Hey all! sorry to intrude in here but I was hoping yall could share some gift ideas i could get my gf for vet tech week? ive seen a lot of posts from techs saying they just want cash for something practical 😅 was already leaning towards amazon gift card but i want to get her something that really shows how much she’s appreciated by not just me but everyone in the community that she helps on a daily basis.

Hi all! Im currently a pre-vet student at CSUN university getting my bachelors in Biology and am in my junior year. I have been TIRELESSLY applying everywhere and anywhere I can for an entry level position whether it be reception, vet assistant (I have a license), kennel attendant, anything really. I have either been ghosted, ignored, or straight up just told no and to be honest its getting kind of disheartening. I have 2 years of being a kennel attendant and receptionist at 2 doggy daycare/boarding facilities and have even took on more of a leadership role at those facilities and still nothing. I recently got a volunteer position at a local sanctuary but need vet clinic hours for school and can’t seem to get anyone to take a chance on me. I go in person, call, email, apply online, pretty much anything you can imagine to do when job hunting I have done for most clinics around me and I dont know what else to do. Anyone that can help or give some advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

I’ve been working for 4 years and I think I hate being a vet now. I’m exhausted, the QOL sucks and I want to stop practicing. What are people doing for work with a DVM degree that’s not clinical? OR if you’ve left the field completely what are you up to?

I just think about the future and how I can sustainably have a family if I’m feeling this burnt out now and not even married?

Hello everyone, I’m looking for some advice from people who already know the field, as I’m in my sophomore year of pre-vet and I have some concerns. Due to an eye disease I only have good vision in one eye, it’s 20/20 in one but 20/150 in the other so I can still see and do all tasks that are required. However due to the progressiveness of glaucoma I’m not always guaranteed to have this good vision. I’m curious how easily shiftable my dvm would be to another field that would be more poor vision friendly, if the day would ever come where I can’t practice anymore. I’m having trouble justifying the debt if there isn’t a good area to transition into, and I’m also early enough in my degree where I can still switch if needed.

Ever since passing my VTNE in March, I have been struggling to find a job, and in August I got conditionally hired at a place that does not open until next month. I decided to get another job in the meantime to kill time, gain experience, and save up some money. The opportunity to start at a place from the ground up seems like an amazing opportunity to learn and grow, but a part of me is worried it's the wrong move. I like the people where I currently am, and it is a wonderful place to learn, but I constantly feel so behind and stupid, and I keep making stupid mistakes because once it gets busy, it's so fast-paced. This new place has higher pay and better benefits, so I want to go, but I am worried about leaving a good place. I am thinking about doing the new place full time, then working at this place 1-2 days a week or filling in whenever I can, if they would be ok with that. This current place I am at often hires new techs to help them learn and grow, which is amazing, and I love that because I have learned so much in the two months I have been here. With the manager going on a several-month leave soon, I know they will already be short-staffed, and then my leaving would affect them. How do you know if you are making the right decision? I know this all probably sounds rambling and nonsensical. I am just so confused as to whether this is a good decision I am making

I hope this kind of post is allowed but basically I’m in college studying to become a vet technician and I wanted to ask how other technicians or assistants deal or cope with the more gross things on the job like dealing with vomit,feces, and urine I’ve seen stuff online about using lavender oil or coffee grounds and I was curious if anyone actually uses them and if the gagging over whatever you are having to clear up will eventually go away or lessen the more you get used to it again sorry if this post isn’t allowed I thought this might be a good place to ask

Hi!
I’m hopefully going to be moving to Montana in the next 1.5-2 years. I’m currently an assistant, going to apply to an online school to get certified (any recommendations? Not Penn foster). Anything I should know? Working in GP right now. Thanks in advance!

Hey everyone! I’m currently an assistant at a veterinary specialty/ECC hospital in my area. Tech week is finally upon us and the “celebrations” for the techs at our hospital were just announced but are notably much less than any year prior - I’m guessing because my hospital has a very limited budget for anything other than operations currently and with tech week coming up I’ve been stressed trying to think of a way to boost the spirits of the magical humans I work with. Every year I like to do something special for the LVTs at my hospital because frankly they deserve more than just one week of praise and appreciation. They are the backbone of the hospital, providing every ounce of care for our hospitalized, ICU, and outpatient patients. They are running the anesthesia, executing complicated treatment plans, training new hires in addition to nurturing the growth of the existing assistants, taking X-rays, standing with patients who are critical for hours on end providing second to second care, loving and treating each and every patient like they are their own, and countless other physically and mentally taxing jobs every shift. I have so much admiration for the LVTs at my hospital but also just the credentialed technicians everywhere. I made some ceramics and cards for the techs at my hospital but really wanted to provide them with something extra that would be really nice - I too am operating on a nonexistent budget and didn’t know if this community could help come up with some ideas for VERY quick fund raising - nothing crazy I suppose, like maybe $100 just something to be able to get lunch for the team of 30ish techs - or an idea of something else I could do to show my absolute appreciation?

Ideas/thoughts/or fellow admirations welcomed. Thanks

I hope this is allowed, sorry if not
I eventually want to be a vet tech or avian vet. I sent in my email and resume for a vet assistant job and or internship. I want this so bad and this is the vet hospital I have been going to since I was 5 for my animals. I NEED this job. I have been struggling with stuff and l've heard stable jobs can really help people like me. I really don't know what l'd do if I don't get this. I thrifted some scrubs to prepare, but would I be locking in getting the job or jinxing it? I had a nightmare last night that I got rejected and I'm even more scared now. My friend who works there said on October 5th that they were understaffed, so I would assume they still have room. I asked her yesterday and she said "I think there is a fair chance it just all depends on scheduling and with who else has been applying". I don't know how to feel and I'm so depressed and anxious and I need this job, my families 20+ year old fridge won't stay shut and the shelves are broken, and we can’t afford a new one. I need money to feed my chickens, our cars are old and keep breaking down, like, I NEED this job. I have so much stuff I need to help my family pay for. Or atleast an internship. I bought 2 pairs of scrubs from the thrift store, but I’m worried I just wasted my money and won’t get the job. I have lots of experience with all sorts of animals, so I think l'd make a great vet assistant. I need this so badly and I don't know what to do. Tomorrow is Monday so hopefully I'll hear back tomorrow? I heard online that in the vet field, getting scrubs manifests the job or something? I’m just so sad and stressed and I need this so badly

Hey everyone!

My cousin is a qualified veterinarian from Egypt, and he's hoping to work as a vet in the Netherlands.

He recently went through the initial assessment of his qualifications and was told that he needs to pass the KVD exam and then undergo a second assessment before he can get his qualifications recognized.

I was wondering if anyone here has gone through this process, especially vets who graduated outside the EU.

1- How difficult is the KVD exam?
2- How long did you prepare for it?

3- Are there any study materials, books, courses, or websites you'd recommend?

4- What was the second assessment like?
5- Is the whole process worth the time, money, and effort, or is it extremely difficult to get through?

Thanks

Hello! I’m a soon to be new grad vet this upcoming May and I have multiple working interviews/externships set up with potential clinics over the next few months. I was wondering if anyone could offer advice/what to expect and how I should prepare. Thank you in advance!

As a new grad vet, I am wondering what other vets opinions are on how long appointments should be and how many appointments they should be seeing in a day for the first 6 months as a DVM?

Wondering if I should be seeing more faster .

I’m not really sure why I’m posting this, but I guess I’m hoping to hear from other vets who’ve felt something similar.

I’m 30, graduated several years ago, but my journey into clinical practice hasn’t been straightforward. I moved countries and went through the ECFVG pathway, which took a lot of time, studying and effort. Between exams, licensing and life in general, I missed out on years of continuous clinical experience.
I’m now working as a small animal vet, but my actual clinical experience is still quite limited compared to others who graduated around the same time.

And honestly, I constantly feel like I’m lagging behind.

I don’t think I’m depressed or anything. I genuinely enjoy veterinary medicine and want to become a good vet. I just feel like I don’t know what I’m doing half the time.

I second-guess so many of my decisions, even things that probably should be straightforward. I often come home thinking about cases, wondering whether I missed something or could have handled things differently.

What gets to me is that everyone else seems to know so much more. Other vets seem to connect the dots, come up with differentials, know what tests to run and what treatments to consider. Meanwhile, I sometimes struggle with things I feel I should already know.
I attended a CPD event recently, and after two back-to-back sessions, I just couldn’t concentrate anymore. My mind kept wandering even though I genuinely wanted to learn. I looked around and saw other vets engaged, asking questions and having discussions, while I was struggling to absorb anything.

It made me realise how much I still don’t know.

I feel like I have gaps in my foundational knowledge, and I don’t even know where to begin filling them. Every time I try to study, one topic leads to five more things I realise I don’t understand.

And being 30 makes it harder not to compare myself with others. I know everyone has a different journey, but sometimes I can’t help thinking I should be much further along by now.

The imposter syndrome is real. I worked so hard to get through the ECFVG process and reach this point, yet now that I’m actually practising, I often feel like I don’t belong among people who seem so much more knowledgeable and capable.

I’m trying to attend CPD, find mentorship and study outside work, but I don’t really know how to learn effectively anymore without getting overwhelmed.

Is it just me ???? Does it ever get better???

This is the only clinic I’ve ever worked at and I’ve been told this multiple times by co workers who have been there for a long time. Is it like this everywhere? I’m afraid to bring my cats to my work because I don’t want my cats to be uncomfortable, but at the same time I know that I’ll be the one restraining them and be able to be with them in the back for whatever they need. It’s not a stress free environment in the back and I don’t know if it’s like that everywhere. They scruff cats for everything at this clinic in the back. One time I saw a tech use hemostats to scruff a cat for x rays because he wasn’t being still. I don’t trust anybody with my cats anymore and have been putting off getting them established here.

Hello! I’m currently pursuing a PhD in Biomedical Sciences and am interested in attending veterinary school after completing my degree.

Ideally, I’d like to minimize or avoid student debt and, if possible, receive a stipend while attending vet school. I know that combined DVM/PhD programs can offer a structure where students receive funding and a stipend, but since I’ll already have my PhD, I’m wondering if there’s an alternative route.

Would it be possible to arrange something similar through a postdoctoral position? For example, could someone hold a funded postdoc position while attending vet school, potentially with their research appointment covering tuition or providing a stipend? Or are there other arrangements, such as research assistantships, fellowships, or university-funded positions, that could make this possible?

Has anyone done something similar, or does anyone know of programs or institutions that might allow this kind of arrangement?

I’d appreciate any advice or firsthand experiences. Thank you!

I am a veterinarian and have been with my clinic for 3 years. I have accepted a new job offer with a plan to start in February. If I tell them next week that would be roughly 3 months notice. Is this an okay amount of notice? I never actually know what is normal in this industry as I know finding a replacement vet can be tough right now! I really don’t want to burn bridges with my clinic and the new clinic is a bit flexible with a start date.

I am considering doing the course to get a certificate for Veterinary CSR. It’s not too costly and looks like it would be very manageable to complete alongside my current full time non-veterinary related job. Is this certificate viewed as "fluff", or would it hold any weight and help me switch into a veterinary office position? Thank you for your insights!

I’m comparing offers from VCA and Thrive as a small animal veterinarian. The total first year compensation is about the same, but the structure is different.
Thrive is offering a higher base, bonuses, and production commission. They have thirty minute appointments, and the schedule is four ten hour shifts, with every other Saturday included.
VCA has a lower base, sign on and longevity bonuses, and production pay after a quarterly threshold. The schedule includes rotating Saturdays, but I’m still clarifying whether those are part of the regular shifts.
I’m weighing team support, medical autonomy, workload, schedule, and company stability. I’ve heard about recent Thrive clinic closures, and I’m not sure how much to factor that in. For people who have worked at either company, which would you choose and why?

Long time reader, first time poster. I’m struggling and feel lost right now so I’m hoping by posting here I can pick other people’s brains to see if there’s an option I haven’t considered yet.

The backstory: I graduated from vet school in 2018. After graduating, my husband and I continued to live in the city where I went to school due to my husband starting his own business here while I was in school that thrives in a college town, has minimal competition here, and at this point my husband has made a very good name for himself and his business here. Therefore moving to a different city is not an option for us. Initially I was working in GP one hour away from home but the 5 day a week grind got to be too much so I transitioned to a very advanced ER/CC practice (we have a scope, HBOT, HFNO2, CT machine, etc.) in a major city 2 hours away and have been doing that for the past 6 years. ECC is truly my passion and ultimately what I would like to do for the rest of my career. Initially when it was just my husband and I, I would travel up to work, work three 12’s while sleeping at the clinic between shifts and then travel home. However, we now have 2 kids (3y & 8m) so that logistically is no longer a feasible option. After maternity leave I went back to working there but only part time doing one shift a week (either Saturday or Sunday when my husband is off) and just driving up and back in the same day. Occasionally when my boss has openings in the schedule, l’ll work 2 shifts back to back (Sat & Sun). But for the most part I stay home with my kids while my husband works. This had been working well for us for a few years but within the last year or so it’s been getting more difficult to sustain our bills with just my husband‘s income and the small amount I make from one shift per week.

Bottom line is I need to work more hours/go back to full time but I am struggling with how to go about doing that from a logistics standpoint. I have actively looked for any GP job in the city we live in and have had zero success. I’ve emailed my CV to every local practice owner and had zero responses. Two years ago I met one clinic owner through a friend who was interested in having me relief for him but when I told him my relief rate ($70/hr which I thought was reasonable given my experience) he never reached back out. Last year I did one working interview at another clinic in town but when I realized they lied to me about their capabilities during my initial interview and saw the absolute substandard level of care they practiced (ex: hanging a dogs head down in the sink to do dental cleanings with just an ET tube in and no oxygen or gas anesthesia) I knew it wasn’t going to be a good fit. When there were 2 separate occasions of job postings for positions I qualified for in the city I live in, one at the university and one at a startup clinic, I interviewed for both but was rejected.

Looking outside of the city I live in, there are many GP positions available but they are all at least an hour drive away, 5 days a week, and typically are 8-6 work days. This would force me to be out of the house by 6am (because even though it’s only an hour away, morning traffic always adds an extra 30-45 minutes to the commute) and not get me back home until 7-730pm at the earliest so I would not be able to be home for dinner with my kids or bedtime for my youngest. And with my husband’s work schedule, he works 12 hour days so he is gone from 730/8am until 8-9pm so we would have to hire a nanny to do both the morning routine of getting our kids ready for school and evening routine of feeding, bathing and putting our kids to bed. Honestly the thought of paying someone to completely take care of our kids 5 days a week doesn’t sit well with either of us. I’ve looked at ER options to try and find the three 12 hr schedule that would be more ideal, but of the 2 other ER’s that are only an hour away, one told me they couldn’t afford to hire another doctor and the other is corporate and I’ve heard nothing but horror stories from both DVMs and LVTs that have worked there.

I’m honestly at a loss on what to do next. I’ve even considered pursuing a nursing degree so I can work at the hospital down the street but I realized I can’t afford to go back to school right now. If you were in my shoes would you:

-try to reach out to local GP practices again? Maybe if I just show up and hand hard copies of my CV to the receptionists I’ll get more responses?
-suck it up and apply to the horror story corporate ER and just grin and bear it? My biggest fear is getting locked into a contract somewhere I hate
-look into other side hustle options I can do when I’m with my kids like Instacart shopping and try and supplement my income with that?

I’m extremely disheartened at this point. I appreciate if you’ve read this far and look forward to hearing any advice you may have.

Hi, I'm an 18 year old senior looking for advice I have some posts on my page that I made a few days ago asking for college advice regarding veterinary school. Most people basically said that the path to becoming a vet leaves no time for a personal life or parter, and it is extremely rigorous and grueling. I already knew that it would be very challenging, I have been top 5 in my class throughout high school and kept a 4.0 while maintaining extracurricular activities, a demanding sport, and a 4.0 GPA. Is vet school truly that miserable? Is being a vet an unenjoyable job even after I make it through school?