2 answers
Updated
373 views
What can I do as a senior in high school who is interested in animal science and vet med. I live in a small town, and have not much animal experience, what can I do to prepare myself for college and get ahead??
I do not have much experience with large animals and want to get more. How should I do this?
Login to comment
2 answers
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach, Mentor
1209
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Lauren,
If you are specifically looking for large animal experience, there are several large animal hospitals in your area where you can inquire about opportunities to volunteer or maybe work a job like customer reception or get trained as a veterinary assistant. You could also get a certificate as a veterinary assistant in a few months.
Carlson Vet does horses and small animals: http://www.carlsonvet.com/
Sioux Center Vet Clinic does small and large animals: https://siouxcentervetclinic.com/
Dakota Large Animal Clinic: https://dakotalargeanimalclinic.com/
Lewis and Clark Veterinary Clinic in Yankton is a farm vet: https://www.lewisandclarkvet.com/large-animal
You could also look for farm jobs in your area, specifically taking care of animals.
For small animals, animal rescues are always happy to have volunteers.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
If you are specifically looking for large animal experience, there are several large animal hospitals in your area where you can inquire about opportunities to volunteer or maybe work a job like customer reception or get trained as a veterinary assistant. You could also get a certificate as a veterinary assistant in a few months.
Carlson Vet does horses and small animals: http://www.carlsonvet.com/
Sioux Center Vet Clinic does small and large animals: https://siouxcentervetclinic.com/
Dakota Large Animal Clinic: https://dakotalargeanimalclinic.com/
Lewis and Clark Veterinary Clinic in Yankton is a farm vet: https://www.lewisandclarkvet.com/large-animal
You could also look for farm jobs in your area, specifically taking care of animals.
For small animals, animal rescues are always happy to have volunteers.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Cherilyn Garner
Medical Office Practice Manager; Certified Medical Assistant (
53
Answers
Polkton, North Carolina
Updated
Cherilyn’s Answer
If you want to get ahead before college and you don’t have much experience with large animals, the best thing you can do is reach out and shadow or volunteer wherever you can. Call or visit local vet clinics, farms, stables, animal rescues, or even 4‑H or FFA programs in nearby towns and ask if you can help out or observe. Many places are happy to let students feed, groom, clean stalls, or just learn by watching. Even small towns usually have at least a few opportunities if you’re willing to ask around. This kind of hands‑on experience not only helps you feel more comfortable with animals, but it also looks great on future college or vet school applications.