While the main activity of veterinarians is the care and treatment of animals, they are professionally trained personnel who have a history of involvement in community action. Their full potential has not been tapped to help alleviate the inadequacies of rural health services. Cited in this paper are specifics relating the number of trained veterinarians as of January 1, 1969; the educational background of the veterinarian; past community involvement; and the military's use of veterinarians. While past involvement has been broad, there are many other areas of community service that could utilize their abilities. In most cases, veterinarians would be willing to offer their personal and professional help. (DB)