Want to Become an Avian Vet...

[Cockatoo]

I have decided that I am going to pursue becoming an Avian Veterinarian
I'm only 16, but I am great with birds, and have handraised many little babies, from Quakers to a Blue and Gold Macaw.

My local bird expert, who works in a specialty bird shop, thinks I would make a great Avi vet, but I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on what I could do during the rest of my high school years to begin training. (seeing as I can't go to college before I get my diploma, ahahaha!)

 

[Mare Miller]

Be sure your grades are up, honor classes help and high SAT scores will help get you into a good school of your choice. My son is at UCDAVIS going for pre-med. Most of his friends are working towards the veterinary field, LOTS of science and math courses are required!

 

[Featheredsamurai]

See if you can volunteer at your local avian vet. It will help you do decide if it's really what you want to do, other then that there isn't much you can do other then doing your best in school. My friend is getting her bachelors degree in ornithology at UC Davis, she said to be a avian vet you also have to get your masters degree. Definitely keep your grades really good and get into good school habits now.

UC Davis is one of the best schools for what you interested in, it's hard to get in though.

 

[MeganMango]

Math, chemistry, physics and Biology. You will also have to write your MCAT and in US schools require another standardized test, but I cant remember which one. I think its the GSAT, but its been a long time since I looked at it. You will also need veterinary experience throughout your bachelors degree. Good grades wont cut it, you need ALL animal experience, large, small and exotic. They want you really well rounded. Look into whatthe requirements are for the schools you are interested in, they are all a little different.

 

[Aquila]

I'm sure volunteer experience would help too! At a shelter, or even once you start going to school, looking at local vets that you might be able to work with to get some hands on experience.

I'd love to go to college, but I'm looking at a vet tech program in my area here. The biggest thing is getting your foot in the door and because it's something you love, I think you'll do well.

 

[FutureDVM]

I have decided that I am going to pursue becoming an Avian Veterinarian
I'm only 16, but I am great with birds, and have handraised many little babies, from Quakers to a Blue and Gold Macaw.

My local bird expert, who works in a specialty bird shop, thinks I would make a great Avi vet, but I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on what I could do during the rest of my high school years to begin training. (seeing as I can't go to college before I get my diploma, ahahaha!)

I'm also pursuing a career in veterinary medicine. I'm hoping to treat mostly small animals and exotics, although the more I learn about birds, the more interested I become. I could definitely see myself becoming an avian specialist, but I'll just have to see where life takes me.

I'm a senior in college and I just applied this year to veterinary schools. All of the advice given so far has been pretty good. Definitely try to get involved in volunteering as much as you can. Vet schools like to see a variety of animal experience. You want to work with different types of animals as much as you can, and you also want to have both veterinary experience and non-veterinary animal contact experience. Raising birds yourself is a great start! It's also a good idea to get involved in non-animal related community service and leadership. And of course, you will have to take lots of science courses in college and get decent grades. I know it sounds like a lot, but don't worry! You still have your entire college career ahead of you.

Also, most veterinary schools do NOT require the MCAT. The GRE is all I had to take, but you really don't need to worry about that until sophomore or junior year of college.

Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions!

 

[MeganMango]

Also, most veterinary schools do NOT require the MCAT. The GRE is all I had to take, but you really don't need to worry about that until sophomore or junior year of college.

Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions!

GRE! Thats the one, thank you for clarifying. All Canadian veterinary schools require the MCAT, and also require that you live in the province for at least two years working full time before you can apply. Its really complicated here. Are you in the US? We also dont have pre-med or anything, you can apply with any science degree provided you have completed the required courses. Ive considered applying in the US, maybe I should look into writing the GRE. I did fine with the MCAT, and I didnt study at all, I just wrote it. Its not as hard as some people make it out to be. Its most certainly worth the work. I have med school applications this year. Good luck FutureDVM, I know what its like waiting for the news, please let us know either way! Ill be thinking of you!

 

[Cockatoo]

Thanks for all the tips, guys! I'll definitely put them to use, ahahaha.