Big sucess for me!

[LaurenKittie]

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I know this isn't really the kind of thing people usually post on here, but I wanted to share with you guys how awesome of a day I had. I had my first day shadowing at a local clinic and I had a GREAT experience. The vets were so friendly and explained everything to me, big change from experiences I have had in the past.
I got to see exams of cats and dogs, as well as a pionus parrot and a baby ball python. I watched injections, blood draws and even got to see an exploratory abdominal surgery to find an obstruction.
I've been so worried that my queasiness would keep me from being a vet and I had absolutely NONE today. I felt great, more curious than anything and not even a little queasy. I had a great day!
The not so great part was that the vet had to euthanize a kitty today. Also a first for me but I handled it pretty well and I could definitely see it was for the best.
Thanks for reading and being here for me guys!

 

[Adrift108]

congrats on your (first?) in-depth and behind-the scenes shadowing experience! Keep working it and they may offer you a position in time. Just keep watching those surgeries and you'll be more used to it 👍

 

[BlacKAT33]

aww reminds me of my first time!! that is so great! i hope each day you're there the excitement remains! 🙂

 

[Shanomong]

.

 

[thereservoirdog]

Sounds like a pretty exciting clinic, I hope you get to build up some more experience there.

 

[Caninerepro]

That is great. Yes often it takes some time to find the place that clicks with you, but it sounds like you may well have now. Also it is really cool that you got to see the good, and the bad, of being a vet. In the end the good far outweighs the bad in my mind, but there are drawbacks such as having to do the hard thing because it is best for the patient.

 

[DVMDream]

Congrats! Sounds like you found a nice place that you really enjoy. Hopefully you will get to see many more exciting things and possibly get a job! 😀

 

[LaurenKittie]

congrats on your (first?) in-depth and behind-the scenes shadowing experience! Keep working it and they may offer you a position in time. Just keep watching those surgeries and you'll be more used to it 👍

I shadowed a couple vets in high school and most of them were cranky and seemed burned out. The vets at this place seemed really in it for the animals which was great, and even offered me some pointers about queasiness. I had been embarrassed to ask.
It was a really interesting day and I greatly enjoyed it. I hope that after shadowing for a while they'll eventually let me actually do stuff, and then eventually give me a job *fingers crossed*

 

[ImaJerseyGirl]

Great! Sounds like you found a gem- be sure to stick with them!

 

[Minnerbelle]

woohoo! that sounds really awesome!!!

 

[PigsRock]

Hooray! I hope you keep enjoying the experience!

 

[gizbit]

what's the best method to have the opportunity to shadow a vet? should i call local vet hospitals and ask?

 

[cowgirla]

what's the best method to have the opportunity to shadow a vet? should i call local vet hospitals and ask?

Call, or email. Offer to provide references, if you have them. Offer them a resume detailing any other animal experience you have, if you can. If you have pets, try starting with their vet. That's how I get my start--I was 13 when my vet let me shadow him around a few days a week, and when I turned 16, I was offered an assistant position--I was finally getting paid for all the things I'd been doing all along.

 

[twelvetigers]

I would suggest going in person if possible. Calling ahead is okay, but showing up lets them know that you're serious. Make sure you have a resume prepared!