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Veterinary Shadow Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PetWow

Must be actively enrolled in a pre-veterinary program or graduate program ultimately in pursuit of ... Most importantly, the student will be assigned to "shadow" a PetWow doctor where they will have ...

PetWow

Must be actively enrolled in a pre-veterinary program or graduate program ultimately in pursuit of ... Most importantly, the student will be assigned to "shadow" a PetWow doctor where they will have ...

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Veterinary Shadow information

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$41.5K

$71.7K

$104K

How much do veterinary shadow jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for veterinary shadow in the United States is $71,735.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,500.00 and $76,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Veterinary Shadows?

Veterinary shadows are individuals, often students or those interested in veterinary medicine, who observe veterinarians during their daily work to gain insight into the profession. The shadowing experience typically involves watching procedures, consultations, and interactions with animals and clients. This opportunity allows participants to learn about the responsibilities, challenges, and skills required in veterinary medicine, and can be an important step when considering a career as a veterinarian. Shadowing can also help fulfill prerequisites for veterinary school applications.

How to find vet shadowing opportunities?

Veterinary shadowing opportunities can be found by contacting local veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, or shelters to inquire about observation programs. Additionally, networking with veterinary professionals, joining animal-related organizations, and checking online job boards or university career centers can help identify available shadowing positions. Having relevant skills and a genuine interest in animal care can improve chances of securing a shadowing spot.

What types of tasks and responsibilities can I expect to observe or participate in as a Veterinary Shadow?

As a Veterinary Shadow, you'll primarily observe veterinarians and veterinary technicians as they diagnose and treat animals, perform routine check-ups, and conduct procedures such as vaccinations and minor surgeries. You may also get hands-on experience assisting with animal handling, preparing examination rooms, and learning about proper hygiene and safety protocols. The experience provides an inside look at the daily workflow of a veterinary clinic and helps you understand the teamwork involved in providing quality animal care. This role is an excellent opportunity to ask questions and gain a realistic perspective on veterinary careers.

What else can I do with a vet degree?

A veterinary degree opens opportunities beyond clinical practice, including roles in research, public health, animal shelter management, pharmaceutical development, and education. Many veterinarians also work in policy, consulting, or pursue specialized certifications to expand their career options.

What do you do when shadowing a vet?

When shadowing a veterinarian, you observe the vet's interactions with animals and clients, assist with basic tasks if permitted, and learn about veterinary procedures and protocols. It is important to maintain professionalism, follow safety guidelines, and ask questions when appropriate to gain a better understanding of the veterinary field.

What is the rule of 20 in veterinary medicine?

The rule of 20 in veterinary medicine suggests that a veterinarian should spend approximately 20 minutes on each patient, including history taking, examination, and client communication. This guideline helps ensure thorough care while managing a busy schedule, and it emphasizes the importance of efficient time management and diagnostic skills for veterinary shadowing or practice.

What is the difference between Veterinary Shadow vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectVeterinary ShadowVeterinary Technician
Required CredentialsNo formal credentials required; observational roleLicensed or certified, with formal education (e.g., CVT, RVT)
Work EnvironmentVeterinary clinics, hospitals, or clinics; primarily observationalClinical settings; hands-on patient care
Employer & Industry UsageUsed for career exploration and gaining experienceFull-time or part-time staff member providing medical support
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Veterinary Shadow roles are primarily observational, allowing individuals to gain exposure to veterinary practices without formal credentials. Veterinary Technicians are trained professionals who perform medical procedures and assist veterinarians. While shadows focus on learning, technicians actively contribute to animal care, often requiring certification.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Veterinary Shadow, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Veterinary Shadow, you typically need a genuine interest in animal care, basic understanding of animal behavior, and a willingness to learn, often demonstrated by enrollment in or intent to pursue veterinary studies. Familiarity with clinic protocols, basic medical terminology, and observation of veterinary software or equipment is beneficial. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and professionalism help you stand out in this support role. These skills are vital for gaining meaningful experience, ensuring safety, and building a strong foundation for a future career in veterinary medicine.
More about Veterinary Shadow jobs
What states have the most Veterinary Shadow jobs? States with the most job openings for Veterinary Shadow jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Veterinary Shadow jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Veterinary Shadow jobs are:
Veterinary Shadow jobs near you
Veterinary Extern - Specialty & Emergency

Veterinary Extern - Specialty & Emergency

National Veterinary Associates

Waukesha, WI • On-site

Other

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

About the Program
Externships are available to veterinary students in any year of school.  Scheduling priority will be given to clinical year students.  Student externs gain broad experience working in the emergency department of a busy emergency/referral setting. Full externships or partial time with specialty departments can also be arranged, with schedules more subject to change in solo DVM departments.

Externs shadow  emergency and critical care staff veterinarians, veterinary interns and veterinary technicians. Externs are expected to be interactive with the staff, attend case rounds when available, perform physical exams and discuss cases (including differential lists and treatment plans), and actively contribute to the general workload as appropriate. Hands on experiences are an important part of veterinary student education and will be dependent on the individual student, caseload and supervising veterinarians.

Program Location

We currently offer opportunities at our Waukesha location in Wisconsin.


Program Schedule
Veterinary student externships are generally a 2-week block, although 1-4 week blocks are also an option.

Externs generally work 8-10 hr shifts, with evenings and weekends being busiest caseload opportunity times for ER. Daytime shifts may also be scheduled to accommodate more than one extern in the same time period or for specialty departments. Overnight shifts are not expected but can be arranged, if desired. 

About You

  • Applicants must be students of accredited domestic or international veterinary schools, pursuing a DVM, VMD or foreign equivalent.  First, second and third-year veterinary students who are interested in emergency/critical care and/or our training programs, are encouraged to apply.
  • Students are required to have liability coverage either through their veterinary school or personal coverage through the AVMA's student liability coverage program.  AVMA insurance is free to all SAVMA members.  Please follow this link:http://www.avmaplit.com/products/student-liability/
  • Externs must provide their own housing and transportation.

Externship Availability
We currently offer externships at our Waukesha location except during new intern orientation mid June though July.

If interested, it may be possible to schedule either intermittent days or a block with a specialty department. Options include Anesthesia, Critical Care, Cardiology, Internal Medicine, Rehab and Integrative Services, Neurology, Oncology, Ophthalmology, and Surgery.

Application information
Once we've received your application, you will receive an email confirmation.  If your application contains all the necessary information, please allow 2 weeks for us to schedule and confirm your externship. 

If you have any questions not answered by this page, please contact Dr. Kari Severson, Medical Director, at kseverson@ethosvet.com.

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About NVA

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Nashville Veterinary Specialists + Animal Emergency (NVS) is a veterinary specialty and emergency hospital group with two locations in Nashville and Clarksville, Tennessee. Our Mission and primary focus is to honor the human-animal bond in all we do, focusing on patient care, client experience, and the health of our team. We believe we can never stop improving and strive to improve in all we do. Not only do we focus on patient care, but core to our hospital culture is also a focus on the health of our team, our community, and the environment. We are committed to sustainable environmental practices. NVS works in partnership with National Veterinary Associates-Compassion-First (NVA C-F). NVA-CF is the largest private owner of freestanding veterinary hospitals in North America with over 1400 locations worldwide.

Headquarters location

Agoura Hills, CA, US

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