We are a 6-7 vet large animal clinic in northern Vermont taking care of clients in two counties. Our dairy farms range from 1-3000 cows, with a fair amount of organic dairies. Depending on the time of the year we also see a large number of equine clients. We have several swine herds, goat dairies and lama and alpaca clients, plus backyard poultry pigs and beef.
We have a digital x-ray machine and four ultrasounds for reproductive purposes, in house mastitis lab, plus in house CBC/Chem machines.
Students are encouraged to "jump in" to their level of ability, including palpation, surgery, calvings, physical exam and diagnosis. They are expected to do their homework on current cases, add to the differential list and be familiar with common drugs and therapies. Our days begin at 8am and go to at least 4pm, but most days later than that. Students are encouraged to be on-call with the overnight vets, as long as it is practical. If the student wants equine experience, the best time of the year to visit is between March and June.
There is a bedroom in the room below the clinic, with access to an oven and stovetop, and some refrigerator space. Some students who have stayed for a month have found temporary housing in a nearby town, or sometimes they stay at one of the vet's houses.