Asking to Shadow a Vet?

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Is it appropriate to ask a vet after your pet's appointment if they are taking on any shadows or volunteers. (My mom said that they were open to it a few months earlier and I just got back from college). My dog has an appointment tomorrow. I want to know if this is okay, I plan on bringing in my resume

Originally Posted by WildlifeChick

Is it appropriate to ask a vet after your pet's appointment if they are taking on any shadows or volunteers. (My mom said that they were open to it a few months earlier and I just got back from college). My dog has an appointment tomorrow. I want to know if this is okay, I plan on bringing in my resume

My suggestion would be to call or e-mail to set up a time that you could meet with your veterinarian. Many veterinarians have packed schedules, but, if you plan ahead, they would be more than happy to squeeze you in. Good luck with your shadowing/volunteering!

Originally Posted by WildlifeChick

Is it appropriate to ask a vet after your pet's appointment if they are taking on any shadows or volunteers. (My mom said that they were open to it a few months earlier and I just got back from college). My dog has an appointment tomorrow. I want to know if this is okay, I plan on bringing in my resume

Sure, that's an appropriate time to ask.

"Hey, before we leave ... I'm interested in vet medicine and was wondering if it would be possible for me to spend a day here with you sometime soon and see what it's like."

Something along those lines. Be bold. You don't get what you don't ask for.

Originally Posted by LetItSnow

Sure, that's an appropriate time to ask.

"Hey, before we leave ... I'm interested in vet medicine and was wondering if it would be possible for me to spend a day here with you sometime soon and see what it's like."

Something along those lines. Be bold. You don't get what you don't ask for.

What LIS said. That's how I got to shadow back in high school! Doesn't have to be a long convo...but there's no harm in asking! Good luck!

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Originally Posted by LetItSnow

Sure, that's an appropriate time to ask.

"Hey, before we leave ... I'm interested in vet medicine and was wondering if it would be possible for me to spend a day here with you sometime soon and see what it's like."

Something along those lines. Be bold. You don't get what you don't ask for.

I should add: The bit about "spend a day" is intentional. Might be just me, but I wouldn't roll in asking for a regular gig or long-term volunteering or something. First, that might make them really hesitant. They don't know you, so asking for a repeat performance before you've even been there once ... if I were them I'd politely say no thanks. Second, you might not like it there, but now you've committed yourself.

Easier to start with one day. And if it goes well and you want to come back, just ask at the end of that day: "Hey, I had a great time and today was really valuable. Would it be possible to come back?"

I talked to my vet about it during a regular appointment. She actually ended up being a graduate of CSU, and was super happy to let me shadow whenever I wanted. Eventually, she let me help her with my puppy's spay!! It was so cool

Be persistent not just with your vet but all the vets in the area. I usually send out 5-10 emails and hope for a response. Understand that vets are busy and they might look at your email with the intention of responding but then forget. It's important to call or email if you don't get a response say within a week and half. If you get no response after 2-3 of this, I'd say move on and ask the veterinarian.

In response to your particular situation, I might ask the veterinarian, "Do you have any volunteer or shadowing opportunities available?" In this way, it is a personal question about yourself without making it about you. This way if he or she says yes or no, it would not be as if you are using your relationship as a client to get this position.