Kristen Kemper, Oklahoma, United States
Age: 22
School: Oklahoma State University Center for Veterinary Health Science
Place of Employment: US Army Reserves-Veterinary Corps
Q: Tell us about yourself and your experience with animals?
A: I am just finishing up my second year of veterinary school at Oklahoma State. I have a passion for small and exotic animal medicine and surgery! I’ve worked at a small and exotic veterinary clinic since I was old enough to have a job and have equine experience with hunter-jumper horseback riding since I was 11 or so.
Q: What is a fun fact about yourself?
A: My fiancé and I have a small zoo of animals at home! Our family includes two dogs (a rescued German Shepherd and a rescued Doberman mix), two cats (both rescued from our local animal shelter), an adopted chinchilla, Leopard Gecko, yellow flat rock scorpion, vinegaroon (they look really scary, but are harmless!), four tarantulas and a colony of Dubia cockroaches. I love animals of all shapes and sizes!
Q: What do you love about World Vets?
A: I love that World Vets has created such a win-win atmosphere for animals, along with their families and communities, and the veterinary volunteers who are devoted to helping them. The skills and experiences I took away from my International Veterinary Medicine (IVM) trip will be unparalleled for the rest of my veterinary career. I will remember each and every one of the animals that we helped on our campaign for the rest of my life.
Q: What motivates you to volunteer with World Vets?
A: Volunteering my veterinary knowledge to help animals worldwide has given me a glimpse of how broad our impact can truly be as veterinarians. The travel bug in me has been ignited and I plan to take many more trips with World Vets in the future to continue to support the World Vets mission.
Q: What was your favorite World Vets moment?
A: Helping to neuter a rabbit at the IVM spay/neuter clinic day in Nicaragua! We also saw a monkey that day at the clinic, so it was pretty cool that a few exotic animals were incorporated into my experience by chance, but really, my entire trip was my favorite moment!
World Vets simply could not operate without our amazing volunteers and cannot thank them enough. Click here to join the World Vets volunteer team!