My child wants to be a vet. Can they shadow one at 13? How?

You should talk to your vet about volunteering in the clinic. Vet offices often need help, and you're at a perfect age to start learning about how to take care of animals. You should also work very hard in school, get all A's, and apply to a good college with a good science program. There are only about 30 vet schools in the US, so competition is very fierce. Be sure to study hard and get as much experience working with animals as you can.

Hi Mhabelle! I will be glad to answer your questions :-) 1. I have wanted to be a vet since I was a child. I have always loved animals, and knew from the time I was little that I wanted to look after them. 2. Yes, I have two dogs (a Basset Hound and a Chow Chow), and four cats. 3. The best thing about being a vet is being able to help make sick animals healthy again. 4. If you get a pet, you have to be prepared to pay for their veterinary care. Pets needs regular care, just like humans, and should be vaccinated, treated for fleas, intestinal worms, and heartworms. Pets need to be looked after, and when they are sick, they have to see a vet.

It depends on the office and what duties the volunteer would have. If there is a specific hospital you are interested in you could contact them directly. Shadowing might be an option if volunteers aren’t needed.

Someone who wants to be a veterinarian can learn a lot by volunteering with or working for a veterinarian, an animal shelter, or zoo, but the only way to become a veterinarian is by attending college and veterinary school.

Hi, this is Dr. Johnson. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I recommend calling around to local Veterinarians and ask if they allow volunteers. Before I even went to college I volunteered at a local animal hospital. Then in college I worked part-time as a vet tech then full time. 12 years later I'm now a Vet at that same practice! Good luck!

My main suggestion is to always keep in mind what made you think you wanted to be a veterinarian in the first place; what triggered your idea and what fuels your passion. Passion is equal to energy and energy will help you a lot during your studies. Go and visit practices and shadow vets as much as possible. Please do not hesitate to write to us more for further advices!!!

I am a veterinarian and I would be glad to answer your questions! 1. Yes, the job is worth it to me. I love what I do, and in veterinary medicine, there are many different career paths. I was a small animal vet, but I've since moved into an industry job focusing on food safety and animal welfare. It's not where I thought I would end up working, but I absolutely love it. 2. Ha ha yes, you will always run into pets that will bite in this job! 3. I recommend picking a college that has a pre-veterinary program. That way, it ensures you take the courses you need in order to be eligible for vet school. I went to Purdue University, so I highly recommend that :-) 4. Yes, I do love my job. I have a great work/life balance, my particular sector of the industry is very low stress, and and I find the work interesting. Sometimes I do miss the hands on aspect of working with small animals, but my job is really awesome. 5. I personally wouldn't pick a different career. I hope this helps!