Veterinary Extern - General Practice

About the Role

Join Thousand Islands Veterinary Services as a veterinary extern and immerse yourself in hands-on small animal and exotic animal medicine. This is your chance to learn from veterinarians who genuinely enjoy teaching and work in a practice where your growth matters. You'll spend 2 to 8 weeks (depending on your schedule and the practice's needs) gaining real clinical experience under close supervision.

You'll work alongside the supervising veterinarian across the full spectrum of general practice: taking patient histories, conducting physical exams, developing treatment plans, performing diagnostics, assisting with dentistry and surgery, and managing medical cases. Beyond clinical skills, you'll develop your communication abilities through regular interaction with the medical team, support staff, and clients — skills that matter just as much as your ability to place an IV.

The practice is nestled in the beautiful Thousand Islands region of Ontario, offering a genuinely supportive workplace culture where the team cares about each other and recognizes that every veterinarian was once in your shoes.

Key Responsibilities

• Gather detailed patient histories and perform thorough physical examinations
• Assist in creating and implementing treatment plans under veterinarian supervision
• Perform or assist with diagnostic procedures and laboratory work
• Support dentistry services and observe or participate in surgical procedures
• Manage medical cases and monitor patient progress
• Communicate effectively with the medical team, support staff, and clients

Requirements

• Enrolled in the clinical portion of a veterinary degree program
• Veterinary students of any class year are welcome to apply

Benefits

• Travel and living expense stipend (available to students in the clinical portion of their education — amounts vary by location)
• Mentorship from experienced veterinarians who prioritize teaching
• Hands-on experience across a broad range of small animal and exotic cases

About the Practice

Thousand Islands Veterinary Services is a small animal practice with a special interest in exotic animals, operated by veterinarians passionate about teaching and community. The practice is part of NVA Canada's network of externship opportunities, which connect veterinary students with quality learning experiences across Canada. The team is genuinely supportive and fun-loving — they understand the pressures of veterinary education and actively invest in student development.

Located in Gananoque, Ontario, the practice sits in one of Canada's most picturesque regions, known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and charming waterfront community character.