2025 Veterinary Heroes: Hannah Inman (Veterinary paraprofessional)

Hannah Inman is a veterinary assistant at York Veterinary Services in York County, South Carolina. She is currently working toward becoming a licensed registered veterinary technician. Originally from Tennessee, Inman grew up on a large farm, where she helped raise and breed horses. Initially an aspiring mechanic, Inman stepped into the veterinary profession after giving birth to her daughter and moving away from her home state. According to Inman, her shift into veterinary medicine was primarily driven by her passion for horses and her goal of becoming a licensed veterinary technician specializing in equine care.

“I used to want to be a mechanic. I left Tennessee with my husband, and that's when I got into the veterinary career. I started working at a clinic with no experience, starting at like $10 an hour. It was a very toxic clinic that I stayed at for 2 years until I moved out of there and [started] working [here], which [is much] better,” Inman said in an interview with dvm360. “I've been trying the last couple of years to get my license to become a registered technician because I can't see myself doing anything else other than horses.”

“I do love small animal [practice], but eventually, if I had a goal to set, then I would want to work with horses only,” she continued. “I grew up [with] horses and riding horses and training horses, and [they’re] just a passion for me that’ll never die.”

When asked what inspires her to go to work every morning, Inman said, “First, partially my daughter. She really loves the idea of being a vet—I try to make that something that hopefully she will want to do when she's older and be successful at—and then also just being able to work with the people that I work with.”

On learning she had been nominated as a 2025 Veterinary Hero, Inman said it was something she “never thought would happen” and that she is very grateful for it. When asked what advice she had for aspiring veterinary assistants or anyone wanting to enter the profession, Inman said, “Just do your best and try to get your foot in the door and be as willing and helpful as you can. That’s all you can do to work your way up.”