HOSA Veterinary Science ILC Guidelines (March 2026)

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on the guidelines for the HOSA Veterinary Science event.

Round Two Skills

The set of skills performed by the top competitors advancing from Round One.

Skill I: Identify Instruments/Equipment

Competitors must identify various instruments and equipment used in veterinary science.

Ambu Bag

A medical apparatus used to provide positive pressure ventilation to patients who are not breathing.

Endotracheal Tubes

Flexible tubes inserted into the trachea to maintain an open airway.

Laryngoscope

An instrument used to obtain a view of the vocal folds and the glottis.

Sharps Container

A puncture-resistant container for disposing of sharp medical instruments.

Fecal Flotation Kits

Equipment used to separate and identify parasites in fecal samples.

Skill II: Identification of Companion Animal Breeds/Species

Competitors identify various dog breeds from specified groups.

Sporting Group

A classification of dog breeds that are bred for hunting and retrieving.

Working Group

A category of dog breeds that perform tasks such as guarding and pulling sleds.

Toy Group

A group of small dog breeds primarily kept for companionship.

Herding Group

Breeds that are trained to herd livestock.

Skill III: Preparation of the Operative Site

The process of getting a surgical area ready for procedure.

Skill IV: Simple Fecal Flotation

A technique used to identify parasites in fecal matter.

Skill V: Lifting and Restraining a Dog

Proper methods to lift and keep a dog calm and secure.

Skill VI: Wrapping a Surgical Pack

Steps taken to properly prepare surgical instruments for sterilization.

Skill VII: Preparing a Feline to Obtain a Temperature

The procedure to safely get a temperature reading from a cat.