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The American Animal Hospital Association has recognized that the skill sets developed during the veterinarian's first year in practice, as well as at other important career transitions, are crucial to their professional future. Mentoring is invaluable during these transitions.

Much of the literature about mentoring has focused on the academic or corporate environments. As such, there is often confusion about how to proceed with creating and nurturing a mentoring relationship in a veterinary setting.

These guidelines are designed to provide a resource for mentees and mentors alike, highlighting the impact that mentoring relationships bring to successful personal and professional development in the veterinary hospital.

Although this document often refers to the associate veterinarian, it is intended to serve as a framework for all veterinary professionals and practice team members, regardless of their stage of training and/or level of experience.