Q&A: Do I Have a Chance? Experience, Areas of Interest & LOR’s Oh My!

Hi, I had a few questions and was wondering if maybe you could help me out. About me – I’m 27 years old, married and graduated from UCSD as a Biochemistry major last June. I was working in biotech labs for about 8 months before I moved up to Oakland in February. I only recently Read More …

Q&A: I’m Changing Careers! How Do I Get Experience & Fulfill Pre-Requisites?

Hi Sharon! I too am strongly considering taking the plunge into the world of veterinary medicine after obtaining a bachelors degree in Sociology (of all majors) and a Masters degree in education. I am simply not satisfied with where my education has taken me, and do not see myself happily teaching history several years down Read More …

Q&A: Should I Focus My Hours of Experience on My Species of Interest?

Hi, My name is DS, and I am currently a sophomore at UC Davis (majoring in Animal Science). I wish to attend a veterinary school in the future, hopefully UC Davis, and I was wondering if you could tell me about the importance about animal-related experience because most of the hours that I have right Read More …

The End of Subsidized Loans

Anyone who frequents this blog knows that I am very upfront about the costs of veterinary school and the debt that the vast majority of veterinary students must face to pursue the career of their dreams. Debt is virtually unavoidable for veterinary students, that is, unless you happen to have money yourself or in your Read More …

Pets & Break-Ups

Break ups are never fun, and almost never easy. However, add a beloved pet to the situation and it can get even more difficult. It’s amazing (and yet not really surprising) how many couples decide to welcome a pet into their relationship before they are married. And don’t get me wrong, I think pets may Read More …

Couples: Getting A Pet When You’re Not Married

I may be going out on a limb here, but I think pets may be a good way to gauge how couples will handle the responsibilities of having a child. I mean, let’s face it, no one wants to pick up after their dog or scoop litter boxes, but parenthood isn’t glamorous either, and someone Read More …

Pre Vet? Get Experience at UC Davis with the Summer Enrichment Program

In case you have never heard about it, UC Davis offers a summer enrichment program for pre-veterinary students during the summer. If you are looking for some experience and a way to get to know UC Davis, I’d urge you to apply! Here’s some information: The Summer Enrichment Program is a 5-week program (July 1-August Read More …

Before You Criticize Veteriarians, Please Read and See Things From Our Perspective

The following is an article that appeared on YumaSun.com written by Dr. Cheryl Haugo, a veterinarian who heads the Desert Veterinary Clinic team in Yuma, Arizona. Given the nature of the article and its inherent importance to the veterinary professionals throughout the United States, I am quoting it in it’s entirety as it appears on Read More …

Dealing With Pet Allergies as a Vet Student

As someone who has allergies, specifically in response to cats, I can say that years ago I would never have considered owning a cat, even if it was suggested to me as a good pet for a vet student. However, I happened to befriend a cat at the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA where I Read More …

Dating Outside Your Profession

“So, what do you do?” It’s one of the most common questions to ask a person upon meeting them and yet some of the responses you get might have you looking for the exit in a hurry. For me, it’s not that I am necessarily going to be running for the door, but I have Read More …