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Veterinary Shadowing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NVA

Veterinary Extern - Specialty

Hillsborough, NJ · On-site

Our externships are primarily observational and involve shadowing the attending veterinarians in 10- to 12-hour shifts, four to five days per week. Our hospital offers the following: * General ...

NVA

Veterinary Extern

Saint George, UT · On-site

Red Hills Animal Hospital stands out for students who want more than shadowing. This is a hands-on ... Direct mentorship from a veterinary educator actively involved in academic instruction * A culture ...

NVA

Veterinary Extern - General Practice

Columbus, GA · On-site

If you are enrolled in a pre-veterinary undergraduate or LVT/CVT program interested in an externship or shadowing, please do not submit this form, and instead email Dr. Stacia McCutchen at stacia ...

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Veterinary Shadowing information

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How much do veterinary shadowing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterinary shadowing in the United States is $21.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Why are so many veterinarians quitting?

Many veterinarians leave the profession due to high stress, long working hours, emotional burnout, and relatively low compensation compared to workload. The demanding environment and emotional toll of caring for animals and clients contribute to job dissatisfaction and turnover.

What should I expect during a typical day of veterinary shadowing?

During a typical day of veterinary shadowing, you can expect to observe a variety of procedures and client interactions, such as physical exams, diagnostic tests, surgeries, and follow-up appointments. You'll often move between exam rooms, treatment areas, and sometimes even the surgical suite, closely watching how veterinarians and veterinary technicians collaborate as a team. Shadowing also provides opportunities to ask questions and learn about the workflow, communication skills, and problem-solving approaches that are essential in veterinary medicine. While you won't provide hands-on care, your active observation and note-taking will help you better understand the demands and rewards of the profession.

Is a 3.4 GPA bad for vet school?

A 3.4 GPA for veterinary shadowing is generally considered acceptable, as vet schools often look for strong academic records but also value relevant experience and skills. While competitive applicants often have higher GPAs, a 3.4 can still be sufficient if complemented by strong veterinary exposure, volunteer work, and good letters of recommendation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a veterinary shadowing position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a veterinary shadowing position, you need a foundational understanding of animal care, a keen interest in veterinary medicine, and often enrollment in or intent to pursue a related educational program. Familiarity with basic veterinary terminology and observation of practice management or clinical software may be beneficial. Strong soft skills like attentiveness, professionalism, and effective communication help you learn from mentors and interact respectfully with staff and clients. These skills are crucial for making a positive impression, absorbing knowledge efficiently, and preparing for future roles in the veterinary field.

What should I do when shadowing a vet?

When shadowing a veterinarian, observe their daily tasks, ask relevant questions when appropriate, and maintain professionalism and confidentiality. Be attentive, punctual, and prepared to learn about animal care, medical procedures, and client interactions. Wearing appropriate attire and demonstrating a strong work ethic are also important.

What is the difference between Veterinary Shadowing vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectVeterinary ShadowingVeterinary Technician
Required CredentialsNo formal certification needed; observational experienceLicensed or certified, with specific veterinary technician credentials
Work EnvironmentObserving veterinarians in clinics, hospitals, or labsHands-on clinical work assisting veterinarians and caring for animals
Employer & Industry UsagePre-veterinary students, interns, or volunteersVeterinary clinics, hospitals, animal shelters
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding veterinary careers, gaining experienceGaining technical skills, employment in veterinary settings

Veterinary Shadowing involves observing veterinarians to learn about the profession without direct animal care, ideal for pre-vet students. Veterinary Technicians perform hands-on animal care and require certification. Both roles are essential in veterinary settings but differ in responsibilities and credentials.

What is veterinary shadowing?

Veterinary shadowing is an experience where an individual observes a veterinarian in their daily work to learn about the veterinary profession. During shadowing, participants typically watch how veterinarians interact with animals and clients, perform medical procedures, and manage cases. This opportunity helps aspiring veterinarians gain insight into the field, understand the day-to-day responsibilities, and determine if this career path is right for them. Shadowing is often required or highly recommended for veterinary school applicants.

How to find vet shadowing opportunities?

Veterinary shadowing opportunities can be found through veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, or clinics that accept externs. Contact local practices directly to inquire about available shadowing positions, and consider reaching out to veterinary schools or programs that may offer structured shadowing or internship programs. Building relevant skills and demonstrating genuine interest can improve chances of securing a position.
More about Veterinary Shadowing jobs
What cities are hiring for Veterinary Shadowing jobs? Cities with the most Veterinary Shadowing job openings:
What job categories do people searching Veterinary Shadowing jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Veterinary Shadowing jobs are:
Veterinary Shadowing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Veterinary Shadowing job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,144 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Associate Veterinarian

Groves Veterinary Clinic

Port Charlotte, FL

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Company Description

Groves Veterinary Clinic is a well-established, high-energy practice that thrives on fast-paced, supportive teamwork. With experienced technicians, state-of-the-art equipment, and a recently remodeled facility (complete with a grooming salon), we're proud to offer a wide range of services, including larger surgeries, urgent care, and walk-in appointments. Our doctors operate at a high level, often just shy of emergency care, and now, we're looking for aFull-Time Veterinarianto join our family and help us raise the bar even higher. If you are a veterinarian seeking part-time or full-time employment, or a specialty veterinarian interested in helping us expand our services, we'd love to connect with you! 

Here, we're all about creating an environment where team members can succeed.Our recently remodeled hospital is fully equipped to support advanced medicine and exceptional patient care. 

  • CT and ultrasound capabilities 
  • Full digital X-ray suite 
  • In-house laboratory for rapid results 
  • Dental suite with digital radiography 
  • Six spacious exam rooms 
  • Surgical suite for specialty procedures, including orthopedics 
  • On-site grooming salon  

Learn More About Our Hospital! 

Port Charlotte, Florida is a charming Gulf Coast community with a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. Just a short drive from Tampa and within reach of destinations like Siesta Key's famous beaches, Disney World, and Venice-the shark tooth capital of the world-you'll never run out of things to do. With plenty of sunshine, easy highway access, and the perks of Florida living, Port Charlotte is a wonderful place to call home. 

Job Description

We offer our veterinarians: 

  • Team-Centered Culture: Collaborate with a tight-knit team of compassionate professionals who support each other and prioritize patient well-being. 
  • Work-Life Balance:We believe that great veterinary care starts with a healthy, happy team. That's why we offerflexible schedulingdesigned to support your personal life and professional goals.Your time matters.We offer a4-day work week, and you canprioritize the days and hours that work best for you. Build a schedule that fits your life, not the other way around. 
  • Mentorship & CE: Thrive in a learning-rich environment with paid Continuing Education, mentorship from seasoned veterinarians, and a culture of continuous improvement. You will be given the opportunity for shadowing, structured case discussions and feedback sessions. 
  • Career Advancement: Looking for long-term growth? We offer opportunities for leadership roles and future ownership for the right candidate. 
  • Modern Practice: From wellness exams to complex surgical cases, our technology and protocols reflect the standard of cutting-edge human hospitals. 
  • Comprehensive Benefits Package: 
    • Flexible scheduling 
    • Paid time off (vacation/sick/holidays) 
    • Medical, dental, and vision insurance 
    • 401K retirement plan 
    • Liability coverage & supplemental insurance 
    • Pet care discounts 
    • Employee assistance program (EAP) 

Join a powerful network proud to be named one of Inc.'s Best Workplaces of 2025! 

Qualifications
  • Doctor of Veterinary degree, or equivalent, from an accredited university
  • Active veterinary state license
  • Current DEA License preferred but not required
  • USDA Accreditation preferred but not required
Additional Information

WE ARE A DRUG-FREE, SMOKE-FREE, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

Company Policy & Federal & State Laws Forbid Discrimination Because of Age, Color, Race, Religion, Sex, Disability, Sexual Orientation or National Origin

For additional details including our full equal opportunity statement, texting/outreach communication authorization, physical requirements of the job and more, please visit


Employment Type: Full Time