celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

Ask any group of kids what they want to be when they grow up and you’re going to hear things like “I want to help pets” and “I want to take care of animals.” Good thing, because with more people than ever getting pets, there’s going to be plenty of jobs for new veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and pet-loving professionals in every community.

But… how can we help young people turn their petcare career dreams into reality? And in particular, as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, how can we inspire Latinx youth to become a big part of the next generation of petcare?

It takes opportunity, education, and more. Which is why Banfield associates, including members of Banfield’s Unidos group share their expertise with young people through Banfield Pet Academy. Their video presentations and in-person conversations focus on animal biology, physiology, and behavior; about what it’s like to work at a hospital; and about how to turn the love for pets and science into a fulfilling job.

Banfield’s Associates make a difference

Members of Banfield’s Unidos – an Associate-led Latinx diversity resource group at Banfield that’s committed to influencing and strengthening our relationship with the Latinx community – love supporting Banfield Pet Academy and other programs to make a positive impact.

Recently, Dr. Jovanna Radillo, DVM, gave a virtual presentation to the Rockwood Boys & Girls Club, which is located in an area that has one of Oregon’s largest Latinx populations. And in Los Angeles, Dr. Bianca Acosta, DVM, gave a virtual presentation to 175 students at Griffin Elementary School, and Banfield provided a Spanish language version of our “A Kid’s Guide to Owning & Loving Pets” booklet for about a third of the students who participated.

Banfield Associates have also volunteered for several years with Adelante Mujeres, an Oregon-based group that provides holistic education and empowerment opportunities to low-income Latina women and their families to ensure full participation and active leadership in the community.

“We have been partners and sponsors of Adelante Mujeres for the past few years and it really has been a great experience!” said Jacque Glover, Senior Specialist, Talent Acquisition at Banfield. “The organization supports local Latina girls and women and provides resources for additional education and support through their Chicas program.”

For Banfield veterinarians Andrea Sanchez, DVM, and Taneeka Bautista, DVM, connecting with the program’s young participants has been a privilege. During a recent virtual presentation, the doctors told the students about jobs in veterinary medicine and answered lots of questions about animals, pets, and what it takes to be a vet.

“Knowing that we can help write the story of the new generation of veterinary medicine by giving more women, especially women of Latin descent, a chance to pursue their dreams in working with animals, is absolutely inspiring,” said Drs. Sanchez and Bautista.