At The Drake Center, we believe in the value of growing up with animals and children taking an active role in their pets’ care. After all, children with pets make up a whole new generation of animal lovers, pet owners and veterinary providers!

We also want to make your trip to the vet as easy as possible, even when it is a family affair. That’s why, when you visit our practice, we’ll take care of all your kids—whether they have two legs or four.

The Drake Center is a family-friendly practice that encourages bringing children into the exam room and even behind the scenes. We provide toys and games for young children and our engaging staff is always happy to make your visit a learning experience. 

Kids' Day at The Drake Center

Held several times each year, Kids' Day at The Drake Center is a free program for students ages 8 to 12.

During the hour-long event, children and parents are invited behind the scenes for an exclusive, hands-on experience of veterinary medicine and the inner workings of a real animal hospital.

Participants will also have the opportunity to:

  • View various slides under a microscope
  • Examine X-rays of broken bones, foreign body obstructions and pregnant animals
  • Learn about the importance of preventative care, such as home dental care and flea control
  • Assist a veterinarian with a routine physical exam on a live dog or cat
  • Dress for surgery in a gown, cap and gloves
  • Perform a mock procedure on a stuffed patient
  • And more!

Each child will also go home with a small gift.

While this event is free, space is limited. For dates and reservations, please contact us.

Other programs

The Drake Center also provides a Vet for a Day program for select local school and charity events, in which one child is given the unique opportunity to shadow one of our doctors and learn firsthand what it is like to be a veterinarian.

Customized to fit the individual interests of the recipient, this exciting behind the scenes tour is approximately two hours long and may include the opportunity to follow the doctor into the exam room or even observe a surgical or dental procedure.

This exclusive program is limited to four events per year. Once these events have been filled, we will not accept any additional requests until the following year.

In addition, our hospital is happy to work with local high schools to provide internships for students interested in pursuing a career in veterinary medicine.

For more information about these programs, please contact us.

Resources

Additional resources for children can be found here.