Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center teams up with Hillsborough Community College for interactive student training
Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center (PRC) and Hillsborough Community College (HCC) have launched a new partnership to provide hands-on learning opportunities for students in HCC's veterinary technology program while supporting the vital work of PRC's care team.
For the first time, a class of 15 students with their instructor visited PRC on March 26 to assist with everything from preparing surgical instruments to administering vaccines, microchipping, and even helping with routine spay and neuter procedures. HCC's veterinary technology program enrolls over 40 students each semester, most of whom will have the opportunity to work with PRC animals at some point during their studies, gaining real-world training in a high-volume shelter environment.
With students set to graduate soon, this experience helps build confidence and skills that will serve them well in their future careers. Shelter medicine differs from traditional veterinary practice, and PRC provides an ideal training ground - caring for around 15,000 cats and dogs each year and performing several hundred spay/neuter surgeries weekly. This partnership gives students a first-hand look at the demands of shelter medicine while reinforcing the importance of high-quality veterinary care.
Both PRC and HCC plan to continue this partnership through the end of the semester and into future ones. The collaboration not only prepares students for careers in veterinary medicine but also ensures PRC pets receive top-notch care while they wait for their forever homes.
To learn more about the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center, visit HCFL.gov/Pets.