Hi all, I am a pre-vet student finishing up my undergrad. I have been applying and interviewing a handful of clinics, and got an offer from my second choice clinic yesterday which I accepted and am set to start tomorrow. In this process I also reached out to a clinic in the area that accepts exotics (unlike the other clinics which only saw cat & dog.) This is a huge area of interest for me, and the type of medicine that I am currently interested in practicing within my career. They did not have any openings, but took me on as a shadow while they got to know me and waited to see if a position would open up - which to me, didn’t seem likely which is why I accepted the other position.

I got a call from my first choice today offering a position, but when I asked what my role and job expectations would be it just didn’t seem to be as flushed out as the other clinic. They only have doctors and techs at this clinic, and while they mentioned my doing vaccines and such after being trained, I worry I won’t get as much hands-on learning experience with them as I would with the other job who staffs many assistants.

For me, I’m lucky that money is not the driving factor, I am looking for learning opportunities and hands-on technical experience. I plan to shadow my first choice clinic once more today, and discuss what my abilities in the clinic would be after being trained, and will try to weigh my choices then.

If I do decide to continue with this clinic- as opposed to the one I accepted an offer for, how do I alert my second choice clinic? I have signed no paperwork yet. I also have no problem working my first few days there, but I’d prefer not to burden them too heavily.

TLDR: I got a job offer at my preferred clinic after accepting a position at my second choice. If I choose to move forward with my first choice, how do I let the other clinic know? I start tomorrow, but have not signed any paperwork.

Thanks all, and I apologize for the long post. I am new to working in general, let alone in vet-med.

Hey, I’m a recent veterinary graduate. In my country, veterinary medicine is mainly focused on large animals, especially ruminants, with very little or sometimes no proper teaching about small-animal practice or other species. Because of that, I graduated with very limited knowledge and practical experience in small-animal medicine.

For almost two months now, I’ve been training three days a week at a small-animal clinic. I’ve learned quite a few things during this time, but I’m still not sure if what I’m seeing is actually how veterinary medicine is practiced in other parts of the world.

I don’t want to become a vet who simply learns by repeating the mistakes of the people around me. At the same time, I’m not trying to become the best vet in the world. I just want to become a competent, normal veterinarian who knows what he is dealing with, can approach a case logically, and knows when he needs help. A lot of the clinical practice I was exposed to focused more on treating the obvious symptoms than on working through a structured diagnostic approach and clinical reasoning. I understand that this may be partly due to the limitations of the veterinary system and education in my country, but I don’t want to carry those habits into my own practice.

I have already completed the ER course by VIN, and I am currently studying through VIN as well as some open-source lectures I have found on physical examination and clinical approaches. I can tell that I am better than last month, but I still feel stressed when I am in clinic and barely remember what I have studied. even when I remember what the appropriate approach, I don't feel confident enough to actually take the step, I end up standing behind and watching.

Is this how veterinary medicine works in other parts of the world? Am I actually undertrained or this what new grad go thru? what should a normal new grad vet actually be able to do on their own? and how can I make sure I am learning things the right way?

I just want to be a vet I can be proud of. I want to build a solid foundation and know what he actually do so what are the skills that each vet in small animal practice should know about

I got accepted today and will be in poland on the 25th I have no idea what i need.

Is a laptop or ipad better?

How many notebooks or what text books do i need?

What practical gear do i need?

these are only some of my questions so please if you have any advice its appreciated.

Helloooooo all

I’m here to inquire about some curiosities I have as a technician assistant who would like to be a DVM one day hopefully. I’ve always struggled with math. When I went to go get my bachelors degree (I have 2) I was able to get through fundamentals of math, zoology, other courses with some extra help and tutoring. I never took statistics, any chemistry, any physics, etc. I’m aware that I will need to knock these prerequisites out at a community college before I move on to applications. Has anybody here taken the path from technician assistant to doctor? Does anybody here have dyscalculia and has always struggled with math but is finding a balance as a DVM?

Also, has anybody ever worked in veterinary forensics? I already have a criminal justice degree and while ER/critical care is my top choice field, I am very much interested in veterinary forensics. I did read that you do need to pursue a pathology specialization to be well off in that field. Any words of advice or encouragement? I already have a decent amount of references rounded up for when the time comes and a lot of community involvement and working hours wildlife, exotics, behavior and training of exotics, outreach, and ER/critical care along with general practice. Even if you’re popping by to say hey I wouldn’t do it and just stick to being in the technician realm, any feedback is appreciated!!

Então, me formei em veterinária no final de 2025 e decidi seguir a área de alimentos, porém após a formatura não consegui emprego na área. Ingressei em um mestrado na área em uma boa instituição, mas sem bolsa...Por esta razão senti que deveria trancar a pós e começar a tentar o mercado de trabalho (botei currículo para tudo, até cargos de nível médio), só consegui plantoes noturnos em clínicas populares. Pois bem, iniciei os plantões e passei pelos mais tenebrosos períodos, fiz plantao em que nem conseguia comer, enquanto o gerente me obrigava a atender ininterruptamente. Após esse episódio insano eu decidi que nao faria mais plantões, estou tentando investir em atendimento à domicílio para iniciar alguma renda. Estou considerando retornar para o mestrado também e ficar na fila (que já contemplou duas pessoas na minha frente, faltando apenas mais uma) da bolsa, enquanto estudo para concursos (mesmo que de nível médio). Há alguem passando por algo semelhante no início da carreira? O que fez para se salvar? Algum conselho de alguem mais experiente? Tem dias que é desesperador, nao saber se os plantoes serão minha única forma de ganhar pão, me submetendo às mais diversas humilhações.

I'm currently enrolled in a community college in California and looking to transfer to UC Davis for my bachelor's but I can't decide what major to apply for, ive seen a few counselors at my college that suggested any type of animal science while others say to go for a science program and im honestly confused...if anyone has any suggestions, especially with what type of extracurricular activities that will help me stand out, I would love to hear it! :))

Apologies if this isn’t allowed in this thread but I didn’t know where else on Reddit could be relevant.

I’m looking for insight on working corporate for well known animal health brands - Zoetis, Elanco, BI, Merck, Covetrus, Vetcove, Nutramax, Virbac, Purina, Royal Canin, Hills, etc.

I’m not specifically looking for vets who work for these companies. I’d just love to kick off a thread for reviews and what real employees think about working for any of the well known animal health companies today, given the state of the industry and economy. Any company that has a booth at VMX is valid and I’d love folks opinions and if they’re happy there.

I’m looking at applying to work at VEG on a per diem basis as a veterinarian. I understand that they drug test. I have a medical card which makes cannabis legal in my state, but in my state there is also a provision that they can still discriminate against ppl with a card and a positive test if they have a “safety-sensitive” job. Anyone have any history or experience with this?

Thank you to all who gave me advice. All I'm going to say is that it was reported, and I did the right thing. I have deleted my original post as I fear retaliation or this getting back to me somehow. If I find anything out, I will keep everyone updated. Much love to everyone. ❤️

I am making a huge career pivot (from education as an educational aide to the veterinary field, specifically in the kennels), and the jobs in my area typically require 1-2 years of experience. I have been rescuing and caring for animals' basic needs, as well as medical needs, under the supervision of veterinarians for 12 years.

Will clinics and hospitals consider this as experience? It's been really hard getting my foot in the door, and I would love the chance.

I am a mom to 2 littles and recently cut back on my in-office time, but would love to try to supplement some income with some WFH opportunities. Anyone know of any? Potentially teleconsultation services or food company rep or anything of the sort? I’m an ACVIM boarded specialist as well (neuro)

TIA.

Para-veterinary professionals — what’s the scope of this career in India and abroad?

I’m a para-veterinary professional from India and I’m trying to understand the long-term career scope of this field.

I’d love to hear from people who are currently working as veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, animal health workers, livestock technicians, or in similar roles.

A few things I’m curious about:

- How is the job market for para-vets/vet technicians in India?

- What are the realistic opportunities in countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK, USA, Gulf countries, etc.?

- Is it possible to get a job abroad with an Indian para-veterinary qualification, or is additional certification/education usually required?

- Which countries have the best demand and salary for veterinary technicians/animal health professionals?

- What are the opportunities in private practice, dairy farms, poultry, livestock companies, pharma, pet care, animal nutrition, research, or government jobs?

- Has anyone here moved abroad from India after working as a para-vet/vet technician? What was your pathway?

- For someone who eventually wants to start an animal/livestock-related business, which skills or experience would be most valuable to develop?

I’m not necessarily looking only for a 9–5 job. I’m trying to understand the overall career + business potential of this field, both in India and internationally.

Would really appreciate experiences from people actually working in the industry rather than generic career advice.

1. I always wanted to work in the ER, but not on people. Just imagining myself operating on people makes me nauseating due to the pressure and the imagery. For some reason, seeing the same blood and injuries hits different when it's from a human vs animals. The only other kind of ER was an ER for animals.
2. I obviously love dogs and cats, but I also think it's noble to help speechless living beings, and the owners who love them using your medical training.
3. I like the schedule and don't mind the OT hours if it's 3 days of full-time work. I want to spend the other 4 days reading, writing, playing in the community orchestra, and crafting things. The only other job I can think of that permits this kind of schedule is dentistry.

BUT I keep having second thoughts about human medicine for some reason...

For those of you who are ER vets, do I have the right motivations? Is it common for people who entered the vet profession have regrets or second thoughts about entering human medicine instead?

i’ve been working at a small privately owned vet clinic that my family has been clients with for a very long time. i was 16 when i was hired and was trained in veterinary assistant tasks (aside from the stuff i legally couldn’t do). i’m 18 now and am in school to get my vet tech license and i have not received a raise since i began working 1.5 years ago.

i’m getting paid $13/h and personally don’t feel like that makes sense for everything im doing, as im doing everything my coworkers are and they’re getting paid $20+. id like to get up to $15-$17/h but ive been stuck on how to ask. i understand that im still younger and less experienced, however the responsibilities i have at work are similar or equal to my coworkers who are getting paid much more.

how can i go about asking for a meeting and then asking for a raise?

I work at an emergency clinic, and we have a serious issue with verbal instructions, techs handing charts to this person and that person, and nobody knows what's going on sometimes. Mistakes have happened due to this.

Has anyone found something that seemed to work for them? If it helps, we use Instinct for our outpatient and inpatients (we only put in scheduled treatments for the inpatients). Otherwise, the techs go off of the treatment plan for outpatient, and everything goes into Avimark.

Thanks for any ideas!

Hello!
I Am a veterinarian and my husband and kids are from the US. We are planning on moving in a couple of years and my main focus in my country had been wildlife conservation and wildlife in general. I have a PhD and I am kind of recognized in my country for my work.
Now I would have to validate my degree in the states and I think I would follow the PAVE route. Because I spent the last 5 years doing the PhD I am a bit rusty in the medicine aspect so I think that would give me the knowledge and confidence that I need.
The thing is if everything works out fine, I would be around 40 years old once I have everything ready to work as a DVM there.
I would like to apply to an internship and maybe then residency in wildlife medicine but I fear I would be too old for that and they would not accept me in their programs.
Do you have any advice or suggestions?
Is there anything else I would do with the degree and PhD there? Another than small animal medicine I mean.

I have experience in wildlife medicine, wildlife conservation, conservation biology and pathology.

I did work a couple of years in a clinic so I can do the typical surgeries.

Thanks for your time!

Hey guys! I’m super new to the veterinary field and just started working as a Vet Assistant. What would be the best Littmann Stethoscope to buy? I know there’s all different kinds. I’m working only with cats and dogs, no exotics. Thank you!

Hello! I’m 23 and have been working as a vet assistant/tech for 4 years. I’m currently in the process of getting diagnosed with RA. I have been worried about my longevity in the field and was wondering what kind of non clinical career paths people have found fulfilling? I LOVE tech work, GP and ER as I’m always learning and get to help pets and their people. But with the pain I’m in I don’t want to hinder my team or not be able to fulfill all of my duties. I do have a bachelors degree in medical anthropology from BU. Do you have RA or chronic pain? How do you manage to stay in the field?

So, for context, I am a 23(M) who just graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Canada. Currently, I am working part-time in retail and am trying to figure out my career situation. I find myself curious about being a veterinarian, mostly because I love the idea of working with animals, but I think that reason might be too shallow. I wanted to ask, hypothetically, if I wanted to get into this profession, what path would I have to follow if I haven't taken any sort of biology courses in university before?

Apologies in advance for any vagueness.

Been at my clinic going on 3 months now. Im an opener. When i was training my coworkers were pretty good about being on time to let me in, but now that i’m trained there’s been an increase in them being 5-10 mins late so i’m just kind of standing outside the door until they get there. The practice manager always adjusts my time card to reflect the time i actually step on to clinic property, but im getting kind of tired sending messages to her every other day that my time card needs adjusting. Is it too soon to ask for a key so I can just let myself in and save myself and her the hassle?