ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Veterinary Shadowing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Tempus Veterinary Recruitment

$160K/yr

... shadowing opportunities, and structured clinical development designed around individual needs and ... Veterinarians are trusted to practice medicine in a way that reflects their individual strengths ...

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 ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsAnimal JobsVeterinary Shadowing Jobs

Veterinary Shadowing information

See salary details

$12

$21

$31

How much do veterinary shadowing jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 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.

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.

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in veterinary shadowing, 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 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.

How to get into veterinary shadowing?

To get into veterinary shadowing, students should contact local veterinary clinics or animal hospitals to inquire about available opportunities, often requiring a resume and a brief explanation of their interest. Gaining relevant experience with animals, demonstrating responsibility, and showing enthusiasm can improve chances of acceptance. Some programs may require parental consent or background checks, and scheduling typically involves flexible hours during weekends or school breaks.
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,144 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Veterinary Extern - Specialty

National Veterinary Associates

Seattle, WA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

National Veterinary Associates rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 281 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 53 rated veterinary

Job description

Applicants must be third or fourth-year students of accredited domestic or international veterinary schools, pursuing a DVM, VMD, or foreign equivalent. First and Second years, considered case by case.

The Center for Bird and Exotic Animal Medicine (CBEAM) is a very busy, exotics-exclusive emergency and routine care practice that is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Our externs spend 5 days a week with us, shadowing and participating in rooms, as well as assisting with routine and emergency cases (including performing treatments and helping in surgery).

Students will work closely with the supervising Associate Veterinarians to gain experience in gathering patient histories, performing physical exams, creation of treatment plans, diagnostics, dentistry services, observing/assisting or performing surgical procedures, and medical management of patients. In addition to practicing their clinical skills, student externs will have the opportunity to practice their communication skills with the medical team, support staff, and clients.


We are happy to have students with a strong interest and background in exotics spend time at our hospital. 


We require a letter of intent and CV from you, as well as 2-3 letters of recommendation from advisors who can attest to your interest and experience in exotic animal medicine. The letters can be informal and sent to us via email. Please submit materials to drstrunk@theexoticvet.com, and make sure the subject contains "extern" or "externship."


We recommend 4 week externships, but can accommodate shorter spans.

More details:

  • The schedule is generally Sundays through Thursdays but this may be modified with advanced notice.
  • The work day is typically from 7:30 am to around 6 pm (when day cases are completed or transferred). Students are expected to help staff with treatments when they come in at 7:30, then attend hospital rounds start at 8 am.
  • Students are expected to be available to be called in for emergency procedures overnight for at least 2 of their days with us (we can be flexible with the day schedule if you end up coming in for an extended period overnight).
  • Mondays and Thursdays we have didactic rounds from 8:30-9:30 am.
  • Dress code is matching scrubs or dressy casual with a lab coat (ideally lab coats or scrub jackets should not be white, in an effort to be more fear free).
  • Students should arrange to have a radiation badge to assist with taking radiographs. Ask your school radiology department if they have them available for students on out rotations. If you are not able to obtain one, you just will not be able to be in the radiology room during imaging.
  • There is no compensation for the externship.
  • Housing: If you are in need of housing, we do have staff members who are willing to host students for a minimal cost. Please let us know if you are interested in this.

         Externships at Center for Bird and Exotic Animal Medicine are designed for 3rd and 4th year students, though 1st and 2nd year students will be considered on a case by case basis.

What National Veterinary Associates employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

National Veterinary Associates logo

About National Veterinary Associates

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

National Veterinary Associates, based in Agoura Hills, CA, US, is a leading provider in the veterinary healthcare industry. Established in 1996, it operates independently owned veterinary practices across the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. With a passion for pet health, National Veterinary Associates supports over 1000 veterinary hospitals and pet resort entities. Though their website, nva.com, doesn't explicitly describe their mission, it is evident that their aim is to empower veterinarians with the resources they need to provide high-quality, compassionate pet care services. They have made remarkable strides in advancing veterinary medicine, which is a testament to their industry influence and commitment.

Industry

Veterinary services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Agoura Hills, CA, US

Year founded

1996

View All National Veterinary Associates Jobs

Apply