Houston SPCA Offers New Summer Jobs for Students Interested in Veterinary Medicine

HOUSTON (KIAH) — Ten College students are on a career path in veterinary medicine, a practice in which the industry continues to see a shortage. Now, through paid, hands-on training, students hired by the Houston SPCA will gain the skills needed to pursue a future serving animals.

Through the new program, students will have the chance to work in different areas of campus including the Pet Wellness Clinic, Animal Adoptions and Care, and Small Animal Veterinary Services, to name a few just a few. Not only does this give students paid job training during the summer, but according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the industry still has a need for veterinarians.

Veterinary medicine has been hit hard, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, plunging the industry into a major crisis. Veterinarian retention is also a challenge that the AVMA says should be addressed, as a number of veterinarians require changes to their work schedules, the way they work and demands for new service models.

SPCA Summer Student Placement and SPCA Medical and Animal Welfare Director Dr. Roberta Westbrook says the program is beneficial because it gives students a unique opportunity to learn and keep them on track for success afterwards. college.

Dr. Westbrook says the Houston SPCA also offers educational programs for students from kindergarten through middle and high school and this new college-level program not only educates them about their passion for veterinary medicine, but is also essential for take the next step. get a job after college and serve all the animals.

The program will last until August. Applications for this round of the Summer Jobs Program are closed, but will reopen in March 2025. For more information, visit Houstonspca.org.