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St. Augustine Humane Society trains, hires high school students as veterinary technicians

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — The St. Augustine Humane Society has partnered with WorkStarter to offer veterinary technician training to local high school students.

“We have a newly graduated high school student who wants to further their career in veterinary medicine,” Dr. Lauren Rocky said. “They come and work for us for a year and learn everything from the ground up how to be a veterinary technician.”

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It is a one-year training program high school graduates can apply for after graduation. It offers hands-on training with veterinarians at the St. Augustine Humane Society, like Dr. Lauren Rocky. This is tthe first year of the program and Megan Burnett is their first student.

“I can pull blood for heartworm tests. I can track animals for anesthesia, I can read skin and ear cytologies that’s maybe in the ears or the skin, I can read fecal tests,” Burnett said.

To be considered for this internship, the applicant does not need prior experience. However, the Humane Society said they are searching for a candidate that shows compassion for animals, good communication skills, attention to details, responsible work ethic and someone who is a team player.

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With the warmer weather, Dr. Rocky said they are experiencing an influx in animals, especially kittens. They are asking community members to spay or neuter their pets to reduce the growing population.

The St. Augustine Humane Society is a low-cost treatment center, which offers a wellness clinic each week.

This summer, they are offering the event "Adventures in Pet Care,” which features educational material, treats from vendors -- and a visit from the local K-9 officers.