FAIRMONT, W.Va. – As they prepare for careers in veterinary medicine, students in Pierpont Community & Technical College’s Veterinary Technology program are gaining hands-on experience through two community events that benefit local pets and their owners.
Hosted by the Student Veterinary Technology Association, the events include a Pet Parade during Clarksburg’s First Fridays celebration and the program’s fall-semester Pet Wash. Both events give students opportunities to apply skills learned in the classroom while interacting with pet owners and serving the community.
The Pet Parade will take place during First Fridays in partnership with the City of Clarksburg. Community members are invited to bring their pets dressed in red, white and blue attire and participate in a pet-and-owner look-alike contest. The association will also offer nail trims, and the Doddridge County Humane Society will be on site with adoptable animals.
The following day, the Student Veterinary Technology Association will host its Pet Wash from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Pierpont’s Veterinary Technology facility in Clarksburg. Held each spring and fall semester, the Pet Wash is one of the organization’s largest outreach and fundraising efforts, providing students with hands-on experience working directly with animals and clients in a setting that reflects many aspects of veterinary practice.
“When pets arrive, we check them in, weigh them and discuss the services they’ll receive before bringing them back for care,” said Stephanie Singleton, Vice President of the Student Veterinary Technology Association and a Veterinary Technology student. “It’s a great opportunity to build our skills, work as a team and serve the community at the same time.”
Students assist with each step of the process, from intake and handling to bathing, grooming-related services and client communication. Proceeds from the event support educational activities, professional development opportunities and student programming within the Veterinary Technology program.
“One of my favorite parts is helping people care for their animals,” Singleton said. “Some owners may not be able to bathe or groom their pets themselves, so it’s rewarding to provide that service while gaining experience for our future careers.”
Led by second-year students, the Student Veterinary Technology Association plans activities throughout the year that promote professional development, student engagement and community involvement.
“Our organization creates opportunities for students to learn outside the classroom while building connections with their classmates, local organizations and pet owners,” said Alyssa Muniz, President of the Student Veterinary Technology Association and a Veterinary Technology student. “Events like the Pet Parade and Pet Wash help us grow as future veterinary professionals while giving back to the communities we serve.”
Muniz said the events help students develop skills that extend beyond animal care.
“Building trust with clients, communicating clearly and working as a team are all important parts of the profession,” she said. “These experiences help prepare us for the responsibilities we’ll have after graduation.”
Community members are invited to participate in both events. The Pet Parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, as part of Clarksburg’s First Fridays celebration. Participation is free, and pet owners are encouraged to dress themselves and their pets in red, white and blue attire. The parade will begin at the Presbyterian Church, travel to the Harrison County Courthouse and return to the church for activities, water stations, the look-alike contest, adoption opportunities and a $10 nail trim booth. All animals must be on a leash, in a carrier or in a stroller.
The Pet Wash will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at Pierpont’s Veterinary Technology building, 211 S. Chestnut St., Clarksburg. No appointments are required, and services are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Pricing is $20 for small dogs and cats (up to 20 pounds), $25 for medium dogs (21-45 pounds), $30 for large dogs (46-85 pounds) and $35 for extra-large dogs (86 pounds and up). Nail trims and anal gland expressions are available for an additional $10 each. Cash only.
For more information about Pierpont’s Veterinary Technology, A.A.S., and Veterinary Assistant, C.A.S., programs, visit www.pierpont.edu.
Pierpont Community & Technical College provides accessible, responsive, and high‑quality education to students and businesses across North Central West Virginia. With a strong focus on career readiness and workforce development, Pierpont offers academic programs and industry‑aligned training that create clear pathways to employment. Through this work, the college helps students discover their path while supporting the region’s economic and workforce needs.
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