If you are interested in veterinary medicine, shadowing a vet is a great chance to learn more about the job.It also gives you the valuable experience you need to get into veterinary medical school, as well as giving you first hand knowledge about how to provide medical care to animals.Setting up your visit, choosing proper attire, and learning about veterinary medicine are some of the things you can do to Shadow a vet.
Step 1: Contact your vets.
Call their offices to inquire about available opportunities.You may need to call more than one vet to find one that will allow you to shadow.If you allow people to shadow the vet, ask if the office offers one-time visits or recurring visits.If you schedule times with the office, they will let you shadow the vet on a regular basis.
Step 2: Find out how to shadow an animal.
Some vets will require you to fill out an application, while others will have you come in to the office to talk with the staff.Make sure you fulfill all of the requirements.When you call, some vets may be willing to set up a shadowing appointment for you.
Step 3: Make a date for your visit.
Allow the office to choose a day that works well for them, but let them know if there is something you want to see.You can tell them when you want to specialize in small animals.If you want to know if they have any surgeries or x-ray appointments coming up, you can ask.If there are options available, it will give them some direction if they can't schedule you how they want.If it happens, express gratitude and don't expect to be accommodated.Make it clear to the office staff that you will take any other day that works for them if a day doesn't work for you.
Step 4: When you should arrive, confirm.
Don't assume that you'll be in the clinic from open to close because some clinics have limited hours.Ask when they expect you to arrive.
Step 5: Wear long pants.
Long pants help protect your legs from bites, scratches, and fleas.They look more professional than shorts.If the vet wants you to wear khakis or scrubs, you should check with them.
Step 6: You could choose a shirt for the job interview.
A shirt like a polo, button-up, or blouse is appropriate, but remember that you will be moving around a clinic all day.T-shirts and tank tops are not recommended.
Step 7: Wear shoes that are closed-toed.
Don't wear a shoe with an open-toe if you want to protect your feet.Animals, medical gear, and shuffling feet put exposed feet in danger at the clinic.You will be on your feet all day if you choose nice tennis shoes.You should be able to easily move quickly and sharply in shoes that are easier to clean.If you talk to the staff, you can see if your footwear is appropriate.
Step 8: Don't wear anything that makes you smell bad.
The clinic is already filled with a lot of smells and perfumes will only make it worse.You can show good hygiene by being freshly showered.
Step 9: Your hair needs to be tied back.
If you have long hair, keep it out of the way.There are dangers around equipment and animals with loose hair.
Step 10: Don't touch the animals.
Don't touch an animal unless the vet tells you to.You should not try to pet or handle the pet in the waiting room or exam room.If a pet breaks free from the vet or technician, don't try to intervene.You are not trained to handle the situation.They want you to stand aside, even if you feel bad for not helping.If you are not an employee and something happens to you, you will not be covered.If you don't follow the directions of the staff, you could be a liability for the practice.You should only be watching and learning as an observer.
Step 11: You should turn off your phone.
It is rude to use your cell phone in the clinic and it is a distraction for both you and the staff.Put your phone away and be respectful.You may be asked to leave if you use your phone during your visit.Most practices have a break room or locker room where you can leave your phone if you find it hard to not check it.
Step 12: Don't interrupt the vet.
Even if the vet isn't speaking to you, you should be quiet.Wait to ask when the vet is free.A form of interruption is asking someone else a question while the vet is speaking.The vet may interrupt you in order to maintain the day's schedule.Don't be offended if they cut you off.Save your questions until after the exam is over and you and the vet are out of the room.The vet needs to focus on the patient and the client during the exam.You can bring a small notepad that you can use to write down questions and save them until the end of the day.
Step 13: You can't give your clients' personal business to them.
The private business of the pet owners whose appointments you sit in on shouldn't be shared with you.You should not tell everyone at your school that your friend's dog was behind on its shots after you saw his mom in the clinic.
Step 14: When addressing people use titles.
Use their last name if you want to include Dr, Mr, Ms, or Mrs.The vet, staff, and pet owners should be respected.If you know them outside of the clinic, don't refer to them by their first name.
Step 15: Don't take pictures of animals.
Don't take photos of pets without their owner's permission.If you want to take a photo of a cute kitten or puppy, ask for permission first.If you post a photo of someone else's pet on social media, you could be in legal trouble.
Step 16: You have to research before you can see.
There are a few videos that show what it is like to treat animals.Before you watch a surgery, watch it on video.If you aren't ready to see a surgery, be honest.You don't want to distract yourself by throwing up.Prepare a list of questions you would like the vet to answer.
Step 17: A notebook and a pen are needed.
Take notes when you arrive at the office.You don't want to forget what you wanted to know if you have your questions ready in your notebook.You may add questions to the list as the day goes on.
Step 18: You can observe how the vet interacts with the animals.
Take note of how this vet starts and ends the treatment process.How they approach the pet, what they do to make it comfortable, and how they react when a pet tries to get away are some examples.
Step 19: The vet interacts with pets.
The way a vet is with their human clients is just as important as the way they are with animals.The vet will greet the pet owner and give more information about the treatment.
Step 20: Ask what you need to know.
Don't be afraid to ask questions.The vet expects you to.The vet will be happy to answer your questions if you wait for the right time.Wait until the exchange between the vet, staff, and pet owners is complete.Don't talk to the vet while they're working on the animal.Ask the technicians questions as well.Ask the vets what they know best, they have different specialties and interests.
Step 21: Do you want to see how different animals are treated?
If you want to observe appointments for different kinds of animals, ask your vet to specialize in more than one animal.They may not be able to accommodate you on this visit, but you could get another chance later on.