3 answers
Kahri
Student
Stockton, California
1
Question
Asked
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Do I know what career I want or am I not sure
I'm on my last year of highschool, I want to be a veterinarian because animals are super cute but not sure if it's the right thing to spend my time on #veterinarian #animal-health
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3 answers
Russell Donathan, DVM
Retired ER/Trauma/Critical Care
4
Answers
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Updated
Russell’s Answer
Most people think animals are cute (because they are!). Clinical veterinary medicine, though, is much less about cute, healthy pets. One needs a true interest in science and medicine, as well as a sturdy constitution to handle pain, injury, illness, gross stuff (feces, urine, blood, ticks, maggots, etc), and of course, death. I hope this isn’t too blunt, but the reality of veterinary medicine is not glamorous, owners can be difficult, and money often drives treatment decisions.
Elizabeth F Schilling DVM
Veterinarian/Educator
37
Answers
Redlands, California
Updated
Elizabeth F’s Answer
Hello Kahri!
I would definitely suggest that you try to get some experience with animals of all types as you finish high school and start your college career.
Animals are amazing, there is no doubt about that! There are a lot of careers that relate to animals, so it might be worth checking some of them out!
Just in veterinary medicine, careers can range from daily health care for pets or horses/livestock, to caring for zoo or aquarium animals, to ensuring the health of our agricultural systems, to industry (research, pharmaceutical industry) or regulatory veterinary work (government). It’s an amazing field!!
Do you enjoy school, especially science? Are you interested in healthcare or research? Then a career in veterinary medicine may be right for you! There are great careers as a veterinarian or veterinary technician.
Do you just want to be around animals but not deal with as much science or school? Then you might look into careers in training, husbandry, conservation, etc.
You have to enjoy people (not just animals) to be in clinical veterinary practice, and animal-related therapy careers can be really rewarding too.
Being in your last year of high school, you are really at a perfect time to be able to explore so many options!
Visit with your college counselors and see what resources they have
Check out the requirements at vet schools near you such as UC Davis or WesternU
Volunteer at an animal shelter, veterinary clinic, rescue, rehab center, or therapeutic riding program.
I would definitely suggest that you try to get some experience with animals of all types as you finish high school and start your college career.
Animals are amazing, there is no doubt about that! There are a lot of careers that relate to animals, so it might be worth checking some of them out!
Just in veterinary medicine, careers can range from daily health care for pets or horses/livestock, to caring for zoo or aquarium animals, to ensuring the health of our agricultural systems, to industry (research, pharmaceutical industry) or regulatory veterinary work (government). It’s an amazing field!!
Do you enjoy school, especially science? Are you interested in healthcare or research? Then a career in veterinary medicine may be right for you! There are great careers as a veterinarian or veterinary technician.
Do you just want to be around animals but not deal with as much science or school? Then you might look into careers in training, husbandry, conservation, etc.
You have to enjoy people (not just animals) to be in clinical veterinary practice, and animal-related therapy careers can be really rewarding too.
Being in your last year of high school, you are really at a perfect time to be able to explore so many options!
Elizabeth F recommends the following next steps:
Lynette Britt
Ethernet Technician
4
Answers
Elk Grove, California
Updated
Lynette’s Answer
Volunteer
You are fortunate to live so close to a veterinary school, my alma mater, UC Davis.
UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, like many vet schools around the country, requires a minimum number of hours (180) of animal, veterinary and biomedical work and/or experience. However, admitted applicants have an average of 2,500–3,000 hours. So, as early as you can, seek out opportunities to observe and volunteer. The Internship and Career Center can help you find possible opportunities in your area. Volunteerism can not only help you prepare for veterinary school, it can also help you discover if it is the right career path for you and connect you with people who could serve as future references.
You are fortunate to live so close to a veterinary school, my alma mater, UC Davis.
UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, like many vet schools around the country, requires a minimum number of hours (180) of animal, veterinary and biomedical work and/or experience. However, admitted applicants have an average of 2,500–3,000 hours. So, as early as you can, seek out opportunities to observe and volunteer. The Internship and Career Center can help you find possible opportunities in your area. Volunteerism can not only help you prepare for veterinary school, it can also help you discover if it is the right career path for you and connect you with people who could serve as future references.
Dr. Donathan’s answer is very honest and accurate. There are cute moments as a vet but also many other things we deal with daily
Shannon Gregoire, DVM