working with animals w/ adhd???

[aestheticsharks]

so i’m 19 and I was just diagnosed w/ moderate-severe adhd. I work at a small, private animal shelter and i’m also taking online classes to be a veterinary assistant. I have the typical adhd problem— forgetfulness, careless mistakes, lack of focus- sooo work and school are not going well. also since i work with animals, i can’t really afford to make mistakes with them and the last thing i want to do is to forget to feed someone or forget to give them medicine. i wanted to eventually become a veterinarian but now i’m not sure. i really want to help animals but i’m worried that with adhd, i might end up doing more harm than good. so my question is, do you or do you know of anyone with adhd that is successfully working with animals?? or should i consider a different career path?

[Mille_5]

I am not a veterinarian but I have fostered cats. I also have cats/dogs. The way I have made it work is lists. I write everything down. I make checklists. You could see if your work would be able to make laminated check lists for each cage. That way you can check off as you go. This could also help other employees to know what has been done. You could set it up with food, water and a blank space for meds or other special care. That way it could be reused and changed easily.

I read recently in an ADHD book about the best jobs for ADHD and it said this: “People with ADHD can do anything they want as long as they put their mind to it”. If it is something you are passionate about then I say go for it. It’s all about hard work and making systems that work for you. We people with ADHD have to work 10x harder than anyone else but we can accomplish just as much if not more. If you need someone to talk to I am happy to be a resource. I may not be a vet but I have done meds and taken care of pets

[ofthedeepbluesea]

I don’t work with animals, unfortunately (I’d love to—love me some little snuggle-bugs made of feathers or fur), but I do work in a high-risk field with detail-oriented work; administering federal student aid at a university with over 30,000 students (and serving as an unofficial regulatory subject matter expert). It’s definitely doable... just don’t be afraid to try. We all start at the same point in whatever field we pursue—as novices. Be open when you don’t understand, solicit feedback on ways you might improve, and seek out mentor ship—an ally to watch your back and guide you. Remember: a job is a two way street. You’re invested in not losing your job, which everyone knows, but so is your employer... they hired you; they want it to work. It’s also a lot less expensive to retain an employee than train one ;-p Give it a go, even if it’s just getting started in a program, and if you find out it’s not the right things for you that’s totally ok, too! Call it the cost of learning a life-lesson on who you are vs who you thought you were.

[MrsKlco]

Have you seen "The Incredible Dr. Pol?" He is a vet in Michigan (it is a show...look it up) **OK just to be honest--I don't know that he has a diagnosis, but if you watch the show he has many signs. Works fast as hell, he loves to work, and he "never gives up", and drinks coffee all day!

I also had these same fears! I am so proud of you. I was in my 30's when my passion came to light. If animals are your passion you can't go wrong. Humans...that is another story...LOL

I am a therapist at an addiction rehab. After the first months, I asked to get pictures of my (and everyone elses) clients because I could not remember who they were. When I go and teach a class, clients would have wonderful comments and insight but I couldn't remember who said what. I was angry, defeated, and totally felt that I had made the wrong move. I HAVE MY MSW!! This is no time to duck out!! BUUUTT...now when we have our weekly staff meetings with our director and other therapists, they will ask to see my picture folder and that helps everyone to know who we are talking about. In the end my ADHD has helped everyone!! WHAAAATTT!! I now say, "Where would you all be with out mmyyy A D H D!!"

Be true and confident in asking for what you need (accommodations). Don't question your passion (your heart is guiding you). Hope that wasn't to mushy. You think a certain way, don't question that ether, do what works for you. I can guarantee your coworkers and the public will love too.

Good luck and keep seeking support and encouragement, 19 is a very difficult age but you are well on your way to become an awesome vet!!

*Sorry for the run on sentence's---not an English or writing major!

[Hidden]

I have severe ADHD. I purchased my dog and she is nosy and has got away three times by total mistake. She had a 2,200 surgery I thought she had eaten something, but it turns out she didn't. She ate a 30 mg Adderall I dropped and forgot to pick up. The good thing is those things are over I adapted and learned no careless mistakes can happen. She also grew up and lost a lot of her bad habits.

It will be ruff at first, but the more you do it the more you will learn and be more attentive. If it's something your passionate about you should be focused it's what we aren't interested in we can't pay attention to sometimes no matter what. If your not on a good med then you should be and a few supplements. You can do it I know the feeling of being overwhelmed, but if your passionate you will get used to everything so try your hardest and see where you are in four months. You will be okay.