What does a veterinarian do?

“Preventing disease and healing animals is at the heart of what veterinarians do, but they also do so much more. Veterinary medicine is a well-respected profession because veterinarians make significant contributions to improving the health and wellbeing of the animals and people they serve. Veterinarians practice medicine that alleviates suffering, contributes to groundbreaking medical advancements, protects the environment, and makes the world a better, healthier place” (AAVMC Career Brochure).

To read more about what a veterinarian’s responsibilities and job duties are, visit the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges’ (AAVMC) page, A Career in Veterinary Medicine, as well as the AAVMC Career Brochure.

Choosing This Field

When figuring out if this profession is right for you, make sure to look at various resources to inform you about career paths in veterinary medicine, engage in self reflection regularly, and seek out relevant clinical and service experiences.

To explore what your career could be in this field and what the right fit is for you, explore the AAVMC’s resources Finding Your Career Path, Veterinarian Profiles, Explore Jobs, and Salary Information.

What is the required preparation?

There is no required major for pre-veterinary students are welcome to explore their major options. 

The prerequisite coursework for veterinary programs varies. Review the Veterinary School Admission Requirements (VSMAR) and the VMCAS Summary of Course Prerequisites. 

To learn more about the application process for veterinary programs, visit the AAVMC’s pages What to Know Before You Apply and How to Apply.

Finding a Program

The Veterinary School Admission Requirements (VSMAR) tool is a directory of U.S., Canadian and international veterinary programs.

To take advantage of UConn’s pre-veterinary advising resources, make sure to visit the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) and explore their information about Pre-Veterinary Studies and make an appointment with an advisor. The Animal Science department at UConn also has information for Current Undergraduate Students and specific information for the Pre-Veterinary Program.