The Human Side of Animal Care

Alex is a registered veterinary technician (RVT) in an emergency animal hospital, with experience working with exotic animals. She discusses the fascinating natural history of reptiles, as well as the dynamics of general and professional interest in exotic veterinary medicine. We talk about the financial reality of working as a veterinary nurse (compared to management positions and big corporations), such as low hourly wages and limited opportunities for raises. We touch on topics of medical ethics like recommending euthanasia, navigating diverse belief systems, and managing personal opinions when collaborating with clients. Alex also provides insight on getting started in the field, such as working your way up the totem pole, taking direction, working in a team, and asking all the questions!Sources AMA Journal of Ethicshttps://journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/physician-assisted-suicide-law-and-professional-ethics/2003-01PBShttps://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/kevorkian/chronology.htmlMusic CreditsGlow by Scott Buckley | https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckleyMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

From socioeconomic obstacles to learning disabilities, discouraging college counselors to veterinary school rejections — Ingrid Wolff has faced many hurdles in her academic and career journey. But through it all, she persevered. Today, Ingrid is an equine veterinarian and practice owner. In this podcast episode, we learn about how disability accommodation services and farrier school changed Ingrid's trajectory for the better. We hear about what it's like to work as an equine vet, and the benefits and hardships of practice ownership. Above all, Ingrid encourages aspiring veterinarians to pursue their dreams relentlessly.Follow us on Instagram @thehumansideofanimalcareMusic Credits:Glow by Scott Buckley | https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckleyMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

How did the endangered Channel Island Foxes recover after a significant population decline in the '90s? What is wildlife tracking? How can the general public help with conservation efforts through citizen/community science? Mike Watling answers all of these questions and more in this episode. During the work week, Mike Watling is Director of Technical Operations at a life science company. During his time off, Mike serves as President of Friends of the Island Fox, conducts wildlife monitoring for Ventura Land Trust, and leads hikes as a Naturalist for Channel Islands National Park.Follow us on Instagram @thehumansideofanimalcareMusic Credits:Glow by Scott Buckley | https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckleyMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Pre-vet students, first-year veterinary students, and shelter medicine enthusiasts—this episode is for you! Katie Marrie is the Chief Veterinary Officer at Santa Barbara Humane. We learn about how the organization has been working to improve access to care by offering a range of veterinary services, from vaccines to dentals, and parvovirus treatment to mass removals. Katie discusses the importance of mentorship for new-graduate veterinarians and gives advice for every step of the DVM journey.Follow us on Instagram @thehumansideofanimalcareMusic Credits:Glow by Scott Buckley | https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckleyMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Delaney Vail (she/her), is an experienced wildlife rehabilitator currently working towards her registered veterinary technician (RVT) license. We learn about Delaney's path to wildlife medicine—from apprentice to hospital manager. We discuss the importance of public education when encountering wildlife, and how individual patient care contributes to large-scale population dynamics. We also get to hear about the extensive planning behind the field disentanglement of an elephant seal!Follow us on Instagram @thehumansideofanimalcare :)Music Credits:Glow by Scott Buckley | https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckleyMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Sam Patera is a registered veterinary technician working in emergency medicine. We learn about Sam’s time working as a keeper aide at the Santa Barbara Zoo, how she took the leap to become an RVT, and how she manages imposter syndrome in the field. We discuss the tricky parts of her job such as wearing multiple hats in addition to her RVT role, and presenting large financial estimates. We also hear about some of the wonderful patients she's worked with so far!Check out our Instagram for photos accompanying Sam's story: ⁠⁠⁠@humansofanimalcare⁠⁠⁠Music Credits: Intro – Coral by LiQWYD; Outro – Embrace by Sappheiros

Gina is a volunteer at ASAP Cats shelter, serving as their Community Cats & TNR Program Director. We learn about why it is important to spay female cats, why unfixed male cats can be a nuisance, and the lengths the shelter will go to socialize and find homes for cats that come in. Gina describes her career as a fire investigator/inspector, and how her perspectives allow her to work well with outdoor cats. We also hear two stories about kittens that Gina rescued!Check out our Instagram for photos accompanying Gina's story: ⁠⁠@humansofanimalcare⁠⁠Music Credits: Intro – Coral by LiQWYD; Outro – Embrace by Sappheiros

Zoo school. What's it like? Max tells us about his experience in the Exotic Animal Training & Management Program at Moorpark College's Teaching Zoo. We learn about the day-to-day, and how the program led to Max's current work with marine mammals. We discuss the topics of animal training, finding your path in the animal care field, and dealing with euthanasia. We also find out Max's favorite animal he's worked with so far.Check out our Instagram for photos accompanying Max's story: ⁠@humansofanimalcare⁠Music Credits: Intro – Coral by LiQWYD; Outro – Embrace by Sappheiros

Bret is an RVT working in emergency medicine with goals to become a Veterinary Technician Specialist in Emergency and Critical Care. We learn about the range of animals Bret has worked with (including a black panther and a baby giraffe), and what it takes to do well in the veterinary field. Bret describes the variety of paths he's interested in exploring with his RVT license. We discuss the hardships of working with animals, such as lack of recognition, euthanasia, and low pay (compared to human nursing). We also hear about Bret's involvement in a ferret rescue!Check out our Instagram for photos accompanying Bret's story: @humansofanimalcareMusic Credits: Intro – Coral by LiQWYD; Outro – Embrace by Sappheiros

Welcome to Humans of Animal Care :) Here's a little info on what this project is all about. Our first episode will launch in January 2025! Stay tuned.Follow us on Instagram: @humansofanimalcareWebsite: https://humansofanimalcare.wixsite.com/humanside-animalcareMusic: Coral by LiQWYD