Navy Spouse Builds Veterinary Career to Fit Military Moves

Kelsy Richardson completes online vet tech program to take with her family as they relocate for husband's service.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 8:05pm

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of a Navy spouse gently holding a small animal, with soft pools of warm color and light creating a dreamlike, atmospheric scene that captures the emotional connection between the person and the pet.A Navy spouse's dedication to animal care shines through in the warm, intimate moments she shares with her furry patients, even as her family's life is marked by frequent moves.Encinitas Today

Kelsy Richardson, a 33-year-old Navy spouse, is completing an online veterinary technician program that she hopes will allow her to continue her career no matter where her family is stationed. After years of adapting to the unpredictability of military life, including multiple moves across the country and overseas, Richardson is now the office manager at an Encinitas animal hospital and is set to earn her vet tech credential this summer.

Why it matters

Military spouses often face challenges maintaining their careers due to frequent relocations. Richardson's story highlights how pursuing portable, online credentials can help spouses like her continue building their professional lives despite the demands of military life.

The details

Richardson grew up with a passion for animals and originally planned to become a veterinarian, but the length of the program didn't fit with her early life changes. Instead, she has pursued a veterinary technician certification that she can take with her as her family moves. While stationed in Guam, she earned an online certified veterinary assistant credential, and now she is completing her vet tech degree through an online program at Penn Foster. Most of her clinical hours have been completed at the Encinitas animal hospital where she works as the office manager, a role she took on shortly after starting there.

  • Richardson arrived in San Diego County in mid-July 2023.
  • She was promoted to office manager at the Encinitas animal hospital in April 2024.
  • Richardson enrolled in Penn Foster's veterinary technician program in June 2024.
  • She expects to sit for the national licensing exam this summer.

The players

Kelsy Richardson

A 33-year-old Navy spouse who is completing an online veterinary technician program to build a portable career that can move with her family.

Penn Foster

The online school where Richardson is earning her veterinary technician associate's degree.

Encinitas Animal Hospital

The animal hospital in Encinitas, California where Richardson works as the office manager and has completed most of her vet tech clinical hours.

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What they’re saying

“I have been able, because of that roller coaster, not only to adapt emotionally but also mentally and physically. I think that is one of the strengths that I have learned over the last 15 years.”

— Kelsy Richardson, Navy Spouse

“The veterinary medicine side of things really fascinated me from a very young age. I love learning how the body works and how diseases and medications affect the body.”

— Kelsy Richardson, Navy Spouse

“We get so caught up in our spouse's careers because they ultimately do come first. But our careers are just as important, and our goals and aspirations in life are just as important.”

— Kelsy Richardson, Navy Spouse

What’s next

Richardson expects to sit for the national veterinary technician licensing exam this summer after completing her online degree program.

The takeaway

Richardson's story demonstrates how military spouses can build portable, in-demand skills through online education to maintain their careers despite frequent relocations, proving that it's never too late to pursue your professional dreams.