Three students from the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine attended the National Dog Show at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center & Fairgrounds on November 15 and 16, to gain practical experience and represent their school.

The visit gave the students an uncommon frontline view of high-volume, breed-specific practice and a chance to introduce the new veterinary program to the public. Surrounded by nearly 2,000 purebred dogs representing more than 200 breeds, the group worked alongside Dr. Kaitlyn Krebs, associate clinical professor of primary care at Shreiber School, who served as the event veterinarian.

At the center floor, organized by size and breed, students watched examinations and the logistics of keeping hundreds of animals healthy and ready to compete. The sheer scale of the show — listed in event materials as 2,000 dogs and 200 animal categories — offered immediate exposure to breeds ranging from Chihuahua to Tibetan Mastiff and procedures tailored to breed standards. Veterinary students at dog shows typically serve as volunteers assisting with veterinary care, health clinics, and operational tasks, gaining invaluable hands-on experience through mentorships with breeders, judges, and exhibitors.

Dr. Krebs guided the students through rounds and the workflow of an on-site veterinary team. “The dog show world is a whole different world. I learn new things every time I’m there,” she said, describing a setting where quick assessments and familiarity with breed traits shape decisions. Students attending events like the National Dog Show can gain crucial skills in animal handling, health assessments, and breed-specific care by volunteering to hold dogs, manage patient flow, and perform examinations.

Students Alena Brown, Kristianne Casale and Seraphim Lyons staffed a Shreiber School table during the event, answering questions from attendees and connecting with local clinics and hospitals about internships and partnerships. “It was basically just a one-woman show — just Dr. Krebs and her stethoscope and a box of supplies,” Casale said of the hands-on instruction the students observed. This experience offers a unique chance for students to learn about the operational tasks needed to maintain a healthy environment for the dogs competing in the show.

For Lyons, the trip was as much about outreach as it was about training. “I never watched it, so I didn’t know when it premiered or anything. It seemed like such a cool opportunity and so close by. I couldn’t pass it up,” Lyons said, noting that representing the school felt like an important way to show what the new program offers the community.

Brown described a growing awareness of the program’s reach. “It really started sinking in that this is actually a very big deal,” she said after spending time at the expo engaging with exhibitors and residents who welcomed a veterinary school and hospital closer to home. Additionally, as pet owners prepare their dogs for participation in dog shows, they ensure that their pets meet specific requirements — such as age, health status, and adherence to breed standards — which the Shreiber students observed throughout the event. How can pet owners prepare their dogs for participation in dog shows is something the students learned about throughout the event.

The National Dog Show, organized by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia and filmed at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center & Fairgrounds, is scheduled to air on NBC on November 27, 2023. The event’s bench-show format keeps competitors on-site throughout the competition and requires veterinarian oversight for routine checks and any health concerns that arise. Observing these health checks provided students with insight into the rigorous standards expected at such high-profile events.

Rowan Today covered the students’ participation and the learning opportunities provided by the event, noting the practical benefits of observing breed-specific handling and on-site case management for veterinary trainees. The Shreiber School’s presence at the expo also served as a visible introduction of the program to area dog owners and veterinary professionals.

Students returned from the weekend with direct observations of triage, client communication, and the pace of care at a major show, experiences faculty describe as complementary to classroom learning. As Dr. Krebs put it with a smile about the television broadcast: “You’ll just have to watch on Thanksgiving.”

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Original reporting: view the original article.