RVC c/o 2026

[violetvett]

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hi everyone! i was recently accepted into the 5-year program, and i am so confused about the other animal experience! i started out at a shelter in 2016 (not recent enough of an experience) so i started a dog-walking service this year and had one of my clients write a letter for me confirming the 70hrs experience, but does this count? i know it's not supposed to be in a home environment, so i'm not sure if rvc will count this... what did you guys use as your non-clinical experience???

I would think so, as the RVC classifies that it be 70 hours "in one or more non-clinical working environments with live animals (excl. the home environment/family business/pet ownership)". As you weren't walking your own pets and were working (even if it was a self-employed job), I would think that it would qualify. You should definitely email/call them to make sure though!

Personally, I had some experience with beef cattle and swine through my university, as well as volunteering at a cat shelter.

 

[bebitokki]

I would think so, as the RVC classifies that it be 70 hours "in one or more non-clinical working environments with live animals (excl. the home environment/family business/pet ownership)". As you weren't walking your own pets and were working (even if it was a self-employed job), I would think that it would qualify. You should definitely email/call them to make sure though!

Personally, I had some experience with beef cattle and swine through my university, as well as volunteering at a cat shelter.

i tried emailing them about 2.5 weeks ago, and they still haven't responded ))-: i'm also from the US so im not sure if i'll be able to call.. i've been volunteering at shelters in the meantime just in case, but your reply definitely gave me reassurance haha

 

[violetvett]

i tried emailing them about 2.5 weeks ago, and they still haven't responded ))-: i'm also from the US so im not sure if i'll be able to call.. i've been volunteering at shelters in the meantime just in case, but your reply definitely gave me reassurance haha

Yeah, one of my emails to the RVC never received an answer (luckily, the issue resolved itself). I did recently send them an email and got an answer within a week though. I would definitely follow up with them, if you haven't already.

And it's good that you're being proactive by volunteering at shelters just in case 🙂

 

[futurevet1998]

I just declined my international 4-year program seat - I hope someone gets my spot quickly!!