Are you interested in a career in keeping animals healthy and have an interest in science? Learn the role a veterinarian provides as an animal doctor, gain knowledge about how veterinarians treat and care for animals, and their involvement in protecting public health. Learn about diseases, health problems and career opportunities while participating in many hands-on activities.
Show Your Skills
- Interview a veterinarian and report on the various parts of his/her job
- Create a display showing the differences in animal digestive systems
- Research domestic animal health issues and how they affect people
- Compare and contrast various health management plans for two different species
Service and Leadership
- Volunteer at a local veterinary clinic
- Volunteer at an animal rescue site
- Start a campaign encouraging pet owners to neuter and spay their pets
- Help members develop a health-care plan for their animal projects
- Assist with a local food safety quality assurance class for younger 4-H members
- Create a biosecurity informational sheet and kit for 4-H members to keep at their livestock areas
- Organize a pet first aid class through your local Red Cross chapter
- Teach youth how to be safe around different species of animals, both large and small, and wild and domestic
Entrepreneurship
- Job shadow a veterinarian or veterinary technician
- Create a resume to use for volunteering at veterinary clinics
Technology Connection
- Develop a video on proper hoof or nail care for an animal
- Develop a video or Power Point on ethics in the livestock industry
Connecting with a Mentor
- Contact your local veterinarian or veterinary technician
- Illinois 4-H Livestock Ambassadors Events
- 4-H Illini Academies
- Illinois Youth Livestock Conference
- National 4-H Agri-Science Summit
Project Manuals & Exhibit Requirements
- Level 1: From Airedales to Zebras
- Level 2: All Systems Go
- Level 3: On the Cutting Edge
View exhibit requirements and scoresheets on the Illinois State Fair page.
North Dakota 4-H Project Sheet
Wyoming 4-H Project Sheet
Michigan 4-H Project Sheet
Iowa State 4-H Veterinary Science Project Sheet
Illinois State Veterinary Medicine Association
Illinois 4-H website
University of Illinois Extension staff that contributed to this resource include Martha Ebbesmeyer and Mary Finney
4-H Spark Sheets are a collaborative effort of 4-H staff, volunteers, alumni and teens from across Illinois. A big thanks to the many contributors and reviewers!