Youth Education Veterinary Field Trip

Fifteen students in the Youth Education program at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services were able to participate a field trip to Abel Pet Clinic in Elk Grove through a grant from the Sacramento River Cats. 

Transportation was provided for youth to take a tour of the entire clinic and the chance to meet an experienced veterinarian. Owner and veterinarian, Dr. Kelly Byam, gave youth an inside look at what a routine visit is like for her patients, as well as a typical day for the staff. 

Dr. Byam showed students how patients are checked in and explained common reasons pets are brought to her clinic. She showed students what an x-ray looks like and the purpose of one, as well as how to navigate through the x-ray system. She showed children what the surgery room looked like and explained the different surgical tools as well as their functions. 

While on the tour youth got the opportunity to see a dog get its teeth cleaned while under anesthesia. Dr. Byam did a great job explaining the procedure taking place as youth watched in amazement. 

After touring the entire facility and learning the steps you must take to get in the field of working with animals, youth got the chance to ask Dr. Byam anything they wanted to know about animals and what her job entails. 

Not only was this field trip fun and exciting it was very informational not to mention one of our students interested in becoming a veterinarian was given the opportunity to receive free mentorship from a veterinarian. 

Submitted by Krystal Oliver, Youth Education Program Assistant at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services