VCA and Vet Set Go collaborate to inspire next generation of veterinary professionals

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According to data collected by Vet Set Go, veterinary professionals often decided they want to pursue a career in animal care by the time they were 13 years of age. Therefore, VCA Animal Hospitals and Vet Set Go have partnered to help foster a new generation of veterinary professionals by providing improved access to programs and education.

This collaboration is especially noteworthy as there is currently a high demand for veterinary professionals due to the shortage of available talent.

“We are thrilled to work with VCA to continue to help develop tomorrow’s generation of veterinarians. Together we are providing aspiring veterinarians with resources and opportunities that otherwise are not easily available to young people who are interested in veterinary medicine,” said Chris Carpenter, DVM, founder and president of Vet Set Go, in an organizational release.

The program will launch this year and offer a combination of hands-on learning experiences, shadowing, and education-based resources, including:

• A national shadowing program where select VCA hospitals will invite aspiring veterinarians to visit their clinic for a day and gain direct experience.
• Vet Set Go Academy Content will provide online shadowing courses to VCA shadowing students to prepare them for going into the clinic and having a safe educational experience.
• Vet Set Go and VCA will offer 3 aspiring veterinarians scholarships to the Auburn College of Veterinary Medicine’s Junior Vet Camp.
• VCA and Vet Set Go are developing the first-ever volunteer app that will help aspiring veterinarians find mentors and volunteering opportunities near them.

Through the program's educational opportunities, Vet Set Go and VCA hope that younger people will consider a career in veterinary medicine early, plus they aim to help break down economic and social barriers that could inhibit students from pursuing the field.

“We want veterinary medicine to be seen as a viable career option available to anyone interested, whether as a doctor, credentialed technician, or other support roles,​” said Timbrala Marshall, DVM, director of veterinary inclusion and diversity programs at VCA Animal Hospitals.

“It’s our job to make our profession more inclusive and accessible to all," she added.

Reference

VCA Animal Hospitals and Vet Set Go collaborate to build up the next generation of veterinary professionals. News release. VCA Animal Hospitals. January 18, 2022. Accessed January 21, 2022. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vca-animal-hospitals-and-vet-set-go-collaborate-to-build-up-the-next-generation-of-veterinary-professionals-301462936.html