What counts as 'veterinary' vs 'animal' experience for VMCAS?

'Veterinary Experience' must be directly supervised by a veterinarian. This includes clinical work, shadowing, or assisting in a vet setting. 'Animal Experience' involves working with animals without direct DVM supervision, such as at a shelter, farm, or stable. Our tool helps you categorize these correctly based on VMCAS guidelines.

How many experience hours do I really need for vet school?

Requirements vary. Some schools have minimums (e.g., UC Davis requires 180 veterinary hours), while others have strong recommendations (e.g., Penn Vet suggests ~600 hours). Competitive applicants often have 1,000+ total hours across multiple categories. The key is quality and diversity of experience, not just quantity.

Can I log hours for the same activity in multiple VMCAS categories?

No, VMCAS rules state that hours for a single activity cannot be double-counted across different categories. You must choose the single best-fit category for each experience.

Does owning a pet count as animal experience?

No, pet ownership is not considered formal animal experience for vet school applications. Experience should involve roles with responsibilities in a structured setting like a farm, shelter, or research lab.

Will veterinary schools verify the hours I log?

Yes, schools may verify your experiences. It is critical to be honest and accurate in your VMCAS application. Always keep contact information for your supervisors, as schools may reach out to them for confirmation.

Vet School Experience Hours Tracker | Pre-Vet Log Tool

Vet School Experience Hours Tracker | VMCAS Log Tool

🐾 Vet School Experience Hours Tracker

Track your time confidently with our Vet School Experience Hours Tracker. While you're building your profile, check your numbers in the Vet School GPA Calculator, get strategic tips in the Vet School Admission Guide, or plan expenses with the Vet School Cost Estimator.

Log a New Experience

Experience Type (VMCAS Category)

Organization Name

Supervisor Name & Title

Start Date

End Date

Total Hours for this Period

Description / Responsibilities (600 characters max)

Your Experience Dashboard

Your logged hours will be summarized here.

My Experience Log

Type	Organization	Hours	Action

Why Tracking Vet School Experience Hours Matters

Getting into veterinary school in the USA requires more than just good grades. Admissions committees want proof that you understand the profession. That’s why logging your veterinary experience hours is one of the most important steps on the road to becoming a veterinarian. If you are already checking out tools like the Vet School GPA Calculator, the Vet School Admission Guide, or the Vet School Cost Estimator, then this tracker will be your next essential resource.

How VMCAS Wants Your Experience Logged

VMCAS, the central application service for vet schools, has specific categories for experience. It's crucial to log your hours correctly:

Veterinary: Must be supervised by a veterinarian (DVM). This is the most critical category. Includes clinical work, shadowing, and assisting in procedures.
Animal: Hands-on work with animals without DVM supervision. Examples include working at a stable, animal shelter, zoo, or farm.
Research: Any research experience, whether animal-related or not. However, veterinary or biomedical research is most valued.
Volunteer: Community service not related to animals (e.g., hospital volunteering, soup kitchen). Shows well-roundedness.
Extracurricular: Participation in clubs, sports, or other organized activities. Leadership roles are a plus.
Employment: Paid work not related to animals (e.g., retail, food service). Shows responsibility and time management.

Recommended Benchmarks & What Schools Look For

While there's no magic number, schools provide guidelines and competitive applicants often exceed them. Quality and diversity are as important as quantity.

Typical Vet School Experience Hour Benchmarks

180+

UC Davis Minimum (Veterinary)

~150+

MSU Recommendation

600+

Penn Vet Recommendation

1,100+

Average Applicant (Animal Exp.)

Tips to Maximize Your Experience

Seek Diversity: Gain experience with small animals, large animals, exotics, and in research settings if possible.
Prioritize Veterinary Supervision: Hours under a DVM are weighed most heavily.
Document Everything: Log your hours weekly using this tool. Include detailed descriptions of your responsibilities.
Show Leadership: Take on leadership roles in clubs or volunteer organizations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What counts as 'veterinary' vs 'animal' experience?

'Veterinary Experience' must be directly supervised by a veterinarian. 'Animal Experience' is hands-on work with animals without DVM supervision.

How many hours do I need?

It varies, but aim for a minimum of 180-200 veterinary hours and a total of 500+ hours across all categories to be a competitive applicant. Many successful applicants have over 1,000 hours.

Can hours overlap categories?

No, VMCAS requires you to choose the single best-fit category for each experience. You cannot log the same hours under both 'Veterinary' and 'Animal'.

Is pet ownership experience counted?

No, taking care of your own pets does not count as formal animal experience.