'Vet for a Day': Students will learn about veterinary medicine from experts at 'Critter Fixers,' American Veterinary Medical Association, Hill's Pet Nutrition

(ANAHEIM, California) July 6, 2026-Dozens of grade-school and high-school students will get a first-hand look at the world of veterinary medicine during "Vet for a Day" at the American Veterinary Medical Association's Annual Convention on July 13.

In partnership with National Geographic's "Critter Fixers", Dr. Vernard Hodges and Dr. Terrence Ferguson, and Hill's Pet Nutrition, the AVMA event will offer approximately 40 students a close-up perspective on the practice of veterinary medicine. Volunteer veterinarians and veterinary technicians will teach students animal-handling techniques and offer demonstrations of suturing, ultrasounds and CPR on molds and other simulated equipment (no actual animals are involved in Vet for a Day).

This year's Convention will be at the Anaheim Convention Center (ACC), and the Vet for a Day event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Rooms 151-152 in the ACC North building.

"Every year, 'Vet for a Day' is one of the most fun and inspiring parts of our Annual Convention," said Dr. Michael Q. Bailey, AVMA President. "Opening young people's eyes to the exciting possibilities of careers in veterinary medicine and animal sciences is a privilege. We are so grateful to Doctors Ferguson and Hodges and Hill's Pet Nutrition for their involvement in this wonderful program."

"Our support for 'Vet for a Day' is incredibly meaningful because it gives students an authentic look inside the world of veterinary medicine," said Dr. Chelsie Estey, US Chief Veterinary Officer at Hill's Pet Nutrition. "By opening these doors and offering real-world experience, we're nurturing a lifelong passion for animal health and investing in the bright future of our profession."