Landry Higgins and All4Paws

Originally from Louisiana in the United States, Landry knew from a young age that she wanted to become a vet. While still in high school, she began working in veterinary clinics and volunteering at animal shelters, gaining hands-on experience alongside her studies. She later enrolled at Louisiana State University, studying Animal Science and preparing for the traditional U.S. route into veterinary medicine, where vet school is a postgraduate degree.

During her studies, Landry decided to apply abroad, never quite expecting what would happen next.

“I saw how great the University of Edinburgh was and thought I’d apply, even though I didn’t think I’d get in,” she explains. “When I did, I couldn’t turn down the opportunity.”

Now in her fourth year at the University of Edinburgh, Landry has found not only an exceptional education but also a community that reflects her values. Early in her first semester, she learned about All4Paws, a student-run organisation providing free and low-cost veterinary care to people experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity.

“I was really interested in joining straight away,” Landry says. “It aligned so closely with why I wanted to become a vet in the first place.”

Making an Impact Beyond the Fundraising Committee

Although All4Paws has a dedicated fundraising subcommittee, Landry’s impact has extended far beyond formal roles. During her first semester, she noticed a practical issue: the clinic was running low on everyday supplies such as pet beds, toys, treats, and food—items often sent home with clients to support ongoing care.

Rather than organising a traditional fundraiser, Landry had a different idea. She coordinated All4Paws’ first “Week of Giving”, focusing on physical donations from the veterinary school community, while still offering an option for monetary contributions.

“It was really about getting essential supplies into the clinic,” she explains. “Things that make a real difference for both pets and their owners.”

The initiative was a huge success. Encouraged by the response, the team expanded the campaign the following year, planning earlier, promoting more widely, and introducing better raffle prizes. The result was an even greater impact—particularly in terms of financial donations—demonstrating just how invested the community is in the mission of All4Paws.

In addition, Landry supports the organisation’s largest annual fundraiser: the All4Paws auction and ceilidh. The event brings together students, staff, and local businesses, with donated prizes and auction items raising vital funds for the clinic’s work.

“It’s such a big event that everyone on the committee helps with it,” she says. “It’s amazing to see how much support comes together in one place.”

Why Donations Matter

When asked what message she would share with potential donors, Landry is clear and passionate.

“Every donation goes directly to the people and animals who need it,” she says. “None of it is used for ourselves. Anything like uniforms or branded items is self-funded. Donations are used to stock the clinic and provide care for clients and their pets.”

She also highlights something that has left a lasting impression on her since joining All4Paws: the devotion of the clients themselves.

“I’ve never met so many people who care so deeply about their pets,” Landry explains. “So often, they put their pets’ needs before their own. It’s incredibly inspiring.”

All4Paws exists to ease one of the biggest burdens these pet owners face, the cost of veterinary care, so that financial hardship never becomes a barrier to compassion.

“Our mission is to make their lives a little bit easier,” Landry says, “by making the monetary side of owning a pet less of a concern.”

Looking Ahead

As Landry prepares to begin her clinical rotations later this year, she already knows that this type of work will remain central to her future career. Whether through a community clinic, a non-profit organisation, or outreach work alongside traditional practice, she is determined to continue supporting vulnerable and under housed communities and their pets.

“This has become such a big part of who I am,” she says. “I can’t imagine giving it up.”

Get Involved: Upcoming All4Paws Fundraising Event

All4Paws Annual Auction & Ceilidh

📅 Late February / Early March (date to be confirmed)

📍 University of Edinburgh

This flagship fundraising event brings together students, staff, local businesses, and the wider community for an evening of live and silent auctions, music, and celebration. Proceeds directly support the All4Paws clinic, helping to provide essential veterinary care, food, and supplies to pets belonging to people experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity.

🐾 Ways to get involved:

Donate an auction prize or raffle item

Purchase a ticket and attend the event

Support All4Paws through sponsorship or donations

Further details, including exact dates and ticket information, will be shared soon on the ALL4Paws website. Keep an eye out for updates and help make a difference for pets and their people.