Veterinarians Putting Children First

Vet Cadets Childcare is a first of its kind, a certified childcare center located inside of the Veterinary Referral Center of Central Oregon’s Emergency and Specialty Hospital. A center to support both staff and parents in the Bend community with comprehensive, educational programming for children 12 months to 6 years of age, aiming to enrich each child’s social, intellectual, and physical development. The great news for Bend families is that parents do not need to be employed by VRCCO to enroll their children.

Adhering to the VRCCO company values of beyond expectations, one team and compassion, Vet Cadet’s inception was meant to support employee parents dealing with a lack of care facilities in Bend, Oregon in a region that is often referred to as Central Oregon’s “child care desert”. Taking into consideration that more than 60% of veterinary professionals are women (and this figure is on the rise), VRCCO believed that appropriate child care would be an appreciated addition to their new hospital site. VRCCO also acknowledges that working within a 24 hour veterinary hospital may pose challenges for any parent with young children. They hoped this center would mitigate some of this stress, eliminate extra commutes and also enable parents to enjoy their kids throughout the day. Vet Cadets was also designed to have limited holiday or weather closures so that the working parents who bring their children to the center can still reliably make it to work.

What VRCCO didn’t account for are all of the added benefits that Vet Cadets brings to the company as a whole. As many are aware, the veterinary industry is notorious for compassion fatigue and burn out. While most people are driven to this field because of their love and compassion for animals, it can be difficult to face the stress of caring for sick or injured pets each day. What came as a bit of surprise to the VRCCO staff was how uplifting the presence of children can be. Hearing their laughter in the corridor or seeing them play happily in the center or outside can be a welcome distraction on a difficult day, and positively impacts the overall morale of the team.

As veterinary staff and Vet Cadets volunteer, Doreen Stephensen states- “Prior to becoming a VRCCO employee, I was fortunate enough to have a long fulfilling career in Early Childhood Education. I love the time I get to spend with the children helping out the teachers when needed.  It completely recharges my batteries and fills me with joy so that I can go back to my team and be my best self.”

This program helps to bring a true sense of connection and excitement to the hospital. As stated above, Vet Cadets has started a secure employee volunteer program for those who would like to take a more active role within the childcare, which has become another unexpected family forward benefit. Some of the older children of employees have been able to participate as volunteers and gain community service hours in the process. These volunteers have quickly become class favorites and these relationships have instilled a beautiful sense of community within the hospital.

“ I feel we are extremely fortunate to have Vet Cadets here in our community. The staff is so incredibly caring and connected, and the young kids are just flourishing! My husband and I are veterinarians and our school-age child volunteers weekly reading, playing, doing crafts with the younger children and the experience has been transformative. I look forward to seeing the continued bonds that grow through these connections.”- Dr. Bridget O’Connor, Urgent Care Director

One of Vet Cadet’s school-aged volunteers states: “I have really enjoyed volunteering at Vet Cadets.  The teachers and staff are so nice. They keep the environment so comfortable for both the volunteers and the kids.  I have a lot of fun playing with the kids and making them laugh.  It makes me happy that I can bring a smile to their faces!” – Gabe

Although it may seem like an odd combination to some, this veterinary emergency and specialty hospital has welcomed this program with open arms. The center’s teachers have become valued VRCCO team members, their positions supported by the hospital even qualifying them for full company benefits. VRCCO refers to their employees as heroes, which is an appropriate sentiment to the work and value these teachers have given to this program, to the parents that utilize their service and fortunately to the company as a whole. The Veterinary Referral Center realizes that this type of resource is not possible for many veterinary companies but for those considering, they would like everyone to know of the added value this type of program can bring. 

Vet Cadets is currently able to fill 21 spots within their program, spots that aren’t filled by employees are welcome to the public through full or part time care or our daily drop in program.

Vet Cadets is also hosting a family-fun community event at Ponch’s Place on Saturday, June 29 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 62889 NE Oxford Ct. in Bend, OR. Crafts will be set up for children 12 months and older. The childcare teachers are excited to meet more families in the Bend community and answer your questions about their programming. For Vet Cadet’s childcare inquiries, please contact their childcare director, Kelly-Anne MacDowell: kmacdowell@vrcvet.com  |  541-216-4730  |   www.vetcadets.com