November 2023 Vol. 49, Issue 3
An Orange County Public Schools Employee Publication
OCPS
By
Samantha Weiss
Veterinary Programs: Shaping Future Animal Care Professionals
F
or students with a love for animals, the Veterinary Science and Animal Science programs being offered at several OCPS high schools are making tails wag with excitement!
“Our goal is to turn students’ passion for animals into a meaningful career,” says University High School’s Veterinary Science program leader Kimberly Acton. “We want to equip them with the knowledge, skills, and compassion to make a positive impact in the lives of animals.” Doggie daycares - where school staff can drop their dogs for the day - are a unique aspect of the program. Having a mock veterinary clinic allows students to learn the business and canine side of working in the pet care industry.
“Students create medical records for each dog attending daycare, manage daily schedules, and even provide services like bathing, ear cleaning, and nail trimming,” Acton explains. The students also send monthly invoices to the teachers and the funds raised help pay for program supplies.”