I think I want to be a veterinarian, but I am not sure...

Not every veterinarian knew from the time they were 5 years old that they wanted to be one. This has surely been the case with some people, but the majority of us came to this conclusion some time later in life. If you think you may want to become a veterinarian but are not sure, the answer is simple. Find some time to either work or volunteer at a local veterinary office. Most veterinary hospitals are anxious for volunteers, and the good volunteers usually end up with paying positions. This is the best way to explore the veterinary profession from the inside out. Get in, get your hands dirty, walk a few big dogs, clean a few dirty cages, help squeeze a few anal glands, watch a spay or neuter up close, see what really happens when they have to put a pet "to sleep", etc. You can do this at 13 or 33. In a few weeks you will either be completely in love with the world of veterinary medicine, or convinced you need to move on.

Next, visit the veterinary college nearest you. There are currently less than 30 veterinary colleges in the country. There are also some opportunities off the US mainland (Mexico, St. Kitts, Dominican Republic, etc.). So you may have to travel a bit. But find the one closest to you, take a day trip or a weekend and have a tour. Talk to the students, the professors and even the employees to get their impression of the 9-5 life they lead in pursuing their dreams. There are many different aspects to explore. Do you want to be a practitioner? A researcher? A teacher? Work at a zoo? Work on horses, dogs, cats, and reptiles? The university setting is one of the best places to find many of these different types of veterinarians in one place.

As always, I'm happy to help your pets...and their people, too.

Dr. Larry

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