and situations that test your emotional and mental resilience. Finding ways to stay grounded will help you remain focused and compassionate when you’re needed most.”

Learn how Redlands prepares students to care for their communities—discover Human-Animal Studies at Redlands.