Summertree Animal & Bird Clinic, TX

Description of Elective Experience

Veterinary students participating in an externship at Summertree can expect a hands-on, engaging experience centered around clinical observation, skill development, and exposure to a wide variety of species.

Clinical Experience
Students primarily shadow our DVMs during daily appointments and procedures. Our doctors typically see 8–10 patients per day, with extended appointment times dedicated to exotic species. Our caseload is approximately 50% wellness and 50% sick/urgent care.

On designated “surgery days,” the surgery DVM performs 2–4 procedures in the morning. Students are welcome to “float” between doctors throughout the day to observe cases that interest them.

Hands-On Opportunities
Students may assist as veterinary assistants if they feel comfortable, helping with tasks such as patient restraint and administering injections. Depending on the student’s skill level, additional opportunities may include:

  • Venipuncture on various species
  • IV catheter placement
  • Obtaining patient histories and communicating with clients
  • Handling and physical exam skills for a range of species
  • Occasional participation in surgical procedures

Exposure to High-Quality, Multispecies Medicine
We practice high-quality medicine and routinely recommend diagnostic testing for all patients, including exotics when size permits. Students will have the opportunity to observe and learn techniques for blood collection, diagnostic imaging, and patient workups across species such as reptiles, birds, and exotic companion mammals.

Institutional and Educational Resources - staffing, equipment, etc.
  • 3 full-time DVMS, 1 part-time DVM. One FT DVM is a boarded (DACZM) veterinarian.

“Strip mall” practice building as of 2025 with 5 exam rooms, a consultation/“comfort” room, 1 surgery suite, one wet table. Practice building is dated—practice opened in 1980

  • Surgery: Soft tissue surgery on all species at the DVM’s discretion. In addition to dog/cat surgeries, we regularly perform rabbit spays/neuters, cystotomies on guinea pigs, spays on bearded dragons and chameleons, and spays/mass removals on small rodents. We do not perform orthopedic surgery or endoscopy.
  • Imaging: Digital radiography and ultrasound for all species; no CT available.
  • Dentistry: Dental procedures on all species, including dental occlusal adjustments for rabbits and guinea pigs.
Student Responsibilities - what is expected of students in terms of hours, days of the week, shadowing or actual support?

Schedule

  • Clinic hours: Monday–Friday 8:00 am–6:00 pm; Saturday 8:00 am–12:00 pm
  • Students are generally scheduled Monday–Friday and have weekends off, but are welcome to come in on Saturdays if they would like additional experience.
  • We provide a 1-hour lunch break when workflow allows.

Dress Code
Our DVMs typically wear scrubs. Students may wear scrubs or business/professional attire with a white coat. Closed-toed shoes are required (no Crocs, please).

Hands-On Opportunities
Students may assist as veterinary assistants if they feel comfortable, helping with tasks such as patient restraint and administering injections. Depending on the student’s skill level, additional opportunities may include:

  • Venipuncture on various species
  • IV catheter placement
  • Obtaining patient histories and communicating with clients
  • Handling and physical exam skills for a range of species
  • Occasional participation in surgical procedures
Supervisor
Beverly Finneburgh
Contact email
Address

12300 Inwood Rd
Ste 102
Dallas, TX 75244
United States

Is student housing available?
No
Hours of supervision by a licensed veterinarian per week
35
Global engagement opportunity
No
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