Veterinarian: Caring for Animals as a Career

Do you love animals and dream of helping them when they are sick or injured? If so, becoming a veterinarian and caring for animals might be the perfect career for you! Veterinarians are doctors who specialize in treating animals of all kinds. They play an important role in keeping animals healthy and happy, and they make a real difference in the world. If you want to learn more about how to take care of our furry and feathered friends and what it takes to become a veterinarian, then this article is for you!

Photograph of a young woman veterinarian, holding in her hands a puppy. The little dog is licking her face as the woman amuses herself.

Veterinarians treat all kinds of animals, as they can specialize in different areas. Some focus on small animals, like dogs, cats, or other pets, while others work with larger animals like cows, horses, or other farm animals. There are even veterinarians who specialize in treating wild animals, as they work in zoos and animal sanctuaries. But no matter the specialization, all vets diagnose and treat animal illnesses, perform surgeries, and provide preventative care like vaccinations.

(Image courtesy Freepik.com)

But what does it take to become a veterinarian and what do you do as one?

You ought to be aware that becoming a veterinarian isn’t easy. It takes a lot of hard work, tenacity, and many years of formal education and training. However, it can be a very satisfying career if you will love animals and you are concerned about their health and well-being.

Photograph of a common cat during a medical consultation. Three veterinarians are surrounding her. The focus of the image is on the cat and the vet's hands.

I hear you! You love animals and compassionate care about them, but are you also really enthusiastic about biology and chemistry? You will need to master these disciplines and focus your attention on them during college because your training as a future veterinarian starts there. Try during college to get hands-on experience, by enrolling in pre-vet clubs or internships based in veterinary clinics.

(Image courtesy Freepik.com)

Probably you already know that veterinary schools expect students to have a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and that you typically need to study for 4 years disciplines like anatomy, physiology, microbiology, biochemistry, or pharmacology, just to name some. But did you know that after academic education, vets must obtain a license so they may practice?

Where does a veterinarian work?

Photograph of two animal doctors, each holding in a towel a small baby wild animal. The focus of the image is on the little animals.

Most veterinarians work in animal clinics and hospitals, where they treat and prevent diseases. They give animals vaccines, conduct regular check-ups, and perform surgeries when needed. They also work closely with pet owners to offer them advice and guidance on how to better take care of their furry and feathered pets at home.

But did you know that vets can also work in research labs (where they find new treatments for animal diseases), in zoos (where they maintain wild animals healthy and even help with the breeding programs), in animal shelters (where they take care of abused animals and rehabilitate them, so they can be adopted), or even in food safety?

(Image courtesy Internațional Fund for Animal Welfare)

Let’s test your knowledge with a QUIZ!

1. What are vets and what do they do?

a) Botanists who examine plants

b) Doctors who specialize in treating sick animals

c) Magicians who train animals and teach them tricks

2. Which kinds of animals do veterinarians treat?

a) Only pets with a chip containing their unique ID number

b) Rare or exotic animals only

c) Animals of all kinds, without discrimination

3. What academic subjects must you excel in to become a veterinarian?

a) Science, especially biology and chemistry

b) Visual and performing arts

c) History and geography

Close-up photograph of the hand of a man veterinarian, holding in his palm the paw of a big dog.

Becoming a veterinarian is a great career choice for anyone who enjoys working with animals, seeks to help them, and wants to make a difference in their lives. If you wish to become one, start by studying with dedication in school. Then, speak with your parents, and school counselors, or do some online research to learn about the concrete actions you need to take to fulfill your dream.

(Image courtesy Freepik.com)

You can also volunteer at your local animal shelter or veterinary clinic to gain hands-on experience and learn more about what exactly vets do. Remember, the world needs more animal doctors, and you could be one of them!

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