Books On Board

Vet Volunteers Books in Order

  • 17 Books
  • 2000 – 2016 Published

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Reading order
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Vet Volunteers vs. Wild at Heart: Understanding the Rebranding

Before checking out the book list, it helps to understand why you might see this series sold under two different names. Laurie Halse Anderson originally launched the series in 2000 under the title Wild at Heart. Published by Pleasant Company (the publishers of American Girl), this initial run produced 12 books between 2000 and 2002. After a hiatus, Puffin Books took over the series, rebranding it as Vet Volunteers. Puffin reissued the first 12 books with new covers and subsequently expanded the series with five new installments (Books 13 to 17) between 2012 and 2016. Whether you pick up an original American Girl copy or a newer Puffin printing, the stories and characters remain identical.

Recommended Vet Volunteers Reading Order

Since the timeline of the clinic moves forward chronologically, the recommended way to read the series is in publication order. This allows you to watch the volunteers grow, learn new clinic skills, and welcome new volunteers to the team. Here is the complete list of all 17 books:

  1. Fight for Life (2000) - Narrated by Maggie. The series kicks off with Maggie discovering an illegal puppy mill that is supplying the clinic with sick puppies. She must team up with new volunteers to save them.
  2. Homeless (2000) - Narrated by Sunita. Sunita helps find homes for stray and feral cats, learning about the importance of pet socialization and community involvement.
  3. The Trickster (2000) - Narrated by David. David works with a therapy horse named Trickster and learns how to properly handle and care for large animals.
  4. Manatee Blues (2000) - Narrated by Brenna. Brenna travels to Florida and helps rescue an injured manatee, expanding the series' scope beyond the Pennsylvania clinic.
  5. Say Good-Bye (2001) - Narrated by Zoe. Zoe deals with a neglected, mistreated dog and helps it find a new, loving home.
  6. Storm Rescue (2001) - Narrated by Sunita. When a severe hurricane hits the area, Sunita and the clinic team must work under pressure to rescue displaced pets.
  7. Teacher's Pet (2001) - Narrated by Maggie. Maggie takes on the challenge of training a difficult puppy, demonstrating the patience required for dog training.
  8. Trapped (2001) - Narrated by Brenna. Brenna investigates wild animal trapping and poaching in the local woods.
  9. Fear of Falling (2001) - Narrated by David. David must overcome his fear of riding after a horse accident, highlighting themes of personal growth and resilience.
  10. Time to Fly (2002) - Narrated by Zoe. Zoe cares for a sick parrot, highlighting the unique needs of exotic birds and avian medicine.
  11. Masks (2002) - Narrated by Sunita. Set during Halloween, Sunita tries to help a colony of feral cats while dealing with spooky neighborhood rumors.
  12. End of the Race (2002) - Narrated by Maggie. Maggie explores the dark side of greyhound racing and helps rehome retired racing dogs.
  13. New Beginnings (2012) - Narrated by Jules. Introducing twin volunteers Jules and Josh! Jules works with Maggie to help their rabbit, Chewie, survive emergency surgery.
  14. Acting Out (2012) - Narrated by Zoe. Zoe returns from Los Angeles and struggles to adjust, while the team raises awareness about the dangers of antifreeze poisoning.
  15. Helping Hands (2013) - Narrated by Jules. Jules and Josh discover that ponies hired for a local sidewalk sale are being mistreated and step in to save them.
  16. Treading Water (2014) - Narrated by Brenna. Brenna participates in a marine biology program and assists with dolphin rescue and rehabilitation.
  17. Left Behind (2016) - Narrated by Sunita. Sunita visits a horse farm and discovers a lonely lamb that needs to find a proper flock to survive.

Chronological vs. Publication Order: Are There Any Caveats?

Fortunately for readers, the publication order of Vet Volunteers matches the chronological order of the story perfectly. You do not need to worry about confusing prequels or timeline jumps. The books are episodic, meaning each story focuses on a specific, self-contained animal rescue or medical mystery. Because of this, it is entirely possible to read the books as standalones out of order based on which animal your child is interested in. However, reading them in order is highly recommended to properly understand the relationships, the background of the clinic, and the introduction of new characters like the twins Jules and Josh in book 13.

Meet the Volunteers of Wild at Heart

The series revolves around five core preteen friends who volunteer at the Wild at Heart Animal Clinic, located in the fictional version of Ambler, Pennsylvania. The clinic is owned and operated by the dedicated veterinarian Dr. J. J. MacKenzie (affectionately known to the kids as Dr. Mac). The main cast includes:

  • Maggie: Dr. Mac's granddaughter, who is highly organized, practical, and has grown up around the clinic.
  • Sunita: A highly book-smart volunteer who has a deep affection for cats and feline medicine.
  • David: A quiet, reliable volunteer who works exceptionally well with horses and larger animals.
  • Brenna: An adventurous environmental advocate who focuses on wildlife preservation and marine animals.
  • Zoe: Maggie's cousin, who brings a vibrant energy and works with a variety of companion animals.
  • Jules and Josh: Twin siblings introduced in the later books who bring fresh energy and a love for smaller pets like rabbits.

What to Know Before You Start

Vet Volunteers is targeted at readers aged 7 to 10 (roughly 2nd to 5th grade). Despite the gentle, animal-focused premise, Laurie Halse Anderson does not shy away from real-world issues. The books cover topics like puppy mills, animal neglect, greyhound racing ethics, and wild poaching in an age-appropriate but realistic manner. This makes the series both educational and emotionally engaging, prompting discussions about responsibility, empathy, and community advocacy. If your reader loves animals and wants to learn about actual veterinary care, this series is the perfect starting point.

Frequently Asked

What is the best starting point for the Vet Volunteers series?

The best starting point is Fight for Life, the first book in the series. It introduces the clinic setting, Dr. Mac, and the core group of volunteers as they tackle an illegal puppy mill mystery.

Are the Vet Volunteers books standalone?

Yes, each book features a self-contained story focusing on a specific animal emergency or case, so they can be read out of order. However, reading them chronologically is recommended to follow character growth and team dynamics.

What is the difference between Wild at Heart and Vet Volunteers?

They are the same series! The first 12 books were originally published under the series name Wild at Heart by American Girl. They were later rebranded and re-released as Vet Volunteers by Puffin Books, which completed the series with books 13 through 17.

Who is the target audience for Vet Volunteers?

The series is written for children aged 7 to 10 years old (middle-grade readers), combining engaging animal adventures with real educational lessons on veterinary care.

Who wrote the Vet Volunteers series?

The series was written by Laurie Halse Anderson, a critically acclaimed and New York Times bestselling author who has received the Margaret A. Edwards Award for her contribution to young adult literature.

Where does the Vet Volunteers series take place?

The series is set at the fictional Wild at Heart Animal Clinic, located in Ambler, Pennsylvania, which is run by the veterinarian Dr. J. J. MacKenzie (Dr. Mac).