Building future animal care professionals through hands-on learning and mentorship 

The first time a veterinary student completes a solo spay surgery under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian is a moment they will never forget. It’s a milestone that represents years of study, hours of practice, and the beginning of a career dedicated to helping animals. 

Through partnerships with Georgian College and the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC), the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is helping students reach moments like these by providing hands-on experience in shelter medicine and veterinary care. These opportunities help students develop practical skills and confidence, along with creating lasting benefits for the veterinary profession. 

Where learning meets real life 

At the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Orillia and District Animal Centre, five Veterinary Technician students from Georgian College completed placements focused on animal care and shelter operations. 

Throughout their placements, students worked three to five days a week, spending approximately three hours each day assisting staff and caring for animals. From providing enrichment and daily animal care to supporting shelter operations, the students gained firsthand experience while making a meaningful difference in the lives of animals in our care. 

For the students, every shift offered a new opportunity to build practical skills and learn what a career in shelter medicine can look like.  

The success of the partnership was reflected not only in the experience gained by students, but also in the opportunities it created. One participant was ultimately hired through the program, demonstrating the value of hands-on learning and industry partnerships. 

The moment confidence takes hold 

While Georgian College students were gaining experience in shelter operations and animal care, OVC students were developing their clinical skills through hands-on veterinary training. 

The Ontario SPCA has welcomed multiple groups of OVC students for external rotations focused on surgical skills and shelter medicine. Students participating in the rotation work under direct supervision of experienced veterinary professionals to perform spay/neuter surgeries on animals available for adoption through the Ontario SPCA. 

“Providing hands-on learning opportunities is one of the most valuable ways we can help prepare the next generation of veterinary professionals,” says Dr. Joey Tang, Medical Director for the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “Giving them the opportunity to gain supervised surgical experience helps build confidence, refine technical skills and ultimately leads to better outcomes for animals throughout their careers.” 

For Dr. Tang, some of the most rewarding moments are seeing students realize how much they have learned and accomplished. 

“One of the most rewarding moments is watching a student complete their first solo spay surgery under supervision,” he says. “Seeing the sense of accomplishment they feel in that moment is incredibly meaningful.” 

A new perspective on animal welfare 

For many students, the placement provided exposure to an area of veterinary medicine they had not previously experienced while helping them build practical skills and confidence in veterinary settings. 

“This placement has strengthened both my technical skills and my confidence while reinforcing the importance of compassionate, patient-centered care,” says Victoria Borrelli, a student veterinarian at the Ontario Veterinary College. “It has shown me the value of teamwork, adaptability and always considering an animal’s quality of life when making clinical decisions. These experiences will shape the way I approach veterinary medicine throughout my career.” 

Dr. Tang says placements within the Ontario SPCA complement veterinary education by giving students hands-on experience in shelter medicine and community care.  

“By learning alongside our teams, students gain a greater understanding of community medicine and the innovative approaches that help keep animals with the families who love them,” says Dr. Tang. 

Creating lasting connections 

Beyond building technical skills, these partnerships are helping foster stronger connections between future veterinary professionals and animal welfare organizations. 

“These partnerships create a lasting impact beyond the placement itself,” says Dr. Tang. “Students leave with a greater understanding of animal welfare and shelter medicine, and many go on to support organizations like the Ontario SPCA throughout their careers.” 

One particularly memorable success story involved a veterinary intern who enjoyed her placement experience so much that she requested a second week with the Ontario SPCA later in the year. 

For students considering a future in veterinary medicine or animal care, experiences like these provide far more than technical skills. They build confidence, create connections, and offer a deeper understanding of the role animal welfare organizations play in supporting both animals and the people who care for them. 

As the Ontario SPCA continues to invest in educational partnerships, these experiences are helping shape the next generation of animal care professionals while strengthening the future of animal welfare across Ontario. 

As a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society depends on the generosity of donors to change the lives of animals in need. Please consider donating today.