The Top Specialties to Pursue in Veterinary Medicine

Because more people consider their pets to be members of the family, there is a demand for non-traditional veterinarian services such as preventative dental care and cancer treatments, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. There are numerous types of veterinarians since they are animal physicians, just like there are various medical specialties for people.

Those seeking veterinary school have a broad selection of specialties to select from to meet the demands of the growing and more diverse domestic pet populations. Here are some examples of the specializations available:

Small Animal Practitioner

Small animal practitioners, the most prevalent veterinarian, look after household animals. Vets specializing in small animals, sometimes referred to as companion animal doctors, often treat canines, cats, rabbits, birds, and reptiles. Small animals like ferrets, rabbits, hamsters, and guinea pigs are also treated by certain veterinarians, whereas others only work with cats and dogs.

Numerous small animal clinics provide a pet wellness plan to allow their customers to afford their services. Pet wellness plans from trusted facilities like South Wilton Veterinary Group have several benefits over standard pet insurance yet achieve the same. Knowing that you are covered for a portion of the costs of regular veterinary care when you take your animal to the vet may put your mind at ease.

Large Animal Veterinarian

The medical requirements of bigger animals like cattle, sheep, and horses are handled by a certified practitioner known as a large animal veterinarian. They would have studied animal husbandry, livestock management, and other related subjects in college.

Exotic Veterinarian

As the number of domestic, exotic pets rises constantly, these vets are in great demand. A veterinarian that specializes in exotic animals is not as typical. Any household animal that isn’t a cat or dog is considered an “exotic” pet. Aside from most birds, this veterinarian also treats guinea pigs, mice, reptiles, prairie dogs, chinchillas, and hedgehogs. Check out this “bird vet clinic near me” page to navigate you to a trusted exotic animal clinic.

Specialty Veterinarian

Veterinarians can pick from different specialties, just like medical professionals in humans. They can even choose a specific species, for instance, an avian vet who solely treats birds. Specialists undergo an internship and residency in their specialized field, requiring an additional three to five years of study, along with their undergraduate studies and four years of veterinary school.

An animal dentist, cardiologist, or ophthalmologist are a few professions that a small animal veterinarian can pursue. Veterinary dentistry might be for you if you enjoy juggling several academic subjects. To handle any oral issues, vet dentists must have training in surgery, medicine, and animal dentistry. Check out this dentistry page to learn more.

Wildlife Veterinarians

Vets that specialize in wildlife medicine treat wild animals. A certified vet scientist with extra training and hands-on expertise in caring for particular wildlife species is known as a wildlife veterinarian. They typically work for sanctuaries, zoos, and rehabilitation facilities for wildlife, and they may be asked to look after animals like tigers, apes, and other types of raptors.

Conclusion

The benefits of choosing a vet medicine profession are concrete and abstract. The work is emotionally satisfying since your care and treatment strategies frequently result in an animal’s improved health and quality of life.

Vet clinicians and those in other subspecialties often participate in teams or clinics where they can meet others who share their interest in research and helping animals. Business won’t be slowing down anytime soon since pet health is still a leading concern for owners. A poll by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) in 2020 found that 67% of American homes now had a pet.