6 Ways To Support Kids Who Dream of Caring for Animals
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If your child lights up around animals or keeps talking about being a veterinarian someday, you might wonder how to support their big dream.
The good news is that you don’t need to wait until they’re grown up to get started. From volunteering at local animal shelters to joining special programs like the one at blendVET®, there are many ways to help kids explore animal care right now.
At blendVET, we believe in helping every child believe they belong in veterinary medicine—especially kids from underrepresented communities who may not always see someone who looks like them in this field.
Here are six fun, safe, and inspiring ways to support a child who dreams of caring for animals.
Key Takeaways
- Kids who love animals may want to become veterinarians or animal caregivers when they grow up.
- Supporting their dreams early can build confidence, empathy, and responsibility.
- Programs like blendVET’s Youth Pathways help kids see what it’s like to work with animals.
1. Join a Veterinary Youth Pathway Program
blendVET offers a special program called the believe & belong in veterinary medicine Youth Pathways program. It’s designed for middle and high school students—usually ages 12–15—who love science, animals, or both.
These kinds of early-exposure programs are proven to help students visualize themselves in science-based careers.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), veterinary professionals are increasingly advocating for earlier career development to support diversity and address future workforce shortages in animal health care.
What Kids Experience in blendVET’s Youth Pathways Program
Students take part in an exciting, hands-on day designed to show them what a real career in veterinary medicine looks like. Students will:
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Work hands-on in a mock veterinary lab station
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Rotate through stations like clinical pathology, ER, surgery, and more
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Learn from real veterinarians, technicians, specialists, and practice managers
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Explore the various professional roles behind the scenes
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Meet veterinary professional mentors from diverse backgrounds
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Hear inspiring career stories from animal health industry experts
The program is designed to build confidence, spark curiosity, and let kids know that no matter where they come from, they belong in science, medicine, and animal welfare.
The best part? It’s hands-on and welcoming to everyone, especially kids who might not see themselves represented in science careers.
Parents can discover local events and explore what it takes to become a veterinary professional by following our upcoming opportunities and tuning in to our VETtalk video series.
2. Volunteer at an Animal Shelter
Volunteering at a local animal shelter is a great way for kids to see what daily pet care is really like. Research shows that programs offering early hands-on experiences with animals help children build empathy, responsibility, and interest in animal-related careers.
Tasks might include:
- Filling food and water bowls
- Helping to walk dogs or play with cats
- Reading to pets, which helps to decrease stress levels in both kids and dogs
- Cleaning cages or folding laundry
- Learning how shelter staff check animals for health problems
These tasks teach responsibility and compassion, while helping kids get more comfortable around animals of all kinds.
You can start by searching for “animal shelter volunteer programs for kids near me." Some shelters may have age limits or require a parent to volunteer with the child.
For high schoolers, there may be veterinary programs that offer teens the opportunity to become certified as a veterinary assistant (CVA).
Student organizations such as Future Farmers of America and Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS) can also help students find mentorship opportunities and gain experience in their communities.
3. Enroll in Summer Veterinary Camps
If your child is fascinated by horses or large animals, a horseback riding camp or farm animal camp is a great next step. These camps teach not just horse riding, but also how to care for horses—from brushing to feeding to learning all about equine health.
Many horse camps also teach kids about hoof care, how to pet a horse, saddle safety, and barn chores. This hands-on experience helps kids understand that animal care takes daily commitment, not just cuddles and treats.
To find a program, search for “summer animal camps,” “equine youth camps,” or “horseback riding camps for kids” in your area. Make sure the program is licensed and follows safety protocols.
4. Start a Pet-Sitting Business in Your Neighborhood
Pet sitting is a simple but powerful way for kids to build confidence and practice basic pet care. Pet sitting may include:
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Feeding a neighbor’s cat while they’re away
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Walking a dog after school
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Cleaning/changing small pet cages (such as those for hamsters or rabbits)
Before reaching out to the public, ask friends or neighbors to give your child a chance and ensure they know how to interact with pets before doing so. You can help your child create a simple flyer or post on a neighborhood group (with supervision).
Make sure your child is ready for the responsibility. If possible, have them practice with your own pets or do a few visits together before they go solo. It’s also helpful to have them practice proper leash holding and how to utilize a treat pouch on dog walks.
5. Read Pet Health Books and Watch Animal Shows Together
Learning can happen from your living room, too!
You can help your child build their animal knowledge by reading age-appropriate books on pet care, animal anatomy, or veterinary stories, or by watching educational shows on Animal Planet, Disney+, and Nat Geo Wild, including:
Animal shows like these can spark curiosity and introduce new animals and care techniques.
After watching animal shows or reading animal care books, you can even quiz your child in a fun way—such as asking “What does a vet do when a dog has an upset stomach?”—to make learning more interactive.
Check your library for books written by veterinarians or veterinary organizations, such as Vet Set Go, or ask your local bookstore for recommendations for animal-loving kids.
6. Encourage Curiosity and Celebrate Progress
Sometimes, the most important support comes from encouraging questions and celebrating small steps. Ask your child:
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“What animal do you want to care for most?”
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“What did you learn today about pet care?”
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“What would you do if you were a vet for a day?”
Support doesn’t always have to be formal: A visit to the zoo, a walk with the family dog, or a stop at the local pet supply store can turn into a learning moment.
At blendVET, we always say: If a child can see it, they can be it. That’s why our Youth Pathways program doesn’t just teach kids about science—it shows them they belong in this space.
Why This Matters
Veterinary medicine needs more voices, more cultures, and more kids with big dreams. Supporting your child now—through volunteering, exploring, and learning—helps build the future of animal care.
These early experiences help children grow into confident, caring adults who understand both the science and the heart behind veterinary work.
And who knows? The young animal lover in your home might just be the veterinarian your pet sees one day.
