Student Extern (DVM)

Create a healthier, brighter future for pets, pet parents and people!

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, people and our planet.

• We love all pets like our own
• We’re the future of the pet industry
• We’re here to improve lives
• We drive outstanding results together
• We’re welcome as we are

Petco is a category-defining health and wellness company focused on improving the lives of pets, pet parents and Petco partners. We are 29,000 strong and operate 1,500+ pet care centers in the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, including 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics and eight distribution centers. We’re focused on purpose-driven work, and strongly believe what’s good for pets, people and our planet is good for Petco.

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, you can 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.

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