Veterinary school for kids offered by Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society

A new veterinary program that offers classes tochildren and youth in Waterloo Region is a first for the country according to the Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society.

The Vets in Training program gives young people with an interest in veterinary medicine the chance to learn from a trained veterinarian in an active animal hospital.

There is nothing like that in any other humane society. At least, not that I've seen- Kathleen McCaughey, Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society

"There is nothing like that in any other humane society. At least, not that I've seen," said Kathleen McCaughey, recreation program coordinator with the Humane Society.

Young peoplebetween the ages of 10 and 14will receive their stethoscopes and scrubs on Thursday. Over the next six weeks, they will be working with real and simulated animals, learning everything from animal anatomy to surgical operating techniques.

"This is exposure they would never get until they're actually in vet school," McCaughey said.

"We are hoping, obviously, that this is going to be really fun for them and they're going to get a lot of learning, but we're also hoping that this is going to be a gateway to animal careers in the future."

Demand for the Vets in Training program has been so high that McCaughey said the humane society is already planning a second session, which will begin in early November.

Two more sessions will be offered in the new year: one for children aged 8-10 and another for those over14 who may already be choosing their school courses with a career in mind.