Veterinary pursuit: B.C. student has what it takes to achieve dream profession

Fast-forward to today where Keane is a first-year veterinary student at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) and working toward his dream of caring for animals.

“I’m open to any possibility,” says Keane, who is grateful that he persevered and pursued a career in veterinary medicine.

Keane grew up in Enfield, North London, with his mom, older sister and a slew of cats and dogs. During the summers, he often stayed with an aunt who lived in the countryside where she operated a boarding kennel and was involved in breeding and showing dogs.

“I spent my summers with all kinds of different dogs and cats,” recalls Keane, who moved to Surrey, B.C. as an adult. “I probably spent more time with animals than other kids outside of school.”

When his initial aspirations for veterinary school didn’t work out, Keane took a job at a dog daycare so that he could continue to work with animals. He then satisfied his interest in science and medicine by completing an emergency medical response course — an accomplishment that was life changing for him.

“The main thing I got from the course was that I was good enough to complete the course and get licensed, and I really enjoyed the idea of doing a high-pressure medical job,” recalls Keane. “It made me think that maybe I could go to university, pursue a degree and try to meet the requirements for the vet program here [at the WCVM].”

As Keane pondered his options, he got a job working as a veterinary assistant at Scottsdale Veterinary Hospital in Surrey, and he soon realized that he was on the right career path.

“I gained an appreciation for how collaborative veterinary medicine is,” says Keane, who worked at the clinic for eight years and enjoyed the staff as well as the connections that he made with the clients.

“I think there might be an impression from the outside that veterinarians (and likely human doctors) are these superheroes that contain the answers to all the related problems that they are faced with. In reality the work is so team-oriented from front to back.”

While working at the hospital, Keane learned about Paws for Hope Animal Foundation from Dr. Shawn Llewellyn, the non-profit organization’s president. Paws for Hope is dedicated to improving animal welfare, keeping people and pets together, and ensuring the health of B.C. pets.

Keane offered to help with the organization’s free clinics around Vancouver, and he eventually became co-ordinator for the SpayAid BC program — in charge of helping people in need to access spay and neuter services.

“The highlights of Paws for Hope were the people that attended the clinic,” says Keane. “They were so grateful to get access to care for their companions and would strive to provide care for them with the little resources they had available.”

In addition to his volunteer and work obligations, Keane completed a Bachelor of Science degree at Simon Fraser University, and in August he began classes as a first-year student at the WCVM.

Keane is focused on making the most of his time at the WCVM by establishing a good foundation for his career and by developing bonds with the diverse people in his class “through tears of laughter and shared trauma.”

He’s grateful for all the help and support he received from his coworkers, including his partner Tahnee, a registered veterinary technician, who moved to Saskatoon with him along with their dog and two cats.  

While Keane anticipates a career working at a small animal practice, he’s open to all kinds of possibilities, including emergency medicine, public health, surgical specialization and pathology.

“I understand that I’m in a very privileged position,” says Keane, who hasn’t forgotten the challenges he’s overcome to reach veterinary school. “I got into WCVM on my last attempt (third interview), so to anybody who is reading this and thinking about giving up after being rejected: hang in there!”