Explore the different role-playing veterinary toys that are available. "Let's Play Veterinarian" by the Imaginative Child includes stuffed animals and vet tools such as a stethoscope, surgical tools and bandages, as well as an instruction DVD. In 2011, it costs about $40. At about $30, the "Animal Alley Pink Veterinarian Kit" by Toys R Us includes a small kennel in addition to such tools as scissors, tweezers and a reflex mallet. Help your children "heal" their stuffed animals and teach them how each tool should be used.
Arrange an educational trip to a local vet. Have him explain some tools and demonstrate how each works if appropriate. Let the children hold some of the tools and try the safer ones, such as a stethoscope, on each other or a friendly animal patient.
Ask your local zoo if it offers veterinary tours, where a group of children can watch the zoo vet work on certain animals. Or find a nearby farm that will allow you to bring your children while the farm animals are being examined by a vet. The tools a vet uses for zoo or farm animals are often much different in shape and size than those used by your typical small-animal vet.
Children enjoy playing video games. Help them learn about veterinary tools while playing games by sending them to websites such as Zoo Vet 2, Endangered Animals and Farm Vet. For older children who enjoy the Nintendo Wii, play Pet Pals (Animal Doctor). These games will give children a look at some tools vets use to keep animals healthy.