Clinic Stations

Foundational Stations

Rabies vaccination is not required for these stations.

• Check-In/Runner: Help organize incoming cats and traps, match identification numbers, and transport cats from check-in to the trap room.
• Cat Runner: Transport cats and their records between designated clinic stations as directed.
• Rabies Certificate/Recorder: Complete and organize rabies certificates and cat records, document vaccine information, and help track clinic totals and medication usage.
• Instruments: Clean, organize, package, and sterilize surgical instruments for reuse.
• Heat Lamp Table: Monitor cats during early recovery and provide appropriate warming support.
• Trap Room: Organize traps by identification number, prepare traps for incoming cats, and monitor cats as they recover from anesthesia.
• Microchips: Assist with microchip-related procedures and documentation.
• Anesthesia Assistant: Record patient identification and anesthesia information on the cat’s medical record.

Intermediate Stations

Rabies vaccination is required for these stations.

• Injections & Injections Assistant: Assist with administering prescribed medications, documenting treatments, and checking patient information as directed.
• Bladder Express/Eye Lube: Express the bladder and apply ocular lubricant to support cats during preparation for surgery.
• Meds/Fluids: Provide prescribed medications, parasite treatments, and subcutaneous fluids, and assist with warming and other post-operative care.
• Surgery Prep: Prepare cats for surgery by shaving and disinfecting the appropriate areas and verifying that identification matches the medical record.
• Recovery: Monitor cats as they wake from anesthesia, record vital signs, and return them safely to their traps when appropriate.

Advanced Stations

Rabies vaccination is required for these stations.

• Anesthesia Monitor 1 & 2: Monitor anesthetized patients, maintain patient safety, and assist with identification and supportive care.
• Anesthesia: Administer anesthetic medications as assigned, document drug information, and maintain accurate patient records.
• Ear Crop: Perform the designated ear-tipping procedure and provide associated pre-surgical care, including bladder expression and eye lubrication when assigned.
• Spay Surgery Assistant: Assist veterinarians during spay procedures and help with patient care and transport to the next station.
• Neuter Surgery Assistant: Assist veterinarians during neuter procedures and help with patient care and transport to the next station.

How Station Assignments Work

This internship is unique because it does not follow a set progression through stages. Interns attend their first clinic and are assigned to stations based on their previous experience and training. Throughout the internship, interns periodically complete station interest forms to share which stations they are most interested in learning and participating in. This flexible approach allows interns to explore different areas of the clinic while building their skills and gaining experience with more advanced stations.