Wondering

[Amanda]

I havn't read ur book yet but i plan on it because so many ppl here are saying its great. Im thirteen and already decided to become a veterinarian probly a canine one. Anyways i was wondering if you could possibly tell me how vet. school is like? Thanks!

[Donna Jackson]

Hi Amanda, thanks for your question. I'm not a Vet, so I can't really tell you how vet school is from first-hand experience, but from what I saw, it's pretty intense AND very rewarding! Like you, many of the Vets and Vet techs said they knew they wanted to work with animals when they were young. My advice would be to get as much hands-on experience working with animals as you can, and to keep your grades up. Good luck!

[Amanda]

thanks for ur help. Like u said i have been keeping my grades up basically all A's sincce well a while and i have some experience with animals i used to volunter at an animal shelter called New Mexico Animal Friends (NMAf) for about 2 years. I would love to work at a vet. clinic but hey won't let me because I'm too young. : ( So when i can work i will try helping at a dog and cat bording place. Do you think that is a good idea?

[Donna Jackson]

That sounds wonderful Amanda. Any and all experience with animals shows how passionate about them you are, and schools love to see that! I can tell you'll be a great Vet -- just by the way you think!

[Amanda]

thanks. I already figured out what college to go to. It's called Colorado State College and they have a special field for veterinary.

[Ashley]

hey amanda,
i'm from jamaica and i love animals.i am thirteen years old and would love to be a vet. i am planing to go and volunter at JSPCA (Jamaica Society for the Prevention of Cruielty to Animals).i am planing on going to america for college and i saw the one you put there and i am very much interested.

[Donna Jackson]

Great choice Amanda!

[Amanda]

thanks! i was also looking at Western State college of colorado but all they offer is pre vet. an thats not what i really want. O an i finally got to start the book ER vets and so far i love it!

[Kate]

Hi! I am also a teenager, almost 16, and I would love to be a vet eventually. I was wondering if you know how old you need to be to work in a vet clinic. Is there are any other place I could get a job at my age that would give me more experience with animals?

[Donna Jackson]

Hi Kate . . . thanks for writing! I'd check with local vet clinics (or your pet's vet) to find out how old you need to be to work at a vet clinic or hospital. You might also want to consider volunteering at a clinic, a local animal shelter or an animal rescue agency. Depending on your interests, volunteering at a local zoo also may be an option. Good luck!

[Miriam]

Hi Everyone,

Donna's book ER Vets, is a great place to get information. And it's also a great book! As Donna mentioned, a good way to get hands-on experience is to volunteer at your local shelter or local vet clinic. However, in many shelters, you have to be 16 years old and older to work directly with the animals. It is also important to get good grades especially in science and math. To become a veterinarian you’ll need to

• Go through 4 years of college taking essentially pre-med courses like biology, physics, chemistry, and mathematics. You’ll also need to take some animal related courses like animal biology, animal nutrition, zoology, etc.
• Go through 4 years of veterinary school. Competition for entry is very tough. Schools will look for animal related experience like working with a veterinarian in a clinic, research or working on a farm, stable, or animal shelter. You will also need very good grades
• For certain types of veterinary medicine a one-year internship is required, for others an additional 2-3 year residency is required.
• The experience is very much like that of going to medical school and taking the necessary steps to become a “people doctor.”
• Just as there are medical specialties in human medicine, there are medical specialties in veterinary medicine, as well. (for example—veterinary radiologist)
• According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), employment prospects for veterinarians are expected to be very good. Median 2003 salaries for a private practice veterinarian were $77,500. In the public and corporate sector median salaries in 2003 were 98,500. The first year of practice a veterinarian can expect to earn approximately 50,000.

[Donna Jackson]

Great information for future vets, Miriam! It's a wonderful and rewarding career path that also offers opportunities to work with cutting-edge treatments and technologies.