Student Shadowing Opportunities

At Reata Veterinary Hospital, we believe in nurturing the next generation of veterinary professionals by offering meaningful learning experiences within a supportive, real-world clinical setting. Our student shadowing program is designed to provide observational access to the day-to-day operations of our hospital, offering insight into the collaborative, fast-paced environment of modern veterinary medicine.

Whether you are a high school student exploring potential career paths, an undergraduate with a passion for animals, or a current veterinary or veterinary technology student seeking a deeper understanding of clinical workflows, we welcome you to observe our team in action.

What to Expect

Shadowing at Reata is a strictly observational experience, allowing students to follow our veterinarians, technicians, and support staff as they provide care to our patients. While hands-on participation is not permitted in this format, students often find the experience invaluable in gaining:

  • Insight into the daily responsibilities of various veterinary roles
  • Exposure to small and large animal cases (based on scheduling and focus)
  • A deeper understanding of patient care, client communication, and hospital operations
  • Clarity and inspiration to guide future academic and professional goals

Who Is Eligible to Shadow?

We offer shadowing opportunities for:

  • High School Students: Ages 16+ with an interest in animal health or veterinary careers
  • College Students: Pursuing pre-veterinary, animal science, business, or communications studies
  • Veterinary Technician Students: Seeking exposure to clinical environments
  • Veterinary Students: looking to observe general practice

All students are required to sign a liability waiver and adhere to all hospital policies during their visit.

In addition to clinical shadowing, we occasionally offer limited observational experiences in hospital administration and marketing/social media. These placements are ideal for students interested in the business or communications side of veterinary practice, though space is limited.

Availability and Scheduling

Shadowing opportunities are limited and scheduled based on hospital capacity and staff availability. To ensure the best possible experience, we recommend reaching out well in advance of your preferred dates. Shadowing experiences are typically offered in half-day or full-day formats during weekdays.

Due to safety concerns, we do not permit drop-in observations. All shadowing visits must be approved and scheduled in advance.

**Due to high demand, we are currently fully booked until August 2026. ** If you have a request for shadowing before August 2026, please apply to [email protected], and if a spot becomes available, we will reach out to you.

How to Apply

To inquire about shadowing, please submit the following:

  • A brief introduction and statement of interest (1–2 paragraphs)
  • Resume or your current level of education
  • Area of interest (Small Animal or Equine)
  • Preferred date(s) or general availability
  • Contact information (email or phone number)

You can submit your inquiry to [email protected].

Please note: If you are interested in shadowing outside of clinical care (e.g., administration or social media), be sure to include this in your inquiry. These placements are considered on a case-by-case basis based on availability.

Why Shadow at Reata?

At Reata Veterinary Hospital, you’ll observe a team that combines decades of experience with a genuine passion for mentorship. Our practice blends small animal care with our roots in equine medicine, giving students a unique perspective on the breadth of veterinary services in a community-focused setting.

We’re proud to support students as they explore their potential—and we’re honored to be a part of your journey into the world of veterinary medicine.