Advice for Vet Students
Dr. May’s Vet Clinic and House Calls provides guidance for aspiring veterinarians pursuing a meaningful career in animal care. Serving communities from Chino Valley to Los Angeles, Dr. May shares insight into veterinary medicine, including education, experience requirements, and the realities of working with dogs, cats, and other animals.
Considering a Career in Veterinary Medicine
Veterinary medicine is a rewarding profession that allows one to help both humans and animals. Anyone considering this path should first become familiar with the field by volunteering or working at an animal hospital. The role of a veterinarian includes treating sick and injured animals, communicating with their human caretakers, and, at times, providing humane euthanasia. These responsibilities can be both physically and emotionally demanding, but also deeply meaningful.
Preparing for veterinary school and building a strong, competitive application
Gaining admission into veterinary school requires dedication, preparation, and real-world experience. Academic performance and hands-on exposure to veterinary medicine both play essential roles in building a strong application.
Academic Preparation
Strong grades in science and math are essential. Veterinary schools expect applicants to demonstrate academic discipline and a solid understanding of foundational scientific concepts.
Hands-On Experience
While many programs require around 200 hours of veterinary experience, aspiring students should aim for closer to 2000 hours to remain competitive and gain meaningful exposure.
Navigating Veterinary Education with Compassion
For students interested in animal welfare or humane education, it’s important to understand how veterinary training environments can vary. While progress has been made, not all institutions follow the same standards when it comes to ethical training practices.
Advocacy Awareness
If you are a vegan or animal rights advocate, it may be wise to approach the application process thoughtfully. Disclosure can vary in impact depending on the institution.
Humane Education Options
Many veterinary schools now offer alternatives to harmful practices, making it increasingly possible to pursue veterinary training without causing unnecessary harm to animals.
Student Resources
Helpful Resources for Aspiring Veterinary Students
The following resources are recommended for veterinary students seeking guidance on humane education, ethical training practices, and career development. These organizations and materials provide valuable support as you pursue a career in veterinary medicine.
Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association (HSVMA)
Provides resources for veterinary students seeking alternatives to harmful use of animals in the veterinary curriculum, along with advocacy and educational support.
Learning Without Killing – Dr. Andrew Knight
A comprehensive guide for students pursuing conscientious objection and humane alternatives in veterinary education. Freely downloadable resource.
The International Network for Humane Education (InterNICHE)
Offers global resources promoting humane education and alternatives to animal use in veterinary and medical training programs.
European Resource Centre for Alternatives in Higher Education (EURCA)
Supports the development and use of humane alternatives in higher education, particularly within scientific and veterinary training.
Learn More
Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC)
Provides information on veterinary schools, admissions requirements, and career pathways for aspiring veterinarians.