Different Types of Veterinary Jobs

The people who work in veterinary medicine provide care to many types of animals. Veterinary jobs can be good career options for animal lovers. Most of the jobs require different educational backgrounds and degrees. Some positions only require a high school diploma.

Veterinarians

Veterinarians provide medical care to animals of all types. They typically work inside clinics or animal hospitals. Vets can also travel to zoos, farms and anywhere else that has sick or injured animals. Veterinarians generally obtain their training and education from college. They study animal anatomy and physiology, animal nutrition and microbiology through a four-year undergraduate bachelor's degree program. Students move on to complete two more years of intense studies at a veterinary school, and graduate with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

Veterinarian Assistants

Vet assistants work closely with veterinarians. They learn how to assist with surgeries, procedures and other types of care. Most work in animal hospitals but can choose employment in many other areas. Veterinarian assistants also monitor their animal patients’ vital signs during surgery, apply topical medications and maintain the facility’s upkeep. Assistants may earn degrees in veterinarian assistant schools. They usually complete their education by training at a clinical site.

Kennel Workers

These people take care of animals that live in kennels, pet stores and hospitals. They bathe, feed and walk the animals to help them get better or stay healthy for adoption. Most jobs only require their applicants to have high school diplomas.