Veterinary Student Externship Program
PACKS: Personalized, Autonomous Career & Knowledge Support for Veterinary Students.
Our PACKS externships help set you up for a successful career in veterinary medicine. As a DVM student extern, you’ll work alongside experienced doctors and hospital teams, gaining hands-on experience in a general practice setting while building essential clinical, surgical, communication, and leadership skills.
WHY SHOULD I APPLY TO A PACKS EXTERNSHIP?
Real-world experience. Mentorship. Growth.
Vetco Total Care general practice hospitals are committed to the growth and development of veterinary (DVM) students.
Our PACKS Externship program offers you two exciting opportunities to be the best veterinarian you can be!
- Externships for educational course credit (2-week minimum)
- Work as a part- or full-time veterinary assistant as your schedule allows, for even more hands-on experience
You will feel welcomed by an experienced veterinarian and hospital team who are committed to your learning and growth. With their mentorship and guidance, you will build practical skills and confidence as you observe and participate in routine, medical, surgical, diagnostic and dental procedures in one of our state-of-the-art hospitals.
Plus, you will enjoy generous Petco discounts on supplies, training, grooming and medical care in our Vetco Total Care hospitals.
Ready to get started?
WHAT WILL I LEARN AND DO?
- Preventive care & Surgery
- Hospital leadership, operations & business
- Medical communication & client experience
- Clinical Pathology using our IDEXX analyzers
- Dentistry, including digital dental radiographs
- Vetology AI Radiograph Interpretation & VETSCAN IMAGYST AI Microscope
- Digital Radiology, Ultrasonography using the Butterfly iQ+ Vet ultrasound, & more!
Veterinary externs ensure the safety of pets, clients and team members by adhering to all medical standard operating protocols. You will 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.
VETERINARY EXTERNSHIP REQUIREMENTS
- Active enrollment in an AVMA-accredited veterinary college.
- Proof of medical and professional liability insurance.
- Availability to work Monday - Saturday during open hospital hours (usually 8:00 am - 6:00 pm).
- Strong observational, analytical, critical thinking and communication skills.
- Ability to maintain a calm, respectful and professional manner with colleagues, clients and patients.
- Willingness to collaborate with and learn from anyone on staff.
Click here to download a PDF about the PACKS externship program.
Watch to learn about our PACKS externship program.
Got questions? Please email us at vetprograms@petco.com.
Vetco Total Care Externship
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Our Commitment to People, Pets and Planet
We believe the passion for pets is universal. To better serve our diverse customers across our 1,500 Pet Care Centers, 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals and 1700+ weekly Vetco vaccination clinics, we are intentional about bringing the skillsets and experiences that help us meet the needs of all pets and pet parents. From attracting bilingual talent needed to serve multicultural market segments to leveraging a variety of perspectives to help us innovate in a competitive and changing industry, we know diversity and inclusion are critical business drivers to help Petco meet the needs of all pet families.
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Planet
- Began transitioning in-store habitats from fluorescent to LED bulbs, resulting in energy savings.
- Reduced energy usage by more than 4 million kWh through our lighting curtailment program.
- In 2024, our recycling initiatives diverted nearly 400 tons of plastic from landfills.
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People
- Provided career or skills-related training to 98% of all employees.
- Sponsored more than 150 scholarships through our Petco/Penn Foster Scholarship Program and Latinx Veterinary Medical Association.
- Nearly 600,000 hours of training delivered to pet care center partners.
- Over 40% of General Manager and District General Manager positions filled by internal promotions.
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Pets
- Reunited more than 100,000 pets with their pet parents through Petco Love Lost.
- Helped save nearly 7 million animals through adoptions in Petco pet care centers
- Distributed more than 3.2 million free vaccines to pets via Petco Love.
- Invested nearly $410 million in lifesaving animal welfare work.
- Helped more than 4,000 animal welfare partners.
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