Rescue Ranch partnership with Eastern Equine Associates gives campers glimpse of Vet life!

Last Updated 7/13/2023

The week-long Animal Careers Critter Camp provides multiple hands-on learning opportunities for Middle Schoolers that have a desire to explore potential career paths working with animals.

Through a partnership with Eastern Equine Associates, which has endured since 2020, Middle School campers at Rescue Ranch learned from Equine Veterinarian Dr. Emily Gilmette. Based out of New Bern, NC, Dr. Emily has spent the entire week at Rescue Ranch administering vaccines, trimming hooves, and assisting in maintaining optimal health for our Animal Ambassadors.

Dr. Emily gave a classroom presentation about what it means to be a mobile vet, with animal case studies including real-world examples of wounds and treatments! Her presentation included palpation boxes to simulate internal examinations, where campers used their sense of touch for observation and identification. Campers took part in live equine physicals, then were guided through performing their own basic equine exams.

The partnership with Dr. Emily and Eastern Equine continues to thrive because each class of campers clearly witness where hard work and discipline driven by a passion for animals can lead them.