Veterinarians Train for Many Years
Veterinarians complete a doctoral degree in veterinary medicine, similar in length to human medical school. After undergraduate studies, they spend four years in intensive clinical and classroom training. Licensing exams test their knowledge of animal anatomy, pharmacology, and surgery.
They Care for Many Species
Veterinarians treat pets, livestock, zoo animals, and wildlife. Some specialize in small animals like dogs and cats, while others work with horses or food animals. A few focus on exotic species, including reptiles and birds.
Surprising Facts About Veterinary Work
Veterinarians help protect public health by monitoring animal diseases that can spread to humans. They also contribute to food safety by inspecting farms and processing plants. Many veterinarians participate in research that advances both animal and human medicine.
For more information about veterinary careers, visit the American Veterinary Medical Association at avma.org.
