Chase Perry interns as veterinary technician at the Potter League for Animals
Biology major Chase Perry is a member of the Environmental Club, the Surf Club and the Hydroponics Club. This engagement with science, the environment and nature led her to the Potter League for Animals, a local animal shelter on Aquidneck Island, where she is interning as a veterinary technician.
Life as a veterinary technician
A nonprofit dedicated to the well-being of animals throughout Rhode Island, the Potter League helps over 10,000 animals each year, making it the most comprehensive animal welfare organization in the state.
Working under the veterinarians and veterinary technicians at the Potter League, Perry finds that no day is the same. Some days consist of vaccine distributions or cleaning equipment, and other days she assists during surgical procedures like routine spay and neuters – or even amputations.
No matter what, Perry can benefit the lives of varying companion pets like dogs, cats, mice and more. “During surgery, I am making sure that their temperature and breathing are steady, because certain animals are quite difficult to work with while they’re under,” she said. “So even small tasks like this are important.”
Potter League also organizes community outreach such as pet food pantries, low-cost rabies clinics and a pet calendar contest. Perry finds this involvement fulfilling, and these events provide an opportunity to help people and animals alike.
Using science for compassion
Perry has seen how important veterinary work is to the quality of life for shelter animals, and she has been utilizing enrichment toys for dogs to improve their health. She creates toys called “puppy popsicles” and “busy mats,” which are proven to be mentally stimulating while providing stress relief for the dogs.
“When they’re not out playing, it’s a good way for them to use their brains,” she said. “It’s nice to do something that will make the dogs happier overall.”
In the future, Perry hopes to continue working in the veterinary field. “My favorite part is watching an animal get adopted, because you see how happy the animal is and how happy their adopter is,” she said. “Everyone is so excited. I like seeing how happy it makes everyone.”
Perry’s experience at the Potter League has allowed her to do what she loves by helping others. However, the internship opened her mind to other possibilities as well. “I want to work somewhere that has that kind of energy, where everybody is working together to make others happy,” she said.
Article written by student writer Catherine Dolan ’23
