Looking for volunteering opportunities in Goleta and Santa Barbara? Read below for ideas!
Experience is a valuable aspect of the veterinary application where you can stand out and showcase your passion for helping animals. Every veterinary school has different requirements for the amount of veterinary and animal experience hours needed, which can be found on their veterinary admissions page. Remember to log your experiences!
Animal Experience vs. Veterinary Experience
Animal Experience:
Hands-on experience working with animals, excluding pets, without the supervision of a veterinarian
Volunteering at humane societies, livestock farms, kennels, animal shelters, pet shops, aquariums, zoos, stables, etc
Veterinary Experience:
Activities or tasks supervised by a veterinarian.
Shadowing a veterinarian (small animal, large animal, exotic, zoological, specialty, wildlife, livestock, laboratory, etc) at a clinic or hospital
Working as a veterinary assistant under the direction of a veterinarian
Why Volunteer?
If you are interested in applying to vet school, it can be helpful to explore with animal experiences to gauge your interests in learning about different animals. In addition to learning skills and gaining experience, volunteering can be a great stress reliever. Volunteering on a weekly or regular basis shows your commitment to caring for animals.
Volunteer Opportunities Near UCSB
Dogs
Cats
Bunnies and Guinea Pigs
Horses
The Horse Project
Wildlife
