By: The ABC Staff
For MarTriana Barnett, a love for animals wasn’t just a passion. It became the spark that launched a new career path. Today, as she completed Animal Behavior College’s Veterinary Assistant Program and began working in a veterinary hospital, MarTriana is turning that passion into meaningful work helping pets and their families every day.
Before enrolling at Animal Behavior College (ABC), MarTriana was already working around animals. She spent time working at a shelter about 45 minutes from her home while also holding a job as a sales associate at Dollar General. Although she enjoyed helping animals, it was one particular dog who truly changed everything.
“A lightbulb moment was when we had this dog named Imelda in the shelter,” MarTriana recalls. “She was my girl. Her story touched me, and working with those shelter babies made me want to grow more in this industry.”
That experience motivated MarTriana to pursue formal education in animal care. Still, like many students starting a new program, she initially wondered whether she would be able to complete it.
“I had doubts that it was going to be too hard for me to finish and accomplish all my goals,” she says. “But those doubts went away after I had ABC’s support, especially Miss Penny.”
MarTriana completed ABC’s Veterinary Assistant Program in February 2026 and further strengthened her knowledge through additional coursework. In 2025, while earning her certificate, she also completed ABC’s Pet Nutrition and Diet short-term program. On her own time, she recently earned a Fear Free® certification to further support low-stress handling and care for animals. Most recently, in March 2026, MarTriana achieved a key goal by passing the Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) exam through the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).
During her externship, MarTriana trained alongside an experienced veterinary team that helped her develop both skills and confidence. She credits veterinarians Dr. Smith and Dr. Roach, and practice manager Mrs. Megan, along with veterinary technicians and staff Lilly, Alyssa, Paige, Kiana, Londyn, Roy and Miss Sherry for making a lasting impact and helping her on her journey.
“On my last day of externship they reminded me that I can do this,” she says. “They taught me to have confidence and always ask questions – because there’s never a dumb question.”
ABC’s curriculum also played a key role in preparing her for hands-on work. MarTriana especially appreciated the instructional videos and lessons covering animal restraint and client relationships. “The restraint videos made me feel much more confident,” she explains. “Learning about client relationships also helped me feel like I’m in the right field.”
That confidence is already paying off. MarTriana recently accepted a position at Skyview Vet Clinic, while she continues working part-time as a sales associate. She’s excited to officially start her veterinary career.
Looking ahead, MarTriana hopes to continue expanding her skills and credentials. She plans to attend a veterinary conference to earn continuing education credits and connect with other professionals in the field. MarTriana is also continuing her personal education and development by attending Purdue University’s Veterinary Technician Program.
She’s particularly passionate about working with senior pets and hopes to eventually explore emergency care and expand education for a wide variety of animals.
“After my externship, the senior babies really touched my heart,” she says. “I love my oldies.”
MarTriana believes compassionate care begins with building trust.
“My philosophy is to first get to know the patient and build that trust and relationship,” she explains. “That way every time they see you, they feel like they’re in a safe place.”
Even early in her career, MarTriana is already inspiring others. She’s proud that younger family members have begun asking her about working with animals. As an African American professional entering the veterinary field, she’s also encouraged to see people around her sharing her story and recommending the career path to others. For MarTriana, knowing that her journey might inspire someone else to follow their dream of working with animals is one of her proudest milestones.
“That’s a milestone for me,” she says. “Letting [young people] know to follow their dreams if this is what they want to do.”
For students currently working through their ABC program, MarTriana offers simple but heartfelt advice: “Keep going. It may be hard at times, but you can do anything you put your mind to.”
And for anyone thinking about enrolling at ABC but feeling hesitant? “Just do it,” she says. “ABC is 100 percent behind you during your journey.”
Much of MarTriana’s inspiration also comes from home, specifically from her French Bulldog, Mystery.
“My biggest inspiration is my dog,” she says. “He made me want to go back into this field. I couldn’t be more grateful for my silly dog.”
With a new career underway and plans for continued education, including interest in ABC’s Pet Massage and Training Shelter Dogs short term programs, MarTriana is just getting started on what promises to be a rewarding journey in animal care.
