The Vet Nurse Starter Pack: Gear, Scrubs, and More

Starting a career in veterinary nursing is exciting, demanding, and humbling very quickly. One moment you're prepping a treatment room, the next you’re crouched on the floor, comforting a nervous animal. Your vet scrub and supporting gear need to keep up with that reality and support you through it all.

This guide breaks down the essentials of a vet nurse starter pack, focusing on everything that'll help you perform at your best and get through the day comfortably.

Building a Vet Nurse Starter Pack That Works on the Job

Here are the pieces men and women rely on daily, how they function together, and what details matter most once the shift starts.

Veterinary scrubs that support the job (not just the look)

Between fur, fluids, constant movement, and unpredictable animals, vet nurse scrubs need to work harder than standard medical scrubs.

Quality veterinary scrubs should offer:

• Hair resistance and anti-static (your lint roller deserves a break).
• Fluid resistance (spills happen).
• Stretch and breathability (you’re never standing still).
• Pockets that keep items in (deep, angled pockets save your tools).

Dr. Woof’s vet scrubs are designed around these needs. Developed and tested by veterinary professionals, the VetCore™ fabric is built to perform in real clinic environments rather than generic medical settings.

Dr. Woof’s VetCore™ Women’s Vet Med Scrub Top includes deep angled side pockets, a roomy chest pocket with an ID loop, and subtle tailoring with a work-friendly mid-depth V-neck.

And if your clinic involves lots of floor time (spoiler: it does), knee protection is a feature you'll appreciate. Dr. Woof’s Vet Med Cargo Scrub Pants include GENU™ knee protection pads that are low-profile, lightweight, removable, and shock-absorbing, sliding neatly into internal pouches without adding bulk.

Vet nurse scrubs options range from classic solid colors like Navy, Pink, and Shadow Grey to themed dog scrubs and cat scrubs.

For clinics that allow it, printed scrub tops (like the best-seller Loafing Corgis) can help create a friendlier atmosphere for anxious pets and owners, while solid-color bottoms keep the overall work attire balanced and professional.

Layering pieces for temperature changes and added coverage

Once your core scrub set is sorted, comfort across different clinic environments becomes the next consideration.

Vet clinics can be cold, particularly in surgery, imaging, and recovery rooms. A fitted underscrub gives warmth without bulky layering that interferes with movement. Dr. Woof calls the underscrubs part of the “supporting layers” that help a vet outfit feel complete.

Underscrubs also reduce friction during movement and are easy to rotate between different scrub sets. Neutral colors tend to be the most versatile, pairing easily with both prints and solid uniforms.

Light scrub jackets or zip-ups can also be useful for early mornings, overnight shifts, or cooler areas of the clinic. As with scrubs, it’s best to choose pieces designed for veterinary or medical settings so hygiene and mobility aren’t compromised.

Compression socks and footwear support

What you wear below the knee matters just as much as what’s on top.

Compression socks are an underrated starter-pack hero because they help prevent swelling and fatigue. Dr. Woof's compression socks are lab tested regularly, so the pressure lasts “wash after wash.”

A practical footwear starter pack should include:

• Two or three pairs of compression socks, rotated like scrubs.
• One pair of supportive, wipeable clinic shoes suited to long hours on hard floors.

Alongside classic solid options, Dr. Woof has printed compression socks designed to mix and match with scrub colors and themed uniforms. The large selection of options includes prints like Labradors, Capybara, and Woodland, to more whimsical styles like Daisy Delight and Cherry Milkshake.

Scrub caps, hats, and hair management accessories

Not every vet clinic requires scrub caps, but they’re useful for hair containment and hygiene. Dr. Woof’s Scrub Caps are soft and comfortable, and come with secure ties plus tie-back and ponytail options in cheerful prints.

A quick picking guide:

• Long hair: ponytail cap.
• Most adjustable: tie-back cap.

Completing the set with coordinated pieces

Matching scrub tops and pants, selecting complementary colors, or building an outfit around a favorite print removes unnecessary decision-making from busy mornings.

Dr. Woof’s Complete the Set collection is designed to help you build full outfits without guesswork, so you can feel "more you" while staying professional.

The mini “clean-dry-reset” kit

This is the step many people skip, but end up relying on the most.

Keep a small reset kit in your locker or bag:

• Spare socks and a clean undershirt/underscrub
• Travel deodorant and hand cream
• Hair ties
• A mini lint roller
• A zip bag for “contaminated, but I'll deal with it later” items

These small additions can make a long shift far more manageable when plans change unexpectedly.

Starter-Fit Checklist

Features matter, but fit determines whether scrubs perform well in practice.

Dr. Woof recommends taking measurements and using the sizing chart, and suggests sizing up if you’re between sizes.

You’ve likely found the right fit when:

• You can squat and reach without tugging.
• Nothing is so baggy that it catches on cages or door handles.
• Pockets sit flat rather than flaring open.

Read more: How to Choose the Right Fit for Your Scrubs: Your Definitive Guide

Caring for Your Vet Nurse Scrubs and Add-Ons Between Shifts

This part isn’t glamorous, but it’s what makes your starter pack last and look professional.

Veterinary work involves fur, disinfectant, and the occasional mystery splash. The goal is fast turnaround without destroying your uniforms.

Dr. Woof fabric is quick drying and wrinkle resistant, which helps when you're washing frequently and don't want to iron at midnight. Washing scrubs inside out, grouping similar colors, following care labels, and avoiding harsh detergents all help preserve stretch, structure, and finish over time.

Putting it All Together

Even the most organised person will be tested by vet med sooner or later. But when your scrubs don't trap every piece of fur, actually stretch when you need to move, and dry quickly between shifts, you're dealing with one less thing.

Add smart pockets, supportive socks, practical payers, and a few small reset essentials, and your daily routine starts to feel more manageable.

Ready for new vet nurse scrubs? Start with Dr. Woof, and make every shift a little easier.

FAQs

Where can I shop for Dr. Woof vet nurse scrubs?

You can shop for Dr. Woof products directly through the online store, where you'll discover the full variety of vet nurse scrubs, accessories, and compression socks. You can search by collection to make the process easier and find what you need faster.

Does Dr. Woof brand offer sales or discounts?

Yes. Dr. Woof regularly runs a sale section where you can check for discounted products. These sales are updated throughout the year, so it's worth checking back today if you're planning a larger order.

Are Dr. Woof products suitable for farms or mixed animal practices?

Of course. Many customers working in clinics connected to farms or large animals choose Dr. Woof scrubs for their durability, easy-care fabric, and nature-inspired prints.

How do I know what size to order?

Always check the size guide before ordering. Dr. Woof recommends sizing up if you're between sizes to ensure comfort and flexibility during long shifts.

How often does Dr. Woof update their collections?

Dr. Woof updates collections regularly, introducing new prints, colors, and products. Following updates helps ensure you don't miss newly released items or limited designs.