Veterinary Extern - General Practice

About the Role

This externship at Mitchell Animal Hospital gives you the chance to experience the real day-to-day operations of a general practice while building genuine clinical skills. You'll work alongside supervising Associate Veterinarians in a supportive environment committed to excellent medicine and exceptional animal care.

Over 2–8 weeks (flexible around your schedule), you'll gain hands-on experience gathering patient histories, performing physical exams, developing treatment plans, working with diagnostics, assisting with dentistry and surgery, and managing medical cases. Beyond the clinical work, you'll sharpen your communication skills with the medical team, support staff, and clients—skills that matter just as much as technical knowledge.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in gathering patient histories and performing physical examinations
• Develop and implement treatment plans under veterinarian supervision
• Gain experience with diagnostic procedures and interpretation
• Observe and assist with surgical procedures
• Support dentistry services and medical patient management
• Communicate effectively with the veterinary team, support staff, and clients

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in the clinical year of an accredited veterinary degree program

Benefits

• Travel and living expense stipend (clinical-year students eligible; amount varies by location)
• Hands-on mentorship from experienced Associate Veterinarians
• Real-world clinical experience in a supportive, quality-focused environment
• Flexible scheduling to accommodate your academic calendar

About the Practice

Mitchell Animal Hospital is part of NVA (National Veterinary Associates), a network of hospitals across North America united by a commitment to supportive team environments and excellent medicine. Every NVA hospital maintains that same ethos: supporting staff and students, delivering exceptional service, and prioritizing animal welfare.

Located in Kitchener, Ontario, this practice offers clinical students the opportunity to learn in a real-world setting from day one, with mentorship built in and a team that actually values the learning process.