4 answers
Emma
Student
Waxhaw, North Carolina
1
Question
Updated
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what is the best way to get animal experience before i go to college?
I already have an internship at my local vet clinic, but i am looking for more animal experience and veterinary experience.
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4 answers
Yashasvi Raikwar
Marketing Coordinator
11
Answers
Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
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Yashasvi’s Answer
Hi Emma, keep growing your hands-on animal experience beyond your vet clinic by volunteering at wildlife rehab centers, rescues, or zoos. In North Carolina, you could explore Carolina Waterfowl Rescue (Indian Trail), BeWild Reptile Rescue (Durham), Piedmont Wildlife Center (Durham), NC Zoo (Asheboro), and NC State Turtle Rescue, many have internships or volunteer openings. Apply soon, mention your current vet experience, and mix domestic + wildlife work to really shine for college or vet school. You got this!
Emalee Mccain
Waitress
2
Answers
Amite City, Louisiana
Updated
Emalee’s Answer
Hi Emma I am in school to be a vet I will advise you that any experience is better then non there is plenty of things that you can do to get experience. For example, I used to work at a puppy breading facility to help dogs and labor and play with puppies all day and feed them and clean up after them. There is plenty of things that you can do to help get experience try to find a job that will have something to do with animals like dog sitting dog walking a grooming place. Just remember any experience is better then none
Skip Jack
5
Answers
Starkville, Mississippi
Updated
Skip’s Answer
Emalee,
The previous reply is GREAT advice. But work around animals, not necessarily "vet" experience can be quite helpful. Examples: nearby riding stables, local farms (cattle, swine, sheep/goats) to volunteer (paid jobs can be tough to land with small producers, but "helping out" is frequently accepted), humane societies or animal shelters (dog walkers, feeders, kennel work) , pet stores.
Good luck !
The previous reply is GREAT advice. But work around animals, not necessarily "vet" experience can be quite helpful. Examples: nearby riding stables, local farms (cattle, swine, sheep/goats) to volunteer (paid jobs can be tough to land with small producers, but "helping out" is frequently accepted), humane societies or animal shelters (dog walkers, feeders, kennel work) , pet stores.
Good luck !
Terri Tart
6
Answers
Updated
Terri’s Answer
That’s a great question—and you’re already off to an excellent start by interning at your local veterinary clinic. That hands-on experience is incredibly valuable. Since you’re already there, one of the best next steps is to ask the veterinarians, technicians, or staff you work with for recommendations. They often know about additional opportunities, programs, or organizations where students can gain more animal and veterinary experience.
Another great option is volunteering. You can search for animal shelters, rescue groups, wildlife rehabilitation centers, or other animal-focused organizations in your area. My daughter, who is currently a veterinary technology student at a four-year college, did exactly this. She began volunteering at an animal rescue organization, and over time the owner became a mentor to her—an experience that helped shape her education and career path.
You can also look online for veterinary clinics that host summer camps or educational programs for students interested in animal care. These camps can provide exposure to different aspects of veterinary medicine in a structured and fun way.
In addition to hands-on experience, learning from professionals online can be helpful too. Many veterinarians post animal handling and educational videos on YouTube, which are a great way to build your knowledge and confidence.
All of these opportunities—internships, volunteering, mentorships, camps, and self-learning—are wonderful ways to explore the field, build skills, and confirm your interest in working with animals before college.
Another great option is volunteering. You can search for animal shelters, rescue groups, wildlife rehabilitation centers, or other animal-focused organizations in your area. My daughter, who is currently a veterinary technology student at a four-year college, did exactly this. She began volunteering at an animal rescue organization, and over time the owner became a mentor to her—an experience that helped shape her education and career path.
You can also look online for veterinary clinics that host summer camps or educational programs for students interested in animal care. These camps can provide exposure to different aspects of veterinary medicine in a structured and fun way.
In addition to hands-on experience, learning from professionals online can be helpful too. Many veterinarians post animal handling and educational videos on YouTube, which are a great way to build your knowledge and confidence.
All of these opportunities—internships, volunteering, mentorships, camps, and self-learning—are wonderful ways to explore the field, build skills, and confirm your interest in working with animals before college.