Community Involvement

As a family-owned local business for more than 30 years, South Hyland has long been a cornerstone in this community. Links to the various groups and organizations we donate and volunteer for are listed below.

South Hyland Pet Hospital is dedicated to supporting the next generation of veterinary professionals by offering hands-on learning experiences to students from the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine. First- and second-year students in the Clinical Skills course join our practice to gain practical experience with essential skills taught in the classroom, while fourth-year students complete two-week externships, working closely with our doctors in all areas of veterinary care.

Additionally, Dr. Burk and Dr. Lehnert volunteer their time teaching classes on small mammal dentistry and serve on the admissions interview panel for prospective veterinary students, contributing to the educational and professional development of future veterinarians.

South Hyland Pet Hospital is proud to be a sponsor of Stop the Trafficking, an impactful 5K event launched in 2013 to raise awareness and fight against human trafficking. Led by Grace Church, this event unites local churches, businesses, and the Eden Prairie Police Department in a community-wide effort to end modern-day slavery. Dr. Mark Lehnert serves on the event planning committee, furthering our commitment to this critical cause.

As the largest run in Eden Prairie, the Stop the Trafficking 5K sheds light on a global crisis that has direct impacts on our own communities, including the sexual exploitation of children. Tragically, the average age of entry into trafficking in the United States is just 12–14 years old, with an estimated 100,000 children exploited each year.

All race proceeds go to carefully selected Minnesota-based and international organizations that provide essential support to both minor and adult victims. By sponsoring this event, South Hyland Pet Hospital stands alongside these organizations and our community in the fight to end human trafficking and support those affected by it.

South Hyland Pet Hospital is honored to support the Animal Care Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing veterinary care for pets of individuals who are elderly, disabled, or facing financial challenges. By promoting the human-animal bond, the Foundation helps improve both human and animal health, recognizing the powerful impact pets have on the well-being and quality of life for those in need.

Founded over forty years ago by veterinarians in Hennepin County, the Animal Care Foundation was created to assist community members who are blind, disabled, or elderly and in financial need. Today, the Foundation has expanded its reach into Washington, Anoka, and Dakota Counties, continuing to serve more communities with essential veterinary care. South Hyland Pet Hospital is proud to partner with this organization to help make a difference for those who depend on their beloved pets for companionship and support.

Since 2021, South Hyland Pet Hospital has been proud to partner with the TriDistrict Career and College Readiness Initiative, a program connecting students from Two Rivers, Simley, and South St. Paul High Schools with hands-on career exploration opportunities. Through the TriDistrict Center for Advanced Professional Studies (TriDistrict CAPS), we welcome students eager to learn about veterinary medicine, offering them real-world experience in a busy practice.

Our team is committed to helping students explore their interests, build valuable job-ready skills, and make informed decisions about their futures, whether they choose to enter the workforce, pursue post-secondary education, or serve in the military. By participating in this initiative, we’re investing in the next generation of veterinary professionals and fostering a deeper understanding of the dedication and compassion at the heart of animal care.