Person holding white dog and syringe in clinic.

Veterinary Technician Externship Program

PACKS: Personalized, Autonomous Career & Knowledge Support for Veterinary Technician Students

Our PACKS externships are designed to set you up for a successful career as a licensed veterinary technician. At Vetco Total Care, you’ll work side by side with doctors and hospital teams, gaining hands-on experience while building essential clinical, surgical, communication, and leadership skills.

We’re committed to supporting the growth and development of future veterinary technicians and we’re excited to help you put your education into practice in a real-world setting.

WHY SHOULD I APPLY?

Throughout your student externship, you will gain hands-on experience with medical, surgical, diagnostic, and dental procedures in our state-of-the-art general practice hospitals. Practice your clinical skill set while being mentored and guided by experienced licensed veterinary technicians and veterinarians who are committed to your learning and growth.

Veterinary technician student externs are eligible to receive educational course credit hours or hourly wages as a veterinary assistant and enjoy generous Petco discounts on supplies, training, grooming, and veterinary care.

Your well-being is important! Vetco Total Care does not require after hours, on-call, late night or overnight shifts.

WILL THIS EXTERNSHIP COUNT TOWARD MY PROGRAM'S REQUIREMENTS?

We partner with Penn Foster, PIMA, and other veterinary technician programs for site approvals and are happy to assist with any required program documentation.

Ready to get started?

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Got questions? Email us at vetprograms@petco.com.

WHAT WILL I LEARN AND DO?

Throughout your externship, you will gain practical experience with a broad range of administrative, clinical, surgical, diagnostic, and dental procedures in a state-of-the-art general practice hospital.

We have listed the most common program requirements below. Please ask us about specific skills your program requires that are not listed.

Man examining sample under a microscope.

Hospital SOPs and safety protocols • Client communication and education • Front desk and administrative responsibilities • Patient discharge procedures • Sick and preventive care examinations • Obtaining vitals, patient histories, and writing SOAP notes • Drawing and administering vaccines and injections • Applying topical, ocular, and ear medications and treatments • Safe restraint methods • Venipuncture • Small animal medicine and surgery • Dentistry, including digital dental radiographs • Clinical digital radiology • Ultrasonography using the Butterfly iQ+ Vet ultrasound • Vetology AI Radiograph Interpretation • VetScan IMAGYST AI Microscope • Nutrition • Clinical pathology using in-house IDEXX analyzers • Anesthesia

Externs only perform care that is outlined by each Veterinary State Practice Act and only under the direct supervision of a veterinarian or Licensed Veterinary Technician. Vetco Total Care does not perform medically unnecessary and cosmetic procedures. Externships may not be available in all Vetco Total Care locations.

EXTERNSHIP REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

To participate in a Vetco Total Care externship program, candidates must meet the following requirements:

- Currently enrolled in an AVMA- or AVMA CVTEA-accredited veterinary or veterinary technology program, with plans to take the VTNE if applicable.
- Available to complete externship hours during hospital operating hours, Monday–Saturday, typically 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (flexible scheduling available based on program requirements).
- Able to provide proof of medical and professional liability insurance, if required by your program.
- Strong observational, analytical, critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced veterinary hospital environment while maintaining a calm, professional, and respectful demeanor with pets, clients, and team members.
- Passionate about learning, collaborating with others, and receiving constructive feedback.
- Committed to supporting an inclusive, team-oriented environment where everyone is welcome as they are.

Questions? Email us at vetprograms@petco.com.

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