https://bvspca.org/

Brandywine Valley SPCA

Surgery Volunteer

January 2020 • New Castle, DE

What I liked

I love how hands-on the experience is. As a surgery volunteer at the BVSPCA, I get to assist in the Animal Health Center to serve by preparing surgery packs for spay, neuter, amputation, etc. procedures, clean and sterilize surgical equipment, extubate animals, administer post-op vaccinations, and promote animal welfare. The opportunity to lend my services there has not only increased my knowledge of the veterinary field and helped me establish connections with professionals within the field, but it has also granted me a greater appreciation for all the work that goes into being a veterinarian. It has sparked my intellectual curiosity about veterinary medicine as a whole and has increased my excitement about my chosen field. Also, I find it admirable that the BVSPCA performs these surgeries at low cost so as to make the services it's offering more affordable to the general public.

What I wish was different

I wish I could spend more time there! I would go every day if I could. Unfortunately, the Clinic is open to volunteers only Tuesday through Thursday.

Advice

The surgical staff at the BVSPCA is a very welcoming family, but in order to form bonds with its members, you have to be willing to speak up and make your presence known. For me, at first, that was difficult because I have a tendency to be shy when you first meet me. However, I took it upon myself to step out of my comfort zone and initiate conversation with them, and it paid off! Now, I am part of that family and a valued member of the team, and I know that when the time comes for me to apply to vet school, I will be able to rely on them as a support system and solid list of references.
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