What does a Veterinarian do?
A veterinarian is a medical doctor who examines, diagnoses and treats animal diseases and health issues. Veterinarians often work in a clinic with an assistant or technician, though they might also work in a zoo, at a racetrack or with farm animals. They regularly interact with owners, obtaining medical histories and giving advice on the care of their animals.
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Working as a Veterinarian
A typical day for a veterinarian can involve:
- Performing surgery, which may be minor or more complicated depending on the veterinarian's training
- Administering medication to animals, sometimes by injection
- Setting fractures, and treating and dressing wounds
- Performing tests, including the use of x-ray and ultrasound, as well as examining blood, urine and fecal matter
- Euthanizing animals
How much does a Veterinarian make in the United States?
Average base salary
The average salary for a veterinarian is $123,222 per year in the United States. 30.2k salaries reported, updated at September 21, 2023
Where can a Veterinarian earn more?
Compare salaries for Veterinarians in different locations
How much do similar professions get paid in United States?
Veterinary Technician
Job openingsAverage $20.23 per hour
Veterinary Assistant
Job openingsAverage $16.80 per hour
Veterinary Receptionist
Job openingsAverage $15.97 per hour
Veterinary Surgeon
Job openingsAverage $146,041 per year
Externship
Job openingsAverage $17.92 per hour
Common questions about for a Veterinarian
What degree should I take to be a veterinarian?
Aspiring veterinarians must hold a bachelor's degree focusing on animal behavior, chemistry, biology, zoology, physiology, microbiology and anatomy before moving on to veterinary medicine school.
Where do veterinarians work?
Most veterinarians work in private clinics and hospitals. Some are field veterinarians where they travel to farms, ranches or laboratories or zoos.
What are the different types of veterinarians?
The different types of veterinarian are:
- Mixed Practice Veterinarian
- Lab Animal Medicine Veterinarian
- Small Animal Veterinarian (domestic pets)
- Large Animal Veterinarian (livestock including cows, sheep, etc.)
- Specialty Veterinarian (animal cardiologist, ophthalmologist or dentist)
- Wildlife Veterinarians
- Research Veterinarians
