Houston SPCA offers new summer jobs for college students interested in veterinary medicine

HOUSTON (KIAH) — Ten College students are on the career path of veterinary medicine, a practice that the industry continues to see a shortage in. Now with hands on paid training, students hired by the Houston SPCA will get the skills necessary to continue a future in serving animals.

Thanks to the new program, the students will get the chance to work on different areas around campus including the pet wellness clinic, adoptions and animal care and small animal veterinary services just to name a few. This not only gives students paid job training over the summer, but according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the industry is still in need of veterinarians.

Veterinary medicine took a hard hit especially after the COVID-19 pandemic leaving the industry in a major crisis. Retaining veterinarians is also a challenge the AVMA says should be considered with a number of veterinarians demanding changes to work hours, how they work and requests for new service models.

One student placed in the SPCA summer job placement and the SPCA’s Chief Animal Welfare and Medical Officer, Dr. Roberta Westbrook says the program is beneficial to give the students a unique opportunity to learn and to to keep them on the right path for their success after college.

 Dr. Westbrook says that the Houston SPCA also offers educational programs for Kindergarten through Middle and High School students and that this new college-level program is not only building their awareness of their passion for veterinary medicine, but is critical to take the next step into getting a job after college and serving all animals.

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