How to Become a Veterinarian. Is it the right path for you?

Introduction

The need for veterinarians is expected to grow 19 percent from 2023 to 2033. Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment. People love their animals and are willing to pay for the best care available.

The road to becoming a veterinarian is challenging, but many find it rewarding. Read below for the steps on how to become a veterinarian to see if this career is a fit for you.

Is becoming a veterinarian the right career path for you?

Was your childhood dream to become a vet? Loving animals is not enough. You have to love science and be good at science. Even if you are great at science you still have to work hard.

Many vets are a one-stop shop for many different kinds of animals. This may include dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, and reptiles, just to name a few. Not to mention each breed of dog tends to have their own specific medical issues. For example, Boston terriers and French bulldogs are brachycephalic causing them to have a higher risk for breathing problems. And hip dysplasia is a main concern with Labrador retrievers.

The knowledge they need to have is vast. Veterinarians are also there to prescribe medication and administer necessary vaccines. 

How long is vet school and what are the requirements?

Four years of an undergraduate degree is the first step. While not mandatory it is preferable to have an undergraduate degree that consists of science. Many schools offer animal science as a major but not all do. If animal science is not an option at your school major in biology, biochemistry, zoology, or microbiology.

Four years of vet school is required after finishing undergraduate. The cost on average of 4 years of vet school is roughly $200,000. It is very competitive to get into a veterinarian school. Besides being such a difficult program there are only 30 accredited vet schools listed with the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Veterinary school graduates receive a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree. To be considered grades are important. Focus on your grades in your undergraduate degree. Most vet schools will require a GPA of 3.5 in undergraduate. Display your love and experience with working with animals. Work part-time as a vet tech or volunteer at an animal shelter to get that experience.

The veterinarian career paths:

Just like with medical doctors treating people, there are so many specialties you can branch out to for animals.

• General vet for small animals. This is the vet you take your dog and cat to for commonplace checkups and illnesses.

• General vet for large animals. This is a vet that treats farm animals such as cows and pigs.

  

• Equine Veterinarian for all the needs of a horse. 

• Oncologist vets treat cancer in animals. My dog was treated by a radiation oncologist for his brain tumor. Keep in mind that most are going to work in larger cities. There were no oncologists for radiation in RI and we did have to go to Boston.

• Neurologists treat any neurology issues such as the initial diagnosis of a brain tumor.

• Cardiologists can help with any heart-related diseases. 

• Dermatologists treat animals with skin issues. If you’ve ever had a dog with a skin issue you know it can be frustrating and time-consuming.

• Orthopedic surgeons are there to take care of fractures or torn ligaments.

• Veterinarians at a zoo have a list of duties. They check in on the animals, ensure they are fed the right diets, and are available for any emergencies that may arise.

• Research Veterinarians research cures for illnesses and viruses and new drugs available.

• Veterinary Dentist dental cleaning, extractions, and oral surgery.

• End-of-life care vet. There are vets in my area who make end-of-life house calls. They will typically arrange to have the dog cremated and the ashes returned to you. We did use this service when it was time to say goodbye and I do not regret it. My dog was able to be in the most comfortable atmosphere. He had been through enough and I needed it to be as calming as possible and bringing him out of the house to the vet’s office would have been stressful for him.

What salary can a veterinarian expect?

According to US News & Money general small animal veterinarians made a median salary of $119,100 in 2023. Specialties typically make more. The average salary of a veterinarian surgeon in the US is $368,000 according to Zip Recruiter. Zip Recruiter also states the average research veterinarian salary in the United States as of January 2025 is $79.58 an hour or $165,527 per year.

The career of a veterinarian can be stressful and fast-paced but also rewarding. Do your research to determine if this is the career path for you.