An elective shadowing experience at Vital Vet Animal Hospital offers veterinary students a well-rounded, hands-on look at modern companion animal practice within a collaborative, Fear Free–certified environment.
Students will be exposed to a diverse caseload that reflects the full spectrum of small animal medicine. Cases range from routine wellness visits and preventive care to sick appointments, urgent care presentations, and a variety of surgical procedures. While the majority of patients are cats and dogs, approximately 30–40% of cases involve exotic species, including small mammals, birds, and reptiles. This provides students with valuable exposure to multi-species medicine and the nuances of handling and treating non-traditional companion animals.
Throughout the experience, students will actively observe and engage in physical examinations, participate in discussions surrounding diagnostic workups, and review laboratory and imaging findings. They will have the opportunity to observe diagnostic procedures and surgeries, while also talking through differential diagnoses and treatment plans with the veterinary team. Emphasis is placed on clinical reasoning, case management, and client communication.
Students will also gain insight into the spectrum of care approach practiced at Vital Vet. They will observe how treatment recommendations are tailored to align with each client’s goals, financial considerations, and their pet’s needs—learning how to provide high-quality medicine while respecting individual circumstances.
As a Fear Free–certified practice, Vital Vet prioritizes minimizing stress and anxiety for patients. Students will see firsthand how low-stress handling techniques, thoughtful scheduling, environmental modifications, and client education are integrated into daily workflow to improve patient outcomes and overall experience.
Overall, this elective shadowing experience provides a dynamic and educational opportunity for veterinary students to develop clinical insight, expand their species exposure, and observe compassionate, client-centered care in action.
Vital Vet Animal Hospital is a well-equipped, collaborative small animal practice that provides veterinary students with exposure to a supportive and team-oriented clinical environment.
Staffing Structure
The hospital team consists of:
This staffing model allows students to observe how a highly trained technical team supports efficient workflow, patient care, anesthesia monitoring, diagnostics, and client communication. With a strong LVT presence, students gain valuable insight into technician utilization, delegation, and collaborative case management.
Facilities and Equipment
Vital Vet is equipped with modern diagnostic and treatment resources, including:
These resources allow students to observe a wide range of diagnostic procedures, surgical interventions, dental procedures, and medical workups. The dedicated dental and surgical spaces provide exposure to proper workflow, sterility protocols, anesthesia monitoring, and advanced procedural care.
Educational Environment
Students benefit from direct interaction with the veterinarian and technical team, with opportunities to discuss case workups, review imaging, interpret diagnostics, and talk through treatment planning. The practice’s structure supports teaching moments throughout the day, from routine preventive care to complex medical and surgical cases.
Overall, Vital Vet Animal Hospital offers a well-staffed, well-equipped clinical setting that supports hands-on learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and exposure to high-quality, Fear Free–certified veterinary care.
Students participating in the elective shadowing experience at Vital Vet Animal Hospital are responsible for coordinating the length of their rotation in advance. Students may arrange the number of weeks they wish to be present, based on their academic requirements and availability. Full-day attendance is strongly recommended to maximize learning opportunities. Typical hospital hours are 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, with a one-hour lunch break.
This experience is primarily a structured shadowing opportunity with active engagement. Students are expected to be present, attentive, professional, and prepared to participate in case discussions throughout the day. While direct patient care responsibilities will depend on skill level and supervision, students may assist with appropriate tasks as permitted and will be encouraged to ask questions and contribute to clinical discussions.
Throughout the experience, students will actively observe and engage in physical examinations, participate in discussions surrounding diagnostic workups, and review laboratory and imaging findings. They will have the opportunity to observe diagnostic procedures and surgeries, while also talking through differential diagnoses and treatment plans with the veterinary team. Emphasis is placed on development of clinical reasoning, case management skills, and effective client communication.
Students will also gain insight into the spectrum-of-care approach practiced at Vital Vet. They will observe how treatment recommendations are tailored to align with each client’s goals, financial considerations, and their pet’s needs—learning how to provide high-quality medicine while respecting individual circumstances.
Professionalism, punctuality, respect for team members and clients, and adherence to Fear Free handling principles are expected at all times. This structure ensures a meaningful educational experience while maintaining high standards of patient care and hospital workflow.
4124 Chesapeake Square Blvd
Suite 101
Chesapeake, VA 23321
United States