You Can Be a Veterinarian Camp
In order to take precautions against the COVID-19 pandemic, this program has several modifications and safety protocols in place, which were created based on CDC guidance. Policies are subject to change; please review this webpage carefully.
You Can Be a Veterinarian Camp offers a rare opportunity for kids in San Diego to practice veterinary skills, interact with animals, and gain experience with equipment they might use in the future!
Half-Day Veterinarian Camp


$80 per child
1:30 p.m.–5 p.m.
Ages 9–16
January 10 or March 6
Click to view the Half-Day activities Exotics Physiology Lab: You will get to show off your dexterity as you perform a dissection on a paper frog. You will also get an up-close encounter with one of our frogs and discover why amphibians are so unique. Equine Care & Management 101: Learn about the different aspects of equine care and the roles of the veterinarians, technicians and assistants while visiting the Equine Hospital. Veterinary Surgical Nursing 100: Meet and pet a snake while learning about a life-saving surgery that our Chief of Staff Dr. Patricia Carter performed on one of our scaly friends. Campers will practice surgical suturing of incisions on a life-like model. Basics of Canine CPR & Intro to Anatomy: Practice fundamental CPR techniques on a canine training model and view a respiratory demonstration. You will also get to put your anatomy knowledge into a creation that is yours to keep. Lagomorph Parasitology 100: Interact with a rabbit and learn about the parasitic organisms that can affect these small mammals and others. You will view slides of parasites under a microscope and discuss different treatment options. Species may vary depending on animal health and safety.
Full Day Veterinarian Camp


$155 per child
9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Ages 9–16
February 6, May 1, September 19 or November 6
Click to view the Veterinarian Camp Full Day activities Companion Animal Care & Management 101: Meet Chief of Staff Dr. Patricia Carter who will share her education and career background, as well as answer questions. Veterinary Surgical Nursing 100: Meet and pet a snake while learning about a life-saving surgery that our Chief of Staff Dr. Patricia Carter performed on one of our scaly friends. Campers will practice surgical suturing of incisions on a life-like model. Phlebotomy & Vaccination Lab: Learn the proper techniques for drawing blood and injecting medication as you practice both of these skills on realistic teaching tools. Splinting and Bandaging 101: What is the correct way to bandage the limb of an injured animal? Discover the answer as you practice with fellow campers. Ornithology Digest Identification 101: Birds don’t process food the same way that we do. Interact with one of our feathered friends and dissect an owl pellet to see just how different our digestive systems are. Lagomorph Parasitology 100: Interact with a rabbit and learn about the parasitic organisms that can affect these small mammals and others. You will view slides of parasites under a microscope and discuss different treatment options. Intro to Nutrition & Equine Clinical Techniques 100: Perform a health check on a miniature horse, including the heart, lung, circulatory and digestive systems. You will also observe a horse digestive tract demonstration to gain a better understanding of how food moves through their body. Basics of Canine CPR & Intro to Anatomy: Practice fundamental CPR techniques on a canine training model and view a respiratory demonstration. You will also get to learn what goes into prepping a dog for surgery. Species may vary depending on animal health and safety.
Veterinarian Camp Dates & Times
Half-Day
January 10 or March 6
1:30 p.m.–5 p.m.
Full-Day
February 6, May 1, September 19 or November 6
9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Veterinarian Camp Rates
Half-Day: $80 per child
Full-Day: $155 per child
$4 for a Helen Woodward Animal Center Patch (optional)
*Campers are responsible for bringing their own water bottles and food for snack/lunch break (Half-Day camp has a snack break; Full-Day camp has a snack and lunch break).
**We know this program sounds fun for kids AND adults, but this camp is for kids only! If your child has an aide at school and you plan to have them attend with your child, please call us at 858-756-4117 ext. 318 so that we can help them complete the fingerprint process. All aides MUST complete fingerprinting in order to attend. Due to the limited space during COVID-19, you must purchase a registration for the aide as well.
Policies During COVID-19
Click here to carefully review the safety protocols. (Subject to change, last updated 9/8/20) **Modifications are subject to change.
For more information:
Please contact us at education@animalcenter.org or 858-756-4117 ext. 318.