Veterinarians, or doctors of veterinary medicine, diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries of animals, including pets, livestock, and zoo and laboratory animals. They examine the animals to determine the nature of disease or injury and treat the animals surgically or medically, and inoculate animals against preventable diseases and disorders. They also advise animal owners about sanitary measures, feeding and nutrition, and general care to promote the health of animals. Other aspects of the veterinarian include research, teaching, production of commercial products, and prevention and control of communicable animal diseases.

As a veterinarian, you will likely work in private or clinical practice with long hours in a noisy indoor environment, and be ready to respond to emergencies. Sometimes, you will have to deal with emotional or demanding pet owners, hence, good communication skills are important. When working with animals that are frightened or in pain, you also risk being bitten, kicked, or scratched. You may also be required to make house visits if the animal is too sick or injured to be safely brought to the clinic. If you are in large-animal practice, you will likely to be assigned to work at the zoo.

Veterinarians working in nonclinical areas, such as public health and research, have working conditions similar to those of other professionals in those lines of work. These veterinarians enjoy offices or laboratories and spend much of their time dealing with people rather than animals.

If you care passionately for animal welfare and well-being and are not afraid of them or medical procedures, do consider a career in veterinary medicine.

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