Veterinary Career Fields
Veterinarians are highly trained medical professionals who provide for the health and quality of life of all kinds of animals. They use problem-solving skills and in-depth knowledge of biological, physical and social science to diagnose, treat and prevent animal diseases and help to maintain the quality of our environment. Veterinarians collaborate with physicians and public health agencies to prevent and control diseases transmitted from animals to people. Additionally, they advance medical technology through education and research.
The profession becomes more complex as trade barriers fall, new zoonotic diseases emerge, human travel increases, and production and distribution of food products take place in more concentrated, large-scale operations.
There are so many dynamic career opportunities available right now for our DVM graduates; it's a very exciting time to be entering the field of veterinary medicine!
Tina Maher, Assistant Director - Career, Leadership and Wellness Center
Exploring Veterinary Career Options
The field of veterinary medicine is diverse and offers a plethora of employment opportunities. The AAVMC outlines Careers in Veterinary Medicine which provides an overview of careers where graduates of veterinary medical schools can effectively apply their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degrees.
- Private Practice
- Corporate Veterinary Medicine
- The Federal Government
- The U.S. Army Corps and U.S. Air Force
- Research
- Teaching
- Public Health
- Food Supply Medicine
- Global Veterinary Medicine (UC Davis Global Veterinary Career Profiles Project)
- Public Policy
- Shelter Medicine
In addition, the AVMA offers a wide array of Career Development Courses (and webinars) on career opportunities in the field of veterinary medicine (i.e. aquatic, corporate, disaster, forensic, government and public health, international, mobile practice, pathology, regulatory and research, wildlife, etc.).
Private Practice
Provide primary health care to livestock and companion animals on a case-by-case, fee-for-service basis. More than 70 percent of practices deal with small companion animals. Practitioners may specialize in one medical area, such as surgery or dermatology. Others emphasize a group or species, such as food animals, exotics, birds or horses. Whatever their interests, all DVM students learn to provide basic care to the general animal population and prevent disease and other health problems.
Public Health
Veterinarians may work for federal or regional agencies that watch over the health and welfare of domesticated animals or monitor populations of free-ranging wildlife. These experts diagnose diseases, inspect meat and poultry, oversee communicable disease programs (West Nile virus, rabies, BSE, avian flu, etc.) and conduct research. Specialists also handle fish, wildlife, laboratory animals and other animals regulated by federal law. Such careers can include working with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Food and Drug Administration, United States Department of Agriculture, National Institutes of Health, Army or Air Force Veterinary Corps, and others.
Research
Research veterinarians investigate scientific problems and develop strategies and new technologies. They develop new diagnostic tests, vaccines and products that prevent human and animal disease and enhance food quality. For instance, veterinary pathologists and toxicologists working in public institutions or private companies test the safety and efficacy of new treatments, monitor environmental conditions and evaluate the effects of environmental pollutants.
Teaching
Veterinarians have excellent opportunities to teach at veterinary schools or colleges. Instructors teach courses that encourage professional-level students to develop the problem-solving skills and strategies that promote animal health. Faculty members also conduct basic and clinical research and provide various services to the public.