If you'd told 18-year-old me that one day I'd be juggling veterinary nursing, pet grooming, education, and governance work — while coordinating national programmes and lecturing on everything from vet nursing consults to coat types — I’d probably have raised an eyebrow... and then asked to see your source.

Because honestly, none of this was the original plan. But as is often the case with this industry, the plan didn’t matter as much as the pull.

I started in animal care because I was that kid — the one who could never walk past a dog without saying hi, who watched emergency vet shows like they were dramas, trawled through any animal related book I could get my hands on, and who begged to help every time an animal needed care. When I learned what a veterinary nurse really did, I was hooked. It was practical, science-based, meaningful work that made a difference every day. I signed up for study without hesitation.

I entered clinical practice early on, starting while I was still completing the Certificate in Veterinary Nursing. From there, I continued studying, progressing through the Diploma in Veterinary Nursing, the NZ Certificate in Rural Animal Technology, and eventually the Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing. Each qualification built on the last, but it was the hands-on experience in practice that shaped me the most - sharpening my clinical skills, deepening my understanding of animal care, and giving me a real appreciation for the fast pace and variety that comes with life in a veterinary clinic.

Over time, I specialised in internal medicine, an area that challenged and fascinated me in equal measure. The patients were complex, the thinking was critical, and the learning never stopped. I eventually gained the Veterinary Technician Speciality in Small Animal Internal Medicine (VTS – SAIM), which became a turning point in my career.

But while I loved clinical work, I kept coming back to education. Helping others learn the why behind what we do felt just as important as doing it myself. I transitioned into teaching and curriculum development, and that became its own adventure.

I now work as a senior lecturer at Otago Polytechnic in the School of Animal Health, where I teach across rural animal, veterinary nursing and grooming programmes. I also serve on the executive board of the New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association. I’ve been involved in everything from developing grooming education frameworks and advocating for improved veterinary nurse utilisation, to speaking at conferences on mental health in our industry.

The pet grooming side of my journey came later — almost accidentally. I trained as a groomer through The Grooming School back in the early days of my veterinary nursing career and ended up grooming cats, dogs, and rabbits in a clinical setting. It was meant to be “just a skill I’d add,” but like most things, it grew legs. Now I teach grooming students and am actively working to raise the standard of education and industry connection in that space.

Ongoing learning has played a big role in shaping my path. Along the way, I’ve completed a Graduate Diploma in Tertiary Education and a Graduate Certificate in Business, as well as a Diploma in Feline Nursing through ISFM — each adding new layers to how I teach, lead, and care for animals. I don’t think learning ever really stops — not in this field, and not if you want to do it well.

I’ve been lucky to have mentors who saw something in me before I did — the lecturer who told me I’d make a great educator, the specialist who opened the door to internal medicine, and the peers who constantly inspire me to lift the bar. I’ve also had setbacks, burnout, and the occasional "what on earth am I doing?" moment. But what’s kept me going is knowing the work matters — and that every role I’ve had has made a difference somewhere, to someone (two or four-legged). Honestly, community is the secret sauce. None of us get far alone.

What’s next? I’m still figuring that out. A few exciting things are in motion. I want to keep shaping education that truly works for learners — not just in theory, but in the clinics, salons, and real-world environments they’ll step into. I’m also continuing to present at conferences and industry events, which has become a powerful way to share ideas, challenge norms, and connect with others who care deeply about raising standards. And of course, I plan to keep learning — because growth doesn’t stop, and I’m far from done yet.

It’s not always easy to talk about yourself (especially when you're more comfortable talking about renal function or Poodle coats), but if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that our stories matter. They remind us how far we’ve come — and why we keep going.

Written by: Wendy Jarnet
Senior Lecturer | Otago Polytechnic