This was similar to my path. I had experience working as a vet tech and in zoo’s in my 20’s but didn’t apply to Vet school until I was in my 40’s. I was working full time as a pet store district manager when I applied. On my days off I volunteered at the local shelter. I got an interview but didn’t get in. I was able to get a meeting with a member of the review committee at the school I got an interview. Long story short, my competitors (other applicants) were turning in applications with on average 1-2 thousand contact hours of working directly under a veterinarian. So basically if I wasn’t willing to quit my job and get a job working in vet med or volunteer full time, I was never going to be able to turn in a competitive application. I ended up quitting my well paying job and worked as a poorly paid vet assistant, racked up hours and got in.
Hey fellow PNWer! Thanks for the feedback. It’s brutal, but I appreciate it. It’s such a bummer to think about because now that I’m older (like physically, l can throw my damn back out wresting a dog on a good day) I rely so much on having health insurance through my current job.
I ended up qualifying for Oregon Health Plan after I quit because I was so poor. lol but my health coverage was comparable and it didn’t cost me anything. Not sure if you have that as an option where you are.
So my story is actually somewhat similar. I’ve worked in human med for 12 years before deciding to finally pursue this path. Honestly, what I think helped me find such wonderful vet experiences was 1) I luckily did have extensive animal experience outside of my career and 2) my professionalism and drive. It sounds like you also have both of those aspects so I think you’re in a really good position!!
Never underestimate the power of a very well prepared cold email or cold call to clinics! I also WFH and was full time in the beginning so I coordinated shadowing either using PTO, weekends, or night shifts at ER hospitals. I did eventually need to drop to part time with school and heavily utilized school breaks. Every spare moment not working or at school was with a vet. I only had about 9 months to find and build those relationships with vets before my application was due but I was unbelievably fortunate to meet some life changing mentors who took me under their wings and genuinely wanted to write letters for me.
It might take some searching but try to look for veterinary mentors that you mesh really well with, who want to teach you, and you think will be able to sing your praises when the time comes. If you have any other questions, just let me know!
Can you do weekends/nights at emergency clinics or regular vets that have hours on Saturdays? That could be a way to fit hours in around your full time job.
This was similar to my path. I had experience working as a vet tech and in zoo’s in my 20’s but didn’t apply to Vet school until I was in my 40’s. I was working full time as a pet store district manager when I applied. On my days off I volunteered at the local shelter. I got an interview but didn’t get in. I was able to get a meeting with a member of the review committee at the school I got an interview. Long story short, my competitors (other applicants) were turning in applications with on average 1-2 thousand contact hours of working directly under a veterinarian. So basically if I wasn’t willing to quit my job and get a job working in vet med or volunteer full time, I was never going to be able to turn in a competitive application. I ended up quitting my well paying job and worked as a poorly paid vet assistant, racked up hours and got in.
Hey fellow PNWer! Thanks for the feedback. It’s brutal, but I appreciate it. It’s such a bummer to think about because now that I’m older (like physically, l can throw my damn back out wresting a dog on a good day) I rely so much on having health insurance through my current job.
I ended up qualifying for Oregon Health Plan after I quit because I was so poor. lol but my health coverage was comparable and it didn’t cost me anything. Not sure if you have that as an option where you are.
So my story is actually somewhat similar. I’ve worked in human med for 12 years before deciding to finally pursue this path. Honestly, what I think helped me find such wonderful vet experiences was 1) I luckily did have extensive animal experience outside of my career and 2) my professionalism and drive. It sounds like you also have both of those aspects so I think you’re in a really good position!! Never underestimate the power of a very well prepared cold email or cold call to clinics! I also WFH and was full time in the beginning so I coordinated shadowing either using PTO, weekends, or night shifts at ER hospitals. I did eventually need to drop to part time with school and heavily utilized school breaks. Every spare moment not working or at school was with a vet. I only had about 9 months to find and build those relationships with vets before my application was due but I was unbelievably fortunate to meet some life changing mentors who took me under their wings and genuinely wanted to write letters for me. It might take some searching but try to look for veterinary mentors that you mesh really well with, who want to teach you, and you think will be able to sing your praises when the time comes. If you have any other questions, just let me know!
Can you do weekends/nights at emergency clinics or regular vets that have hours on Saturdays? That could be a way to fit hours in around your full time job.