Does cat sitting count as animal handling experience?

Hi
I'm focusing on gaining some work experience right now as I am planning to apply for veterinary medicine 2024. However, I am not sure if Cat sitting counts as animal handling work experience. I am a freelance cat sitter and I work for a professional cat-sitting company.

Reply 1

louisvbird

Universities Forum Helper

Usually the answer would be a no, but seeing as you work for a company this may change things. Unfortunately I'm not really sure. You'll probably be best to email admissions of the universities you're interested in and asking if they'll accept it.

Reply 2

Euapp

Original post by Mara4788

I doubt it because although your placements are provided by a professional company you are in someone’s house and looking for a « few » cats at a time. On top of that you freelance which means you provide your own reference. Hours worked on your own family’s farm etc aren’t counted so I imagine that this falls into a similar category. I would try and get something like the RSPCA, dairy work , stables and a few weeks in a clinical environment. Lambing would have been good but it’s a bit late in the year for that now as all valid experience has to be completed before the October cut off date. You have the summer holidays so should be able to get a fair bit,although you will probably have to travel and couch surf etc.
Wishing you the best of luck.