believe & belong in
veterinary medicine

What is the blendVET® Youth Career Pathways Program?
This is a hands-on, one-day event designed for youth 12–15 years old to explore careers in veterinary medicine. Students rotate through mock vet stations—think general practice, surgery, emergency care, and even dentistry! They’ll get to try out real tools (don’t worry—on realistic models!) and learn directly from veterinary professionals.

Do students need prior experience?
Nope! Just bring a curious mind. We welcome anyone interested in animals, science, or healthcare. No previous experience is required.

What will students actually do during the event?

• Practice suturing a simulated wound
  
• Perform CPR compressions on a training mannequin
  
• Drill (safely!) during a mock surgery demo
  
• Clean animal teeth
  
• Meet veterinary professionals, hear real stories, and explore career pathways
  
• Gear up in surgical scrubs and gloves—it’s the full experience!
  
  

Will there be anything graphic or “gross”?
Fair question! Students may encounter simulated blood or injury models, but everything is age-appropriate and focused on learning—not shock value. Students can opt out of any activity they’re not comfortable with.

Is there a cost to attend?
Not a penny. Thanks to our co-presenters and sponsors, this program (and all supplies, t-shirts, lunch, and snacks) is 100% free.

How many students can attend?
We’re capping registration at 50 students. After that, we’ll start a waiting list and contact you in the order registrations were received when an open spot becomes available.

Will lunch be provided?
Yes! Lunch, snacks, and beverages are included.

Are food allergies accommodated?
Absolutely. Just list any dietary or supply-related allergies (like latex) when registering. We’ve got your student covered.

Is the venue safe for students?
Totally. Our events are hosted at reputable venues like the Long Beach Convention Center, with safety protocols in place. Trained staff, licensed professionals, and volunteers will be present all day.

Can my student bring their own snacks?
Sure—especially if they have dietary restrictions. Just make sure snacks don’t include peanuts, peanut butter, or shellfish, to protect all students.

When is the event?
The student program runs from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM (check your confirmation email for the specific date and location). Parents: we also host a special session just for you from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

What if my student is late or needs to leave early?
Students must arrive by 9:00 AM and stay until 3:00 PM to get the full experience. Unfortunately, we can’t accommodate late arrivals or early departures.

What should students wear?
Comfort is key! Closed-toe shoes are a must (there will be live animals). We’ll provide a blendVET® event t-shirt upon check-in to wear during the day.

Do students need to bring anything?
Nope—just positive energy! We provide everything, from scrubs to supplies. Bonus: students receive a swag bag of goodies to take home.

Can parents attend the event?
Yes! While the main program is student-only, parents are encouraged to join our Parent Pathway session from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. It’s designed to help you support your student’s future in the veterinary profession.

Do I need to stay with my child?
You don’t have to stay all day, but we’d love to see you at the parent session!

What time is pick-up?
Pick-up is at 3:00 PM sharp. Timely pick-up helps us break down the event smoothly.

Can someone else drop off or pick up my child?
Yes, but safety first: Students can only be released to an adult authorized in writing during registration. That adult must present a valid government-issued ID.

Can my child be grouped with a friend?
We’ll try to honor group requests, but our goal is to build learning-focused teams. Final groups are assigned strategically, and we don’t make changes the day of the event.

Can siblings attend?
Only students aged 12–15 can register. Older siblings may be considered if space is available—email us at [email protected] to check. Unfortunately, we can’t accommodate kids under 12 due to activity requirements.

How do we register?
Click the “Register Now” button on the event page. You’ll get a confirmation email and any necessary forms right after.

If registration is full, can I be contacted if there is a cancellation?
Yes! We will continue to register students on standby. Should a spot become available, we will contact you.

What if we can’t make it?
Please email us at [email protected] ASAP if your student can’t attend. We’ll offer the spot to someone on the waiting list.

What if we’re on the waiting list?
If spots open up, we’ll contact families in the order in which their forms were received.

Got more questions or special considerations. No worries—we’re here to help! Reach out anytime at [email protected] or use the contact form on our website.