Do you know what your daughter wants to be when they grow up? If your daughter loves pets, there’s a strong possibility they’ve considered being a veterinarian or veterinary technician. Veterinary medicine is one of many STEM careers, short for science, technology, engineering, and math.
While STEM is often a male-dominated field, there are many opportunities for aspiring young women to succeed in these careers. April is Expanding Girls’ Horizons in Science and Engineering Month and a great time to learn more about how you can encourage your daughter’s veterinary dreams.
Explore Science
Becoming a vet or vet tech means lots of time studying science. Encourage your daughter to enroll in a variety of science courses to learn what she likes and if science is something that interests her.
In addition to her regular classwork, you can also organize at-home science activities. This is a great way to encourage learning in a fun and stress-free environment. Science Buddies is an excellent resource for at-home STEM activities. Their site offers a variety of helpful resources and allows you to search activities based on your child’s interests and grade level.
Get Your Daughter Involved in Your Pet’s Daily Care
If your daughter is interested in veterinary medicine, make sure they are involved in your pet’s daily care. This includes feeding your pet, cleaning up after them, and taking care of their grooming needs. Depending on your daughter’s age, you may also want to get them involved in administering your pet’s monthly preventatives.
Getting your daughter involved will not only teach her more about pet care, but it can also be a great way to encourage responsibility.
Volunteer at a Local Animal Shelter
Another great way to gain experience caring for animals is to volunteer at a local animal shelter. Animal shelters often rely on volunteers to clean kennels, walk dogs, and help with other basic needs at the facility.
Many animal shelters have age requirements for volunteers, so it’s essential to check volunteer requirements and expectations ahead of time.
Take a Trip Your Local Zoo or Aquarium
What better way to learn about animals than spending some time at your local Zoo or Aquarium? Not only can this be an excellent opportunity to learn about different species, but an animal outing can also be an exciting adventure for the entire family.
Explore Different Careers in Science and Engineering
While veterinary medicine is a wonderful career path, there are countless opportunities in science and engineering. Even if your daughter’s heart is set on being a veterinarian, encourage them to explore a variety of career options. This can help them uncover new interests and may even spark new ideas and dreams.
Give Us a Call
Our staff at Homey Gnome Veterinary Clinic is passionate about the veterinary profession and encouraging the next generation of veterinarians. If you would like to know more about what it takes to become a vet, vet tech or need to schedule an appointment for your pet, please give us a call at 651-202-3388.
We look forward to hearing from you and inspiring the next generation of women in STEM.
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