Hi. I'm 14 and will be 15 at the end of summer. I have found one animal
shelter and one horse barn that I could volunteer at this summer, but am
waiting for a response. Other than that, I have no real experience with
animals (besides owning two dogs and pet-sitting a few times here and
there).
I only know of one place I could shadow at that has an age you must be, but I wouldn't be able to volunteer until junior year because of my age. i was wondering if you knew if vets would even consider allowing a 14 year old to shadow them. Also, what sort of "limitations" do they have as far as showing you things? I mean, let's say an emergency comes in and they have to do surgery. Would they let you watch or send you off with another vet or vet tech?
I agree, it is a bit difficult to find volunteer positions at your age in the veterinary medicine. You can be exposed to some danger on the job and it's not for everyone. It's a lot to ask of a vet to take you on as a men-tee. My best advice is to not give up and keep looking for a place that will offer you any experience. You can offer to clean kennels, walk dogs, in exchange for being able to observe. I'm sure there will be a vet out there willing to take you on. Maybe start easy by volunteering once per week.
Do you have a local 4H or FFA group you could be part of? That is another good way to get involved with animals and also be involved in career & team building exercises that will be vital to your future in applying to college and ultimately veterinary school.
Also, if you are still waiting for a response, unless they told you a specific date they would be able to let you know if you could volunteer with them, it's totally ok to call them back and remind them who you are and if they know anything new about your volunteering this summer. I think this shows you're interested and persistent.
I think every vet has different "limitations" - they are legally liable for anything that happens to you or anything you do. I would start by being a "shadow", don't get in their way, but follow them around and learn the flow of the hospital. Offer to help clean anything that needs cleaning. Then as you become more comfortable you can ask questions and see if you can observe surgeries. Make sure you let them know if you are comfortable with blood and do your best again, not to get in the way.
Another way to get involved is being proactive about your own pets, do they see a veterinarian regularly? If not, bug your parents enough that they will take them into the vet - even for a routine check up. You should feel comfortable asking your own vet questions and about volunteer opportunities or even just if you can shadow for a day.
I personally had many miscellaneous jobs when I was your age, I worked a take and bake pizza place and I also worked at the barn where I boarded my horse. I enjoyed working in exchange for riding lessons and my horses board at the barn and had a little extra spending money from my "real" job. So I don't think it would hurt to start looking for a part-time real job, customer service jobs are great experience too. Every aspect of veterinary medicine has to do with customer service. And trust me, experience with it will help you in your future.
I hope this answers your question, hopefully there are enough veterinary clinics in your area that you should be able to inquire at all of them and find one willing to offer you the experience you are seeking.
I only know of one place I could shadow at that has an age you must be, but I wouldn't be able to volunteer until junior year because of my age. i was wondering if you knew if vets would even consider allowing a 14 year old to shadow them. Also, what sort of "limitations" do they have as far as showing you things? I mean, let's say an emergency comes in and they have to do surgery. Would they let you watch or send you off with another vet or vet tech?
I agree, it is a bit difficult to find volunteer positions at your age in the veterinary medicine. You can be exposed to some danger on the job and it's not for everyone. It's a lot to ask of a vet to take you on as a men-tee. My best advice is to not give up and keep looking for a place that will offer you any experience. You can offer to clean kennels, walk dogs, in exchange for being able to observe. I'm sure there will be a vet out there willing to take you on. Maybe start easy by volunteering once per week.
Do you have a local 4H or FFA group you could be part of? That is another good way to get involved with animals and also be involved in career & team building exercises that will be vital to your future in applying to college and ultimately veterinary school.
Also, if you are still waiting for a response, unless they told you a specific date they would be able to let you know if you could volunteer with them, it's totally ok to call them back and remind them who you are and if they know anything new about your volunteering this summer. I think this shows you're interested and persistent.
I think every vet has different "limitations" - they are legally liable for anything that happens to you or anything you do. I would start by being a "shadow", don't get in their way, but follow them around and learn the flow of the hospital. Offer to help clean anything that needs cleaning. Then as you become more comfortable you can ask questions and see if you can observe surgeries. Make sure you let them know if you are comfortable with blood and do your best again, not to get in the way.
Another way to get involved is being proactive about your own pets, do they see a veterinarian regularly? If not, bug your parents enough that they will take them into the vet - even for a routine check up. You should feel comfortable asking your own vet questions and about volunteer opportunities or even just if you can shadow for a day.
I personally had many miscellaneous jobs when I was your age, I worked a take and bake pizza place and I also worked at the barn where I boarded my horse. I enjoyed working in exchange for riding lessons and my horses board at the barn and had a little extra spending money from my "real" job. So I don't think it would hurt to start looking for a part-time real job, customer service jobs are great experience too. Every aspect of veterinary medicine has to do with customer service. And trust me, experience with it will help you in your future.
I hope this answers your question, hopefully there are enough veterinary clinics in your area that you should be able to inquire at all of them and find one willing to offer you the experience you are seeking.
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| http://www.globalanimal.org/2011/11/23/give-thanks-for-animals-volunteer-at-a-shelter/59333/ |
