Top 5 Volunteer Opportunities to boost your Vet School Application
Let's get after it!
So, when you apply to Vet School, the Application Portal (VMCAS or TMDSAS for Texas schools) will want you to break all of your Experiences and Accolades into 5 categories. Here’s an article on that:
SO… here, I’ll get you guys some Volunteer Ideas! The point here is to get your wheels turning, get yo to google some places like this that may be near you!
The below ideas can be paid or volunteer, and the key to determining what the category will be…
Is there a Vet present ??
Yes → Vet Experience
As always, I love love love the VetSetGo App! It’s also a fantastic place to start, and it has tons of features to help you keep a log of your hours and a place to jot down stories/cases/cool things that influenced you while you were volunteering!
Volunteering Ideas:
1. Animal Shelters & Rescues
How it helps your app: Shows heart + hustle.
How to get it: Look up local shelters and send a short email with:
"Hi, I'm a pre-vet student looking to volunteer and gain hands-on experience. Do you have any opportunities available?"
2. Local Vet Hospitals
Why it matters: Direct vet experience = GOLD.
What to do there: Shadow vets, observe surgeries, help restrain animals (eventually).
How to stand out: Keep a log of what you learn. Ask questions. Say thank you.
My Tip: Don’t just email them. The receptionists are often the ones in charge of the clinic’s email and guess what… they are BUSY!!
so… SHOP UP YALL!! (bonus: bring treats. cookies. donut holes. energy drinks.)
3. Wildlife Rehab Centers or Sanctuaries
Add some diversity!
This not really your thing? Guess what… try it anyway!! This is something most people do not have on their resume. If you have a place like this close to you, it’s an opportunity.
4. Large Animal!
Equine mobile vets! They always need a hand!
Dairy Vets!
4-H / FFA Club Presidents are great people to ask!
Cattle might just be your thing!
Be sure to log your hours!!
You’ll want to remember how many hours per week you volunteered, your main tasks/skills and your manager’s name and number, for your Vet School Application!