Types of Veterinary Careers
Not only are veterinary jobs in high demand, but new veterinary graduates have many options for career paths to explore. Here are some examples:
- Private Practice Veterinarian: Many new graduates start their careers in private clinics or hospitals, providing general care to pets and sometimes farm animals. They may work as associate veterinarians or in specialized areas such as surgery or internal medicine.
- Veterinary Pathologist: This specialty involves diagnosing diseases through the examination of tissues and fluids. Pathologists often work in laboratories and collaborate with other veterinarians to understand disease outbreaks and conditions.
- Veterinary Researcher: New grads interested in research may work in academic or private research settings, studying diseases, treatments, and animal health advancements. This can involve conducting experiments and publishing findings.
- Public Health Veterinarian: These professionals work with government agencies or non-profit organizations to monitor and manage zoonotic diseases (diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans), ensuring public health and safety.
- Shelter Veterinarian: Working in animal shelters or rescue organizations, these veterinarians focus on the health and well-being of homeless animals, performing spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations, and treatment of illnesses.
- Veterinary Consultant: This role involves advising animal-related businesses or organizations on best practices, health protocols, and other veterinary-related issues.
- Veterinary Educator: Graduates interested in teaching can work in veterinary schools, educating future veterinarians and contributing to academic research.
Clinical Practice Options for Veterinarians
According to an AVMA veterinary workplace study, approximately 75% of veterinarians work in private practice clinics. Here are some examples of the variety of roles and specializations within veterinary clinical practice:
- Small Animal Practitioner: Veterinarians in this role focus on companion animals like dogs, cats, and small mammals. They provide general care, including routine check-ups, vaccinations, diagnostics, and treatments for various conditions.
- Large Animal Practitioner: These veterinarians work with larger animals, such as horses, cattle, and sheep. They may provide care on farms or in specialized equine clinics, addressing issues ranging from routine health maintenance to emergency care.
- Emergency and Critical Care Veterinarian: Specializing in emergency medicine, these veterinarians work in emergency animal hospitals or critical care units, handling urgent and severe medical conditions that require immediate attention.
- Veterinary Surgeon: Surgeons focus on performing complex surgical procedures, which can range from routine spay/neuter surgeries to intricate orthopedic or soft tissue surgeries. They often work in specialized surgical centers or hospitals.
- Veterinary Internist: Vet internists specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases related to internal organs. They often work in specialty clinics and may focus on areas such as cardiology, oncology, or neurology.
- Veterinary Dermatologist: This role involves diagnosing and treating skin conditions and allergies in animals. Dermatologists often work in specialty clinics that deal with complex dermatological issues.
- Veterinary Ophthalmologist: Specializing in eye diseases and disorders, ophthalmologists provide care for conditions affecting vision and eye health. They may perform surgeries and manage chronic eye conditions.
- Veterinary Dentist: Dentists in veterinary practice focus on oral health, including diagnosing and treating dental issues, performing dental cleanings, and managing oral diseases in animals.
- Veterinary Behaviorist: Behaviorists specialize in diagnosing and treating behavioral issues in animals, such as aggression, anxiety, or compulsive disorders. They often work with pet owners to modify problematic behaviors.
- Veterinary Acupuncturist: These veterinarians use acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine techniques to treat various conditions and improve overall health in animals.
- Mobile Veterinarian: Mobile vets provide in-home care for pets, offering convenience for pet owners and reducing stress for animals who may be anxious about visiting a clinic.
Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories
Within veterinary diagnostic laboratories, there are several specialized roles. Veterinary diagnostic laboratories are specialized facilities dedicated to diagnosing and studying animal health issues through advanced testing and analysis:
- Clinical pathologists focus on analyzing blood and other fluids to detect abnormalities and diagnose conditions.
- Microbiologists work on identifying pathogens like bacteria and viruses, conducting cultures, and determining appropriate treatments.
- Histopathologists examine tissue samples to diagnose diseases such as cancer, while toxicologists identify and analyze poisons and toxins.
- Molecular diagnosticians use advanced techniques to detect genetic and infectious diseases at the molecular level.
Who are the Largest Employers for Veterinarians?
The largest employers for veterinarians include both private and public organizations, including:
- Private Veterinary Practices: Many veterinarians work in private practice settings, including small animal clinics, large animal practices, and mixed practices that handle both types of animals. These practices are among the largest employers for veterinarians due to the high demand for routine and emergency care for companion and farm animals.
- Government Agencies: Federal, state, and local government agencies employ veterinarians in roles such as public health officials, animal health inspectors, and regulatory professionals. Key employers include the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and various state agriculture departments.
- Academic and Research Institutions: Universities and research institutions hire veterinarians for roles in teaching, research, and clinical practice. Institutions such as veterinary colleges and biomedical research facilities employ veterinarians to advance scientific knowledge and train future professionals.
- Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies: These companies employ veterinarians to support the development, testing, and marketing of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and biologics. Veterinarians in these roles may work in research and development, regulatory affairs, or clinical trials.
- Animal Health and Welfare Organizations: Non-profit organizations and animal welfare groups, including humane societies and animal shelters, also employ veterinarians to provide medical care and support for animals in their care.
What’s Next?
Ready to find a new job or are you looking for a great way to take charge of your veterinarian career? Suveto helps connect veterinarians with potential job opportunities, by providing a streamlined job search experience coupled with tools and resources tailored for veterinary professionals. Find out how Suveto is committed to helping veterinarians own their careers or explore job opportunities online.