Fancying Felines

Friday, January 27, 2017

Smith’s volunteer work helps countless cats and more

Dr. Roy Smith of Round Rock, Texas, has been volunteering and giving back to the community ever since he earned his DVM degree from Oklahoma State in 1962.

Smith was president of the Texas Veterinary Medical Foundation and longtime treasurer of the Texas Veterinary Medical Association. He was president of the American Association of Feline Practitioners in 2012 and is the group’s current treasurer.

“My greatest accomplishment has been with the AAFP advancing feline veterinary medicine,” Smith says. “We have worked to educate the public on the importance of good health for their cats. People are beginning to recognize the vital role cats play in our lives as companions.”

Smith also supports multiple animal welfare organizations in his area. He has a special interest in feline leukemia cats, and in 2004, he and his wife co-founded Shadow Cats, a charitable organization where hundreds of special-needs cats have found a safe haven over the last 20 years. He is also a strong proponent of TNR (trap, neuter and return) programs.

Smith owns and operates Central Texas Cat Hospital in Round Rock. He has had the feline-exclusive, no-declawing practice for more than 13 years. He has owned three other small animal practices in his career.

He also serves on the board of directors for the Veterinary Information Network. “VIN is an online source for veterinary medicine that literally is accessible around the globe,” Smith says.“The information we provide goes all over the world to veterinarians everywhere. It is particularly helpful in underserved areas where veterinarians can now access valuable information.”

Smith encourages others to volunteer.

“There are things coming down the road that are trying to change how we practice veterinary medicine,” he says. “We need people to get involved locally and nationally to keep the profession strong. Get involved when you are in veterinary college or from day one when you graduate. My motto is, ‘get involved, stay involved and don’t be discouraged. Persevere. You can make a difference.’ Some may think their one vote or one action doesn’t matter, but it does. It all starts with one. Get involved and make difference in your community, your state, your region and the world.”

photo courtesy / Dr. Roy Smith

“My motto is, ‘get involved, stay involved and don’t be discouraged. Persevere. You can make a difference.’” — Dr. Roy Smith