Future Veterinarians Go Back to School

City by the Sea Vet Hosts “Back to School Night” for Future Veterinarians

This past week, City by the Sea Vet opened its doors to the next generation of animal lovers during our “Back to School Night” event. Designed especially for kids in grades K–4, the program guided children through five interactive stations where they learned how veterinarians keep pets healthy.

Each child had the chance to practice a physical exam on cats and dogs, explore real x-rays, discover how parasites affect pets, and learn which everyday foods can be dangerous to dogs. At the end of the evening, every participant went home with an honorary CBTS Veterinary degree and their very own stethoscope — so they could continue practicing as “future vets” at home. In total, 34 graduates (plus their parents!) proudly completed the program.

Why We Do This

Events like these are at the heart of our mission here on the Jersey Shore. Since opening our new clinic in April, we’ve made it a priority to offer free community education events every month.

So far, we’ve hosted:

• A summer safety lecture on heatstroke and other warm-weather pet emergencies.
• A hands-on pet first aid seminar that taught owners how to help their pets before reaching the vet.
• A discussion with the Ocean County 4-H Club about careers in veterinary medicine.
• A collaborative event for local veterinary teams focused on workplace culture and burnout prevention.

The “Back to School Night” may have been our most popular program yet—but each event reflects our belief that educating the community makes pets healthier and strengthens the bond between families and their animals.

A Look Behind the Scenes

Many people imagine veterinary medicine as a career filled only with puppies, kittens, and cuddles. The truth is, being a veterinary professional is deeply rewarding—but also challenging. Behind the exam rooms are long student loans, pets who can’t tell us what hurts, the emotional weight of client interactions, and the rising costs of medical supplies.

Our team thrives because we share core values—Safety, Respect, Education, Efficiency, and Trust. These principles guide how we care for pets, support one another, and engage with our community. Hosting events like “Back to School Night” not only helps families learn, it also sustains our team by reminding us why we chose this profession: to help pets and to educate their people.

What’s Next

Looking ahead, we’re excited to host a special lecture on pet care in Spanish. This program will address common cultural myths and misconceptions in the Latino community, with the goal of creating healthier and happier lives for pets and families alike.

If you’re interested in attending, please reach out to Karen@citybytheseavet.com and visit our website at www.citybytheseavet.com for more details.

At City by the Sea Vet, we believe that by sharing knowledge, building trust, and working together, we can make our corner of the Jersey Shore a better place for pets and the people who love them.

– Dr. Tom