Externships in Shelter Medicine or HQHVSN

[QuirkyTurtle8]

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Hello everyone,


I'm a rising 3rd year vet student exploring externship opportunities in shelter medicine and am particularly interested in programs that emphasize education and mentorship for veterinary students. While I'm aware of the ASPCA in Asheville, NC, I understand it's highly competitive with limited spots. I'm seeking information on other programs that offer hands-on experience, mentorship, and a focus on shelter medicine education.


I've come across several programs, such as San Diego Humane Society, Michigan Humane, and Houston Humane Society, among others. If anyone has participated in or knows about these or similar programs, I would greatly appreciate hearing about your experiences, including the application process, what to expect during the externship, and any tips for success.


Thank you in advance for sharing your insights! I think this could be a great resource for others as well, as there are not many recent threads on shelter medicine!

 

[battie]

Don't hesitate to reach out to your local home grown humane societies and shelters. They may not have official programs, but they may take on students here and there.

Likewise, check other vet schools as well.

 

[katiemcat]

Tallahassee Animal Services (FL). They love having externs and teaching. They have an externship program dedicated to HQHVSN.

 

[Koffeekat]

I second Battie's suggestion. I work at an animal shelter as a vet tech and I don't think we have a well-publicized program, but we take students all the time.

 

[max_wildlife]

@QuirkyTurtle8 - check out RAVS (Rural Area Veterinary Services) if you haven't yet; the timing would need to line up with your schedule, but I spent a week with them and had a great time. There are scholarship opportunities as well if finances are a concern.

If you're in the northeast, Animal Rescue League of Boston was great. And I know of some opportunities in upstate New York as well - they provide a good amount of experience, but I imagine similar to what you could find at local humane societies/shelters if you're in an urban area.

 

[snippemall]

I worked at San Diego Humane Society as a VA before vet school and I think the students there had a great time with a mix of both surgery and shelter medicine as well as participating in rounds for our inpatients. I absolutely loved working there. I am doing their externship later this Fall. Also, for ASNA it is first-come-first-serve, so although spots are limited and it is popular as long as you sign up the day the application opens you should get in. If not you can get on the waitlist, but it isn’t end-all-be-all. ASNA was amazing and I’d highly recommend it. Same with RAVS - it was a really awesome experience. I had some friends do externships at Aiken County Animal Shelter in South Carolina who had really positive experiences. I’d also recommend looking into the programs at University of Florida - their community cat fellowship looks amazing! They have a lot of coursework opportunities there too, I believe you can do an online shelter med certificate. I’d also recommend working at any local places that are available - if you work or volunteer as an underclassman often they will mentor you with surgery once you’re allowed to do it.

 

[breezywonton]

Does anyone know anyone that has ABVP in shelter med? Or know someone going through it? I have some questions!