Veterinarians Putting Children First

The Veterinary Referral Center of Central Oregon (VRCCO) has launched Vet Cadets Childcare, a unique certified childcare facility within its Emergency and Specialty Hospital in Bend. The center caters to children aged 12 months to six years and is open to the public, not just VRCCO employees. This initiative supports working parents in an area known as Central Oregon's "child care desert."

VRCCO's values of exceeding expectations, teamwork, and compassion influenced Vet Cadet's creation. Notably, over 60% of veterinary professionals are women, and this facility aims to ease the childcare burden for working parents, especially in a 24-hour hospital environment.

Employees can volunteer at the childcare center, offering another family-friendly benefit. School-aged children of employees also participate as volunteers, earning community service hours. This initiative has fostered a sense of community and positively impacted staff morale, alleviating some of the industry's compassion fatigue and burnout.

Vet Cadet's teachers are regarded highly within VRCCO and receive full company benefits. The center is open for public enrollment and hosts community events such as a family-fun day at Ponch's Place on June 29. For inquiries, contact Kelly-Anne MacDowell or visit www.vetcadets.com.