Vet Student Externship: Hands-on Surgery & Diagnostics

Want to help pets live their best lives?

We’re proud to be where the pets go and where the pet people go. If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting career path, feel welcome to be your whole self and nurture your wellbeing, Petco is the place for you

Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what’s right for pets and people.

Pet First – Protect & Empower. All pets should Live their Best Life. We put the needs of pets and pet parents at the center of everything we do.

Foster the Fun – Connect & Bond. Our Passion for pets brings us together! We celebrate the journey of pet parenthood through district experiences, products, and services.

Let’s Go! Own & Commit. We are stronger as One Petco team. We bring our unique superpowers and champion authenticity in everyone to drive success.

Healthier pets. Happier people. Better world.Our vision might sound lofty, but we believe it’s attainable when we obsess about providing complete care for our amazing pets. Our approach goes far beyond addressing our animals’ basic needs to support their physical, mental, social, and emotional needs. By being sure we take all these elements into consideration, we can help pet parents take the very best care of their pets.

Position Purpose:

Gain valuable experience in one of our state-of-the-art hospitals. Grow your skill set and explore future career paths while under direct supervision from one of our highly skilled doctors.

If you participate in our externship program, youcan expect to be exposed to, or gain hands-on experience with a plethora of medical, surgical, diagnostic, and dental skills.

Vetco Total Care is committed to the development of veterinary students. As such we welcome the opportunity to participate in accredited Universities externship programs.

Potential Services (Each Hospital Varies Based on Doctor/Mentor)

• Anesthesiology

• Cardiology

• Clinical Pathology

• Dentistry (including DDXR)

• Dermatology

• Neurology (limited)

• Ophthalmology(limited)

• Pathology (limited)

• Imaging/Radiology/Ultrasonography

• Small Animal Emergency Critical Care (limited)

• Small Animal Medicine

• Small Animal Surgery

• Zoo/Exotic Animal Medicine (limited)

Essential Responsibilities:

• Work closely with mentor for guidance and development of hands-on veterinary experience and knowledge.

  • Learn components of the physical examination

  • Observe (first) then assist during surgeries

  • Continue to develop technical skills such as blood draws, fecal analysis, urine analysis, catheter setting, ET tube placement

• Learn all aspects of hospital environment by observing and participating in procedures with your mentor:

  • Review patient history, differential, diagnosis and costs

  • Create treatment protocols

  • Calculate drug dosages and fluid rates

  • Support mentor with client communication

• Ensure safety of pets, clients and team members by adhering to all medical standard operating protocols.

  • Gain understanding in safety and restraint procedures

  • Follow sterility procedure

  • Understand radiation and controlled substance compliance

• Perform only care that is outlined in a State Practice Act and only under direct supervision of a DVM &/or Licensed Veterinary Technician

• All responsibilities and duties will be dependent on education level and experience.

• Timely submission of all paperwork and licenses required.

Essential Job Skills:

• Must love dogs, cats and people too!

• Team player who thrives in supporting the team in every way

• Strong observational and communication skills

• Ability to maintain a respectful and professional manner at all times

• Initiative: Willingness to learn and take direction

• Problem solving skills: ability to identify, analyze and provide solutions

• Flexibility: adaptable to changing situations

Supervisory Responsibility:

None.

Work Environment:

• Vetco Total Care hospital located inside of a Petco pet care center.

• Remember to have fun! Where else will you find four-legged companions sharing a workspace after all? Jump in and enjoy this experience—it’s a special one!

Education/Experience:

• Must be enrolled in an AVMA accredited program.

• Must be able to provide proof of medical and professional liability insurance

For a more detailed overview of Petco Total Rewards, including health and financial benefits, 401K, incentives, and PTO - see

About Petco:

We’re proud to be 'where the pets go' to find everything they need to live their best lives for more than 60 years – from their favorite meals and toys, to trusted supplies and expert support from people who get it, because we live it. We believe in the universal truths of pet parenthood – the boundless boops, missing slippers, late night zoomies and everything in between. And we’re here for it. Every tail wag, every vet visit, every step of the way. We are 29,000+ strong and together we nurture the pet-human bond in more than 1,500 Petco stores across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics and eight distribution centers. In 1999, we founded Petco Love. Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events.

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