Contact Us:prevetcamp2022@gmail.com | 650-965-5014

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Our Program

Skills to Carry You Through Life

Pre-Vet Camp Global Academy (PVCGA) is an intensive, dynamic five-day veterinary medicine hands-on academic retreat focused on exotic, small, and large animals. PVCGA provides a fun, collaborative, and experiential approach to learning outside the classroom.

Undergraduate, high school, and middle school students are welcomed. Students are grouped with peers in their age and grade bracket. The veterinary explorations curriculum is presented in various formats, including small- and large-group exercises, lectures, laboratory exercises, and discussions. Space is limited to 30 students per cohort each year.

Preview and prepare for the rigors and rewards of veterinary school life and various careers in veterinary medicine. Whether students have a minimal background with animals or have grown up on a ranch, PVCGA guides aspiring veterinary students through various facets of the veterinary industry. 

Exclusive Workshop University of California, Davis, CA ranked #1 in Veterinary Medicine
Students benefit from exposure to outstanding PVCGA Exclusive Workshops, such as the field trip to the University of California, Davis, CA, ranked #1 in Veterinary Medicine by U.S. News & World Report.

(Professional chartered buses are employed to transport students to and from off-site seminars.)

Curriculum Vitae (CV) Academic Resume and College Applications
Students can use their hours spent at PVCGA on their academic resume and college applications for veterinary schools. (Vet schools recommend approximately 1,200 hours of practical and clinical experience working with a veterinarian when applying.) PVCGA veterinarians and mentors will provide letters of recommendation in support of our alumni. 

Networking/ Building Your “Golden Rolodex”
Meet like-minded students while exploring the fascinating world of veterinary medicine. PVCGA provides valuable opportunities for students to network, form valuable connections, and work closely with experienced and licensed veterinary professionals. PVCGA offers a unique, innovative educational approach and an unmatched support network. 

Outdoor Hands-On Learning
PVCGA provides a rich outdoor environment for learning in context. Our students receive a world-class education taught by veterinarians and expert mentors. At PVCGA, participants work hands-on with small companion animals, large animals, equine, livestock, and exotic animals, building their clinical skills while fostering critical thinking and communication. Hands-on learning is a hallmark of Pre-Vet Camp Global Academy’s education, solidifying the learning experience to understand the differences between theory and execution. PVCGA students study individual subjects, which follow our “learn by doing” philosophy.

Retreat Activities
After the academic portion of the day, students enjoy relaxation and fun at the picturesque Vaquera Ranch. Some of the activities available include fishing, hiking, yoga, horseshoes, cornhole, card games, outdoor sports, nature photography, star gazing, fun around the campfire roasting marshmallows, movie night, and more! (Horse trail riding and archery are offered for an additional fee and booked directly with Vaquera Ranch.)

Curriculum
PVCGA provides students an overview of and introduction to biomedical and clinical knowledge while studying with DVM specializing in small and large animals as well as various other specialties. Students explore careers in private practice, conservation, academia, and beyond. The Pre-Vet Camp Global Academy veterinary explorations program serves as an introduction to the science and practice of veterinary medicine. Students will study veterinary science up close and personal through direct hands-on interactions and small group discussions. 

PVCGA provides students an overview of and introduction to:

  • Preventive Medicine
  • Heart, Eye, and Brain through Dissections (optional)
  • Suturing
  • Carbon Dioxide and Oxygen Experiments
  • Podiatry and Hoof Care 
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Oncology
  • Dermatology
  • Regenerative Medicine using Stem Cells. 
  • Alternative Medicine Modalities (Acupuncture; Chiropractic; Holistic Approaches)
  • Variety of Technological Concentrations within the Field of Veterinary Medicine
  • Ophthalmology, Research Related to Corneal and Retinal Diseases
  • Nutrition
  • Animal Management
  • Reproduction
  • Equine Biomechanics
  • Equine Exercise Physiology
  • Equine Digital Radiography  
  • Ambulatory Medicine
  • The Animal Body
  • Neuroanatomy
  • General Pathology
  • Cell Biology and Genetics
  • Function and Dysfunction
  • Host, Agent, and Defense
  • Parasitology
  • Animal Health and Disease Discovery
  • Clinical Rotations
  • Veterinary Practice
  • Clinical Medicine
  • Biomedical Research 
  • Insight into the Anatomy, Physiology, and Diversity of Career Options Available in Veterinary-Related Fields. 
  • Conservation Medicine from a Veterinary Perspective
  • Discover how veterinarians are helping combat the global biodiversity crisis 
  • Explore conservation medicine, biological principles, field study techniques, and wildlife management. 
  • Business Enterprise

Please note that mentors, workshops, and activities are subject to change.
Ongoing curricular evaluation and modification have produced a balanced teaching program. Students often return year after year as the program incorporates new mentors, content, and activities. 

Space is limited; apply now!

14553 Oak Meadow Road, Penn Valley, CA 95946
Vaquera Ranch is a 65-acre ranch located in Penn Valley in the Sierra Foothills of Northern California. Established in 2013, the ranch is the home of horses, miniature horses, donkeys, miniature donkeys, cattle, sheep, goats, chickens, dogs, and cats. An assortment of exotic animals call Vaquera Ranch home during the Pre-Vet Camp Global Academy retreat. With a beautiful lake full of bass and bluegill, the ranch is a haven for avid anglers, aquatic bird watchers, horse enthusiasts, and nature lovers. The ranch has a newly renovated guesthouse where guests enjoy a relaxing environment to decompress.
Located just 1 hour from the Sacramento International Airport and 2 1/2 hours from the San Francisco Bay Area, Vaquera Ranch is the perfect outdoor classroom for students aspiring to work with animals and relax in nature’s peaceful oasis.

Meet Your Expert Mentors

Shanna Gage Lai
Shanna Gage Lai
Shanna Gage Lai
Co-founder and Director of Pre-Vet Camp Global Academy
Taylor A. Lai
Taylor A. Lai
Taylor A. Lai
Co-Founder & Lead Counselor
Dr. Shiloh Landskov
Dr. Shiloh Landskov
Dr. Shiloh Landskov
DVM Mentor
Dr. Kyle Kline
Dr. Kyle Kline
Dr. Kyle Kline
DVM Mentor
Dr. Ashley Gray
Dr. Ashley Gray
Dr. Ashley Gray
DVM Mentor
Ann Ramsey
Ann Ramsey
Ann Ramsey
Expert Mentor
Jenna Scherer
Jenna Scherer
Jenna Scherer
Expert Mentor
Alexa Naegele
Alexa Naegele
Alexa Naegele
Counselor
Pamela Oshay
Pamela Oshay
Pamela Oshay
Expert Mentor & Owner, Vaquera Ranch
Isabelle Remick
Isabelle Remick
Isabelle Remick
Expert Mentor
Kongit Farrell
Kongit Farrell
Kongit Farrell
Expert Mentor
Hannah Rose Bates
Hannah Rose Bates
Hannah Rose Bates
Expert Mentor
Joella R. Charles
Joella R. Charles
Joella R. Charles
Head of Global Education Development
Thank you for your interest in the Pre-Vet Camp.
We will be offering an exciting remote online program this year.
Launch announcements and enrollment will be shared
on all social media platforms as well as our website.
Stay tuned!
Explore the fascinating world of veterinary medicine with students globally!