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What is the most effective way to gain experience and hours related to working with animals?

I am currently a highschool junior who wants to go into the medical field for a profession, specifically veterinary science. Right now i work at a dog daycare, boarding, and grooming place. My experience with animals here includes distrubituing, food and water, cleaning dog supplies, bathing dogs, giving medications as instructed by owners, and watching over up to over 20 dogs at a time. Apart from that, i also regularly pet sit for close friends and family. I have also taken three health science classes and am certified in human CPR and first aid.

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Kina’s Answer

It is great that you know what you want to do this early. Start looking for jobs that will give you related experience. Start your own business pet sitting or dog walking in your neighborhood. There are services that you can become an employee of that provide these services. If you want to go the volunteer route, local Humane Society sites have volunteer training and provide part time hours to volunteer. Another option is to check with local veterinary offices to see if they will accept volunteers. Some do and others are not willing to risk the liability of having a non- employee onsite.

As others have commented, the local zoo or aquarium will have formalized volunteer programs that could lead to employment. Good luck!
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Ross’s Answer

When I was in High School, I volunteered at the local zoo, you get to learn about a wide variety of animals and it looks good on a resume.
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Mary Jane’s Answer

Your current experience sounds great! I would encourage you to think about broadening your experience from here to work with different species and/or in different settings. Some ideas:

Contact some local vets to see if the docs will let you shadow; it's a bonus if you can find someone specializing in exotic pets
Volunteer at your local shelter and ask if you can shadow the shelter medicine vet
Check your nearest zoo to see if they have volunteer or internship programs offering hands-on experiences
If there's an aquarium near you, they may also have volunteer or internship opportunities
Look for volunteer or internship opportunities with a wildlife rehab facility
See if a local stable would train you this summer or look for an equine therapy organization that trains volunteers
Get involved with 4H to learn about caring for chickens, rabbits, goats, and similar farm animals

You may need to get creative in your searches; for example, you may not find anything if you search "wildlife rehab" but there could be a raptor rehab facility near you.

You don't need to do all of the examples I mention, but having experience with species beyond cats and dogs and understanding the many settings where vets can work will make you stand out when you eventually apply to vet school. Good luck!
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