PetIQ, PA

Description of Elective Experience: 

PetIQ believes that all pet parents should be able to provide necessary care for their pets. Our goal is to reach more pets that have not had access to care through meeting pet parents where they are with the preventive veterinary care they need for their pets when they need it. In this externship you will be conducting physical exams, managing minor illness case workup and treatment plans, and educating pet parents.

We are advocates for pet parents, and we believe that all pet parents should be able to provide necessary preventive care that enhances the lives of their pets. That starts by educating our pet parents on the importance of preventive veterinary care—and by giving them convenient access to affordable veterinary services. We believe in transparent, honest communication and doing what’s right for pets, pet parents, our colleagues and partners.

We are looking for dedicated and compassionate veterinary students to gain hands-on experience in preventive and wellness care at our Wellness Centers under the supervision of our employee veterinarians.

 Our Wellness Center Teams provide high quality preventive and wellness pet care services including minor medical case management including GI, Urinary, Skin, Eye and Ear minor illness case workup and treatment plans, wellness exams, diagnostic testing, vaccinations, preventive care education and treatments, microchipping and nail trims. Externship goals

Under the supervision of the employee veterinarian:

  • Evaluation and management of minor illnesses in cats and dogs:  physical exam, diagnostics and treatment for GI, Urinary, Skin, Eye and Ear minor medical conditions
  • Perform physical and wellness examinations, blood draws for diagnostic tests, administer vaccinations, nail trims and place microchips 
  • Consult with pet owners on specific nutrition, preventive healthcare and general care recommendations based on individual needs.
  • Demonstrate the ability to design appropriate pet care recommendations for each patient.
  • Develop and demonstrate positive clinic team communication and working relationships
  • Maintain relevant, comprehensive medical records 
  • Learn and understand PetIQ medical standards ethical practices
  • Attend staff training meetings 
  • Other duties or functions as assigned 

Education Requirements

  • 3rd or 4th year student in Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or equivalent degree program from an AVMA-accredited veterinary school 

 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Knowledge of physical exam components for dogs and cats
  • Understanding of minor medical conditions (GI, Urinary, Skin, Eye and Ear)
  • Understanding of vaccine protocols, heartworm disease and prevention in both cats and dogs, flea and tick risks and control
  • Good record keeping skills and ability to manage patient records according to relevant guidelines.
  • Strong interpersonal skills 
  • Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills 

 

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards. 
  • Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards. 
  • Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. 

 

PetIQ is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law

Institutional and Educational Resources - staffing, equipment, etc.: 

Students will have the choice of 6 locations and direct supervisor DVMs starting in May/June 2022. This listing is for the Belle Vernon, PA location.  The program will be defined by and organized through the office of the Chief Medical Officer.  Training will include clinic compliance as well as minor medical and wellness care for dogs and cats. 

Student Responsibilities - what is expected of students in terms of hours, days of the week, shadowing or actual support?: 

Students will directly support the veterinarian and clinic staff with hands-on clinical preventive care and wellness practice. Externships are 2 weeks in duration. Externs must be currently enrolled in a veterinary degree program during their scheduled externships.  Work hours are typically Tuesday-Saturday 9:30am – 7:30pm but may vary. Students should provide their own transportation to and from the clinic. We follow all local and federal regulations as well as CDC-recommended COVID 19 guidelines. 

Student Housing (include costs, amenities, pet friendly, contact info if different from elective contact info): 

Students will receive a $2000.00 stipend to support costs over the duration of the externship

Supervisor: 
Dr. Jennifer Friend
Contact email: 
Address: 
120 Sara Way
Belle Vernon, PA 15012
United States
Practice or Institution Type: 
Is student housing available?: 
No
Hours of supervision by a licensed veterinarian per week: 
40