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I want to be a Veterinarian, how important is hands on experience to getting into Vet school?

I have not been able to get much experience except in my Vet Science class. #veterinarian #science #animals

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Allison’s Answer

Experience is very important on an application to veterinary school. There are many types of animal experience and I would encourage you to be creative if finding volunteer positions at a veterinary clinic or animal shelter is challenging. Consider pet sitting, dog walking, working or volunteering at a stable, farm, or ranch. Most professionals are quite supportive if you show persistence, interest, and consistency.
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Krista’s Answer

Experience is pretty important. I wouldn't get too caught up on the hours though, despite the fact that you do need quite a few hours for veterinary school. The largest reason veterinary schools want you to have experience is because they want to make sure that you are sure of yourself. Seeing that you have experience shows them that you know and understand the rigors of veterinary life and the demands of the career. They also want to see that you have interacted with animals and know how to properly handle yourself while working with them. While working as a vet is not typically dangerous, there are certain risks and dangers that can come with working with animals. Having experience shows that you not only know these risks, but you have also mitigated them first-hand. I would suggest trying your best to gain any type of hands-on experience with working with animals. Working at a zoo, as a kennel tech, or even just shadowing can really help boost your resume. I would suggest shadowing a veterinarian as well. I think that this is super important so you know what veterinary life is like, not just for veterinary school but also for you. Making sure that you know what you are signing up for is super important. Good luck!

Krista recommends the following next steps:

Try gaining any type of animal experience
Look for kennel tech positions or doggie daycare positions
Try shadowing a veterinarian
Reach out to your local clinics about the possibility of shadowing
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