• Hours worked on each day of placement

• brief description or summary of activities completed

• Total accumulated hours should total 100 hours

One of the key highlights was assisting with the vaccination of four young puppies. I supported the vet during the consults by helping to gently restrain each puppy, ensuring they remained calm and still throughout the process. This also gave me a closer look at proper vaccination techniques, the importance of accurate vaccine handling, and the steps taken to ensure each pup was given the appropriate dosage. Afterward, I helped record the vaccinations into the patient files, ensuring documentation was up to date.

Later in the day, I helped feed the clinic’s dogs, which included preparing appropriate food portions and making sure that each dog received the correct diet, especially those with specific health needs. This helped reinforce the importance of nutrition in a clinical setting and the individual needs of patients recovering from surgery or illness.

I also spent time on cleaning and hygiene duties, which are critical in maintaining a safe and sanitary environment. This included cleaning cages, changing bedding, and making sure enclosures were dry and comfortable for the animals. I also did laundry for both cat and dog towels, ensuring all materials were washed properly and ready for reuse. Once clean, I learned how to properly fold and iron surgical drapes, a task that emphasized the importance of maintaining sterility in surgical preparation. I was also shown how to fold the drapes in a specific manner used for autoclave sterilisation, a skill that ensures they are packed efficiently and remain uncontaminated until use.

In addition to hands-on tasks, I had the opportunity to develop my understanding of the clinic’s administrative systems. I was taught how to look up a patient’s medical history in the computer system, including reviewing vaccination dates, past clinical notes, and medication records. This training was valuable in understanding how veterinary teams track long-term care and make informed treatment decisions.

Overall, today offered a balance of both clinical and behind-the-scenes learning. I gained practical experience in animal handling, hygiene protocols, and administrative procedures—each of which plays an essential role in the daily operations of a veterinary clinic

I began the day with sterilisation tasks, preparing surgical drapes for upcoming procedures. This involved ironing and folding the drapes correctly, ensuring they were packed in a sterile manner suitable for autoclaving. I also managed the laundry, which included washing and drying towels, blankets, and bedding used for both cats and dogs. Once clean, I helped return the items to their designated storage areas to keep everything organised and ready for patient care. In addition, I cleaned animal cages, replacing bedding and disinfecting surfaces to maintain a hygienic environment for our patients.

On the clinical side, I learned how to scan a microchip in dogs, which was a great experience in using the clinic’s equipment and understanding how microchip ID systems work in patient management. I also helped hold dogs during their vaccination appointments, making sure they were secure and calm while the veterinarian administered the vaccines.

Another patient I assisted with was a dog showing signs of limping. I was able to support the vet during the clinical examination, helping to gently hold and position the dog while the vet checked for issues in the legs and joints. This gave me valuable insight into how musculoskeletal exams are performed and the importance of observing gait and limb responses.

Throughout the day, I also helped with front desk duties, including booking appointments, sending out appointment reminders to clients, and communicating with pet owners. For example, I assisted a new client by advising them to fill out a new patient form, explaining the process and answering any questions they had.

Toward the end of the shift, I participated in some of the closing responsibilities. I completed the daily float, which involved counting and balancing the clinic’s cash register, ensuring all payments and transactions were accurately accounted for. I also restocked vaccines in the fridge, making sure that all types were correctly labelled, in date, and stored at the correct temperature for future use.

Overall, today gave me a strong mix of experience across sterilisation, clinical support, client services, and admin work—each essential to the daily operations of a veterinary clinic. I felt more confident with the clinic’s workflow and enjoyed being trusted with a variety of tasks that supported both the veterinary team and the patients.

I started by observing attentively during the surgery to understand the procedure. I learned how incisions are made, watching each step closely to ensure I understood the technique. This experience highlighted the importance of precision when performing surgery on such small, young animals.

One of the key skills I learned today was how to loop thread when stitching up wounds. This is a critical aspect of the procedure, as it ensures the wound is closed securely, promoting proper healing. I practiced and observed the technique, ensuring I understood the proper method and tension needed for a good stitch.

During the surgery, I also learned how to check the puppies’ vitals during anaesthesia. It was essential to monitor their heart rate, respiratory rate, and overall stability to ensure they were safe throughout the procedure. This responsibility is crucial in maintaining patient safety during anaesthesia, especially with young animals.

Another important skill I acquired was how to inflate the anaesthesia tubes with a 1ml syringe. This is done to ensure there is no trapped air, which is vital for the puppies' survival after anaesthesia. I understood the importance of this step in maintaining proper ventilation and oxygen flow throughout the procedure.

In preparation for surgery, I learned how to prep the surgical rooms effectively. This involved preparing surgical equipment and ensuring everything was organised and sterile before the surgery began. I learned where to lay out the tools for easy access and the importance of maintaining a sterile environment to prevent infections.

After the surgery was completed, I learned the proper steps for turning off oxygen and anaesthesia. This process was essential to safely conclude the procedure and ensure the puppies' recovery from anaesthesia was as smooth as possible.

Throughout the day, I also assisted with clipping the fur around a dog's foot to ensure better visibility and easier examination of the area. I learned how to properly use clippers to avoid cutting the skin or causing distress to the animal.

In addition to surgical duties, I learned how to recognise bacterial infections between a dog's paw pads. I observed the symptoms, including redness and swelling, and understood the importance of early detection and treatment to prevent further complications.

I was also introduced to the concept of euthanasia and learned about the specific medications used for putting down animals. It was a somber but important lesson in understanding the role of compassionate care when animals are beyond treatment.

Additionally, I learned about Cartophen, which is a medication used to help animals with joint pain. This was valuable knowledge as it relates to managing pain and improving the quality of life for animals with mobility issues.

One of the more surprising things I observed today was that some dogs are born with extra toes on their hind legs, which serve no real purpose. I learned that these extra toes are typically removed because they do not contribute to the dog's function. The removal process involves burning off the toes using extreme heat with a hot rod.

Overall, today was an incredibly insightful and educational day. I gained valuable experience assisting with surgeries, observing critical care practices, and learning about various aspects of veterinary medicine, including pain management, wound care, and euthanasia. The hands-on skills I learned today are ones I’ll continue to build on as I progress in my veterinary studies and career.

I began by focusing on sterilisation procedures, starting with ironing and folding surgical drapes. It was essential to ensure that these were done correctly, as the drapes must be properly folded to be sterilised before use in surgeries. Afterward, I packaged the drapes and sterilised them in the autoclave, ensuring all equipment was ready for any upcoming procedures. This was my first time managing the sterilisation process independently, and it gave me a sense of responsibility and attention to detail.

Following that, I moved on to laundry duties. I completed several loads of laundry, washing, drying, and folding fresh towels used for both cats and dogs. Once dry, I carefully placed them where needed in the clinic to ensure there were always clean towels available for use. This task helped me appreciate the level of preparation required in a busy clinic setting.

Next, I tackled the daily float, which involved counting and balancing the clinic’s cash register. I made sure that all transactions were recorded accurately, confirming the amounts and ensuring everything matched up correctly. This task reinforced my understanding of the importance of financial accuracy and attention to detail in a veterinary clinic.

I also took the responsibility of washing and drying surgical tubes, making sure they were cleaned thoroughly to maintain proper hygiene. After they were dry, I carefully hung them up to keep them organised and prevent any cross-contamination, ensuring everything was in order for the next round of procedures.

Lastly, I took care of the administrative side by writing down the receipts and receipt numbers for the day’s transactions. I recorded each one carefully to ensure the clinic’s financial records were up to date and accurate. This helped me understand the importance of documentation and record-keeping in a clinic environment.

Overall, today was a valuable experience working solo, where I had the opportunity to manage a variety of essential tasks independently. It gave me a deeper understanding of the clinic's operations and reinforced my ability to work efficiently and responsibly in both clinical and administrative roles.

Observed hanging up the IV fluid (NaCl) for the cat before surgery.

Observed inducing the cat with local anaesthesia.

Helped hold down the cat to bandage its paws and muzzle its mouth due to extreme aggression.

Observed putting a mouth speculum down its throat to help breathing tube slip down safely.

Observed the removal of two lumps after the fur was shaven and the skin around it was cleaned with chlorhexidine (antiseptic to disinfect skin) and cleaned again with iodine to kill bacteria.

Observed lumps being removed with precision and stitched the skin around it.

Learnt that during stitching, the needle does not go through and Over the skin on the other side but goes through right underneath the flesh only without the needle coming back out the other side of the skin (with fur).

Hooked the cat off of the NaCl solution and placed it in the cage for observation because animals tend to be at risk of anaesthetic risk after 2 mins out of surgery.

Removed bandages and placed cone on animal's head to prevent it from licking the wound.

Observed a German Shepherd having its normal assessment done and learnt during its physical examination that it had 3 lumps growing.

Took ear swabs for it to see if there are any bacterial infection that was mentioned before.

Observed a small poodle that came in for assessment due to aggression issues during grooming.

Vaccinated small puppy and it was the 3rd and final vaccination.

Did the daily float and had a meeting after.

In terms of animal care, I cleaned and disinfected animal enclosures, completed laundry tasks to maintain kennel hygiene, and replenished food and water bowls for both dogs and puppies. I also cleaned and sanitised the consultation room between appointments to maintain clinical sanitation protocols.

Administrative duties included operating the TILL system, processing payments, and reconciling cash balances at both the beginning and end of the shift. I prepared receipts for clients after consultations or procedures and ensured accurate record-keeping. I also sent appointment reminders to clients via the clinic’s communication system to confirm upcoming visits, which supported appointment adherence and reduced no-show rates. This shift provided practical experience across surgical, animal care, and administrative domains within a veterinary clinic.

I started the day by assisting with a routine C5 vaccination for an adult greyhound. I observed how the vet calmly approached the patient, administered the vaccine efficiently, and communicated clearly with the owner about ongoing preventative care. I helped update the patient’s medical file and ensured everything was documented correctly.

Later in the day, a new client brought in their young puppy for its very first vet visit. I greeted them, provided a new patient registration form, and helped them fill it out. During the appointment, the vet completed a full health check and gave the puppy its first C3 vaccination, along with discussing parasite prevention, desexing, and diet. It was a valuable moment to observe how veterinarians educate and support new pet owners.

We also performed an ultrasound on a female dog who had recently given birth. The scan was done to check whether she had retained any puppies. I gently helped restrain her during the procedure, which showed no remaining pups. It was a great opportunity to see how diagnostic imaging is used in postnatal care and how vets confirm reproductive health post-whelping.

In preparation for upcoming appointments, I also prepared blood collection tubes (including EDTA, serum, and heparin types), labelled them accurately, and ensured they were ready for any required diagnostic testing later in the day. It reinforced the importance of attention to detail when preparing samples for bloodwork.

On the husbandry side, I helped with taking both male and female dogs outside for toileting and fresh air, and brought them back in as needed for treatments or resting. This helped keep them comfortable and reduced stress levels during their stay at the clinic.

I also helped put out freshly washed laundry to dry, including bedding and towels used for patients. This helps maintain hygiene and comfort standards for both animals and staff.

Lastly, we folded surgical hand towels and packed them for sterilisation, ensuring they were properly folded, counted, and packed to be autoclaved for reuse in surgery. This was a great insight into how clinics manage infection control and surgical prep.

I started the day by sending a vaccination reminder to a patient, ensuring they were up to date with their dog’s healthcare schedule. Soon after, we had an emergency case—a female dog that had just given birth to a puppy at home was rushed in. During her consultation, it was discovered she had signs of breast cancer, prompting us to perform an ultrasound scan to check if any more puppies remained in her uterus. I assisted by holding the dog securely during her consultation and scan, and also recorded clinical exam notes for her file.

The dog was found to need dental work and surgery, but the vet advised the owner to first run a blood test to assess her condition before proceeding. Surgery will be scheduled depending on those test results.

To make space for her ultrasound, I cleaned and prepared the cat room, making it suitable for temporary use. Later, I helped dust and clean the entire clinic, keeping everything neat and hygienic. I also answered several client phone calls, including one from a woman inquiring about her dog’s heart murmur—I advised her to first consult a general vet before considering a specialist, which would help determine the urgency and best direction for care.

Throughout the day, I helped hold animals in place during their consultations and procedures to keep them calm and still. This hands-on work was a great opportunity to practice low-stress animal handling.

Overall, the day gave me valuable experience with emergency care, client communication, and hands-on assistance during clinical procedures, while reinforcing the importance of teamwork and adaptability in a busy clinic environment.

In addition to observing the clinical decision-making process, I contributed to the administrative workflow by sending out appointment reminders to clients, ensuring they were informed about their upcoming visits. I also answered a phone call on behalf of the veterinarian, which was a consultation from a Zoetis representative. This gave me insight into how clinics interact with pharmaceutical reps and manage professional communications. Lastly, I assisted in checking which female dogs were currently in season as part of the routine assessments, which plays an important role in managing breeding status and medical considerations.

I was also taught how and where to document phone calls and messages for the veterinarian, an important part of keeping communication organised within the clinic. I spent time restocking essential supplies including syringes, gauze, and cotton balls, and helped tidy and organise the bandaging station, which helps maintain clinic efficiency during treatments and emergencies.

Later in the day, I was shown how to properly shower the puppies, which involved handling them gently, ensuring water temperature was suitable, and using appropriate pet-safe products. I then helped bring the puppies into the consultation room when required. I assisted in weighing a sick dog and observed several clinical signs including poor eye condition and deteriorated dental health. Finally, I spent time interacting with a nervous dog, showing enthusiasm and calm energy to help make the dog feel more comfortable in the clinic environment. This experience highlighted the importance of emotional support in patient care.

Assisted with morning routines, including setting up food and water for dogs and puppies. Cleaned enclosures and helped move animals in and out of the facility. Continued learning about animal husbandry procedures, such as weighing animals and basic observation for signs of illness. Helped restock medical supplies and tidy up treatment areas. Observed vet staff handling patients and contributed to general clinic maintenance duties.