High School Veterinary Assistant Program
Our Veterinary Assistant Program gives students in grades 9–12 the unique opportunity to gain real-world experience by working directly with canine patients. Students perform hands-on medical tasks such as recording weights, body condition scores, temperatures, pulse and respiratory rates, scanning for microchips, and assisting with select blood tests (with advanced notice). In addition, they provide grooming services including bathing, coat trimming or shaving, nail trims, and anal gland expression—benefiting both pets and their owners.

Learning is a blend of classroom instruction, textbooks, and hands-on training, with a strong emphasis on Fear Free handling techniques to reduce stress in animals. Students also receive training in CPR and Basic Life Support (BLS). Upon graduation, participants earn a Certificate in Veterinary Assisting, preparing them for future careers in veterinary medicine or animal care.

Grooming appointments are scheduled for Tuesdays and Fridays, September- June. Drop off times are between 8:30am-9am and pick up time is 2:00pm. 

Payments are accepted only through Myschoolbucks.com through the schools website. Be sure to select the Westampton Campus. 

We gladly accept donations to feed our canine volunteers and grooming patients-as this helps us support a fear free experience for our dogs in class. (Peanut butter, baby food, milk bones, ez cheese)

To schedule grooming appointments, you can reach the student desk at -609-267-4226 - Ext. 8325 -between 9am-2:30pm. or email us at

westvet@burlcoschools.org