Bustin’ Myths About Pet Ownership In Vet School

By Morgan M.

It’s a common saying in veterinary school that if you don’t start off vet school with a pet, you will graduate with one. Most of us chose this career with a love for animals in mind, so it seems fitting that many of us want to welcome pets into our own homes, if we haven’t already.

After completing my first year of veterinary school, I found myself trying to decide if I could balance owning a dog with my school commitments. After talking to many of my classmates about the pros and cons, I made the leap and adopted a dog. As his first “adoption birthday” approaches, I find myself looking back on the past year and all the benefit pet ownership has added to my life as a veterinary student. For those of you worried about bringing your pet to veterinary school or any current veterinary students considering adding one to your family, I have compiled my personal list of pet ownership in vet school myths.

  • MYTH: Owning a pet while in veterinary school will make me more stressed.

My Experience: Caring for a pet has helped decrease my stress and improved personal balance and time management. Owning a dog has forced me to set aside time every day after class to give him attention and exercise. While this obviously benefits him, it also has forced me to give myself a relaxing “brain break” after a long day of classes (a brain break I did not used to take on my own). 

  • MYTH: It is hard for college students to afford and access veterinary care.

My Experience: High-quality veterinary care is easily accessible to veterinary students. The Texas A&M Small and Large Animal Teaching Hospitals are a short, five-minute walk from our veterinary school and offer primary care services (vaccines, wellness exams, dental cleanings), board-certified specialty care (surgery, radiographs, emergency services), and emerging clinical research trials. In addition, Texas A&M students receive a generous student discount on veterinary services and can schedule their pets for drop-off appointments to fit veterinary care into our busy class schedules.

In addition, students receive discounts on food and other pet products. As Texas A&M students, we are lucky to be supported by a wide variety of veterinary producers. Students can apply for heavily discounted pet food, laboratory tests, supplements, and preventatives. Sponsors at student events, knowing our love for animals, often bring pet-themed giveaways such as leashes, toys, treats, and pet supply coupons.

  • MYTH: I won’t have any time for my pet with the busy class schedule.

My Experience: Scheduled breaks during the day allow students to go home in between classes. All veterinary students have a lunch hour from noon to 1 p.m. Students are welcome to leave campus and have lunch at home with their pets before returning for afternoon classes and labs.

In addition, “vet school pets” get to participate in our veterinary education. The veterinary program at Texas A&M has a strong focus on hands-on-learning, so every semester, there are opportunities for “bring-your-pet-to-lab” days. Friendly, well-behaved pets are invited to join their owners in class and help the students learn about physical exams, dental exams, rehabilitation techniques, and ultrasound, just to name a few!

  • MYTH: If class runs late or I need to leave town for an externship, I won’t have anyone to help take care of my pet.

My Experience: Veterinary school provides an easily accessible support network for pet owners. Before adopting my dog, I was worried about finding care for him if I had to leave town. However, I quickly learned that my class is full of other animal lovers like myself who are willing to help out with pet care if I need assistance. As my third-year classmates and I look forward to our fourth-year clinics, we have already started preparing a group schedule to make sure everyone’s pets will be looked after if their owners pursue educational opportunities outside of College Station.

Every vet student’s vet school experience is different. While for some, pet ownership may add another obligation to an already busy schedule, I personally have no regrets about adopting a dog during veterinary school. Texas A&M provides an accommodating schedule, easily accessible high-quality veterinary care, and a great community of other animal lovers who have helped me continue to succeed as a veterinary student with my dog by my side.

A young woman kneels beside a brown dog with a sign celebrating her countdown to graduation from vet school.
Morgan with her dog, Jovi.

The Best Running Trails in Bryan-College Station

When we were sitting in veterinary orientation, we were told many times that the healthy habits we form now — in the intense and busy environment of veterinary school — are the ones we will maintain in our intense and busy lives as veterinarians. Veterinary medicine is a challenging and demanding career, so it is important to find routines that allow us to keep our minds and bodies healthy.

I have always believed that exercise is a great form of stress relief; the physical exertion gives my brain a break from thinking and forces some of the pent-up energy out of my body. As I prepared for my first semester of veterinary school this past fall, I wanted to make sure that I made time in my schedule for physical activity, especially running. 

I was nervous about finding scenic, outdoor running loops close to school, but after a semester of thorough exploration, I have located multiple scenic, easily accessible trails, neighborhoods, and parks. For all my current and prospective veterinary school classmates looking to spend some time outside, I have compiled a list of five 3-4 mile loops within 20 minutes of the veterinary school that are easily adjustable for all activity levels. 

Lake Bryan – 16 minutes away 

Lake Bryan and surrounding trails are utilized for a wide variety of activities including walking, running, mountain biking, kayaking, fishing, boating, and camping. 

After pulling through the main gate, park in the gravel lot on the left side. Trail heads start on both sides of the road. The main walking / running trail is a gravel path that surrounds the entire perimeter of the lake. There are many small mountain bike trails off the main trail that are open to foot-traffic, but pedestrians need to carefully watch for cyclists. The full circle of the main trail is about 11 miles, but there are many options for shorter out-and-back routes.

Pros: waterfront views, well-maintained trails, lots of parking

Cons: $5 fee to enter property, only accessible during specific hours (usually 9am-8pm), farther from school

Lake Bryan map

Lake bryan view

Traditions – 5 minutes away

The golf course, club house, and Stella Hotel are centrally located and surrounded by many neighborhoods. 

There are two main options for parking. If you are coming from F&B Road, park at the public lots outside the Stella hotel (A below). You can route up the roads around the Traditions sky tower and lake walk, past the club house, and through some of the surrounding neighborhoods. If you are coming from Villa Maria Road, park at the small lot on the right just beyond the Traditions sign and entrance. 

Pros: lots of different potential loops, lots to see – fancy houses, ponds, bridges, well-maintained sidewalks

Cons: popular – lots of other walkers & runners
Traditions map view

Traditions map 2 view

running trail traditions

Wolf Pen Creek Park – 10 minutes away

Wolf Pen Creek is a 63 acre park and trail system in downtown College Station. The trail system is split into two sections, but the majority of the park, including the pond and amphitheater, is in the north half. 

There are three established parking areas, one at each end of the trail system and one in the middle off Colgate drive. Wide paved sidewalks follow the creek and ponds throughout the park.

Pros: well-maintained sidewalks, very scenic pond, great green space in an otherwise developed area

Cons: very close to major roads and strip malls, very busy if there are events at the park

Wolf Pen Creek Park running trail

Lick Creek State Park – 20 minutes away 

Lick Creek State Park is a 500-acre state park that boasts about 5 miles of horseback riding, biking, and walking trails, a nature center, and an outdoor amphitheater. 

I recommend parking at the main lot next to the nature center. Most of the trailheads begin behind the nature center and there is a large map for route planning. The wide gravel trails loop through meadows, forest sections, and over small creeks.

Pros: really feels like you are out in nature

Cons: definitely farther from vet school, very busy on the weekends when the weather is nice

Lick Creek State Park running trail

Research Park at Texas A&M

Research Park is a 40-acre park located in between the George Bush Presidential Library and the veterinary school. The park includes several interconnected ponds, plenty of green space, over a mile and a half of walking/running paths, and an 18-hole disc golf course. 

Research Park is within walking distance of the veterinary school, so it is an excellent option for workouts during study breaks or before or after school. It is also home to our Vet School Purina Run / Walk Club that gets together after school every Tuesday!

Pros: scenic ponds and bridges, super close to school!

Cons: few route options, have to cross University Road to get to Research Park from school

running trail Research Park