Veterinarian

Your Fit

Income

$117K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

19.7%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Veterinarian?

Veterinarians are medical professionals who protect the health and well-being of both animals and people. They diagnose and control animal diseases, treat sick and injured animals, prevent the transmission of animal diseases to people, and advise owners on proper care of pets and livestock.

Sample job titles:

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), Emergency Veterinarian (Emergency Vet), Small Animal Veterinarian (Small Animal Vet), Veterinary Medicine Doctor (DVM)

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Veterinarian.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Veterinarian earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Veterinarian.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$46K per year	$90K per year	$117K per year	$146K per year	$179K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $52K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Veterinarian do?

Work environment

Veterinarians work in private clinics and animal hospitals. They may also work in laboratories, animal shelters, zoos, or wildlife parks. Some veterinarians choose to travel to farms or work in food safety and inspection.

Quick task list

Examines animals to diagnose their health problems.
Treats and dresses wounds, performs surgery on animals.
Tests for and vaccinates against diseases.
Operates medical equipment, such as x-ray machines.
Advises animal owners on general care, medical conditions, and treatments.
Euthanizes animals when necessary.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Companion Animal Veterinarians: Treat pets and generally work in private clinics, caring for small animals.
Equine Veterinarians: Specialize in working with horses, often traveling to stables.
Food Animal Veterinarians: Work with farm animals raised to become food sources. They spend much of their time at farms and ranches.
Food Safety and Inspection Veterinarians: Inspect and test livestock and animal products for major animal diseases.
Research Veterinarians: Work in laboratories conducting clinical research on human and animal health problems.

Description

Veterinarians play a crucial role in the health care of animals. Whether they're providing clinical care to pets or managing the health of livestock and working animals, their work ensures the health and well-being of animals and, by extension, the humans who rely on them. The field is both challenging and diverse, encompassing a wide range of activities from health checks and vaccinations to complex surgical procedures.

The role demands a strong foundation in science, especially biology and anatomy, and requires skills in problem-solving and decision-making. Veterinarians must be compassionate yet able to make tough decisions, especially when it comes to end-of-life care. They also need good communication skills to effectively interact with animal owners, staff, and colleagues.

The field of veterinary medicine is constantly evolving with advancements in technology and medicine. This requires veterinarians to be lifelong learners, staying updated with the latest in animal healthcare. They must also be adaptable, as they may work in various environments and with different species.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

The fulfillment of improving and saving the lives of animals.
The variety and challenge of working with different animal species.
Forming bonds with animals and their owners and the satisfaction of providing them with care.

You might make a good Veterinarian if you are...

Passionate about animal welfare and interested in animal biology and behavior.
Able to make decisive actions under pressure and handle emotional situations.
A good communicator, capable of conveying complex medical information to pet owners.
Detail-oriented, especially when it comes to diagnosing and treating animals.
Able to handle physically demanding tasks and stand for long periods.

Pros:

A rewarding career making a difference in animals' lives.
Diverse opportunities in various settings and with different animal species.
High demand for veterinary services.

Cons:

Emotional challenges, including dealing with sick animals and euthanasia.
Long hours, with potential emergency calls outside of standard working hours.
The cost and length of veterinary education.

How to become a Veterinarian

Typical education

Becoming a veterinarian typically requires completing a 4-year undergraduate program followed by a 4-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) program. Licensure is also required to practice in the field.

High school preparation

Courses:

Biology, Chemistry, and Physics to build a strong foundation in sciences.
Mathematics, especially algebra and calculus, for problem-solving skills.
English and Communication for developing good communication skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering at animal shelters, farms, or veterinary clinics.
Joining or starting a school science or veterinary club.
Participating in 4-H programs, especially those focused on animal care.

Preparation after high school

Obtain a bachelor's degree in a scientific field, such as biology or animal science.
Gain experience through internships or work in animal care or veterinary settings.
Attend a veterinary school to earn a DVM or VMD degree.
Obtain a license to practice veterinary medicine in your state.

More resources

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) - Provides resources, education, and networking opportunities for veterinarians.
Veterinary Information Network (VIN) - An online community and resource for veterinarians.
Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) - Offers information about veterinary medical education and career paths.
The Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association - Focuses on animal welfare and advocacy within the veterinary profession.
Vet Set Go - A resource for aspiring young veterinarians offering advice and guidance.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.