Veterinarians play an essential role in animal health, human safety, and the advancement of scientific knowledge. In fact, nowadays new medication for human use would not be possible without animal research. While most people associate the word “Veterinarian” with small animal clinics, the veterinary profession is incredibly diverse, encompassing many specialties and career paths.

As animal health recruiters, we have industry knowledge and connections, allowing us to specialize and excel in connecting veterinary professionals with career opportunities across the animal health and comparative medicine industry. This guide outlines the various types of veterinarians and their unique roles, training requirements, and contributions. If you or someone that you know is interested in becoming a veterinarian, someone who needs help deciding which specialty path, or even someone who is interested in learning this guide is for you.

Types of Veterinarians:

1. Traditional Small Animal Veterinarians

These are what most people think of veterinarians. They typically imagine professionals in white lab coats who work in small animal clinics or pet hospitals.

  • Work with and treat: Primarily companion animals like dogs, cats, rabbits, and other small pets.
  • Responsibilities: Provide routine care, vaccinations, surgeries, diagnose and treat illnesses.
  • Education: A bachelor’s degree, followed by a four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program. Licensing exams are also required.
  • Attire: Typically wear scrubs or lab coats.

Some small animal veterinarians open private practices or specialize further in areas such as dermatology or surgery.

2. Laboratory Animal Veterinarians (Clinical Research Veterinarians)

Laboratory animal veterinarians are vital to research and the ethical treatment of animals used in scientific studies.

  • Work with: Rodents, rabbits, non-human primates (NHPs), pigs, ferrets, and several other species used in research.
  • Responsibilities: Ensure animal welfare, oversee research protocols, and provide veterinary care to research animals.
  • Education: A DVM degree plus a 2-3 year residency program and board certification through the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM).
  • Attire: Lab coats, with additional protective gear when working in research facilities.

These veterinarians often work in academia, private or contract research organizations, or government institutions and are highly regarded for their specialized training and knowledge of ethics and animal care.

3. Veterinary Pathologists

Veterinary pathologists specialize in diagnosing diseases through laboratory testing and autopsies.

  • Work with: All animal species, often in laboratory or diagnostic settings.
  • Responsibilities: Study tissues and samples to diagnose diseases, contribute to public health research, and collaborate on treatment plans.
  • Education: A DVM degree followed by additional residency training and board certification in pathology.
  • Attire: Lab coats, often with additional lab safety equipment.

4. Technical Service Veterinarians

These veterinarians work in the industry, often for pharmaceutical or animal health companies, helping clients use and apply products effectively.

  • Work with: Livestock, companion animals, and veterinarians who use their company’s products.
  • Responsibilities: Provide product training, troubleshoot issues, and support product development.
  • Education: A DVM degree; some may pursue business training or additional certifications.
  • Attire: Business casual or company-branded attire.

5. Military Veterinarians

Veterinarians in the military serve unique roles, ensuring the health of military working animals and contributing to public health initiatives.

  • Work with: Military working dogs, horses, and sometimes wildlife.
  • Responsibilities: Care for military animals, manage zoonotic disease prevention, and oversee food safety.
  • Education: A DVM degree; military training is provided upon enlistment.
  • Attire: Military uniforms.

6. Zoological and Wildlife Veterinarians

These veterinarians care for exotic animals in zoos, aquariums, and wildlife rehabilitation centers.

  • Work with: Large cats, birds, marine mammals, and other exotic species.
  • Responsibilities: Perform health assessments, treat injuries, and assist in conservation efforts.
  • Education: A DVM degree with internships or residencies in zoological medicine.
  • Attire: Scrubs or field clothing, depending on the environment.

7. Veterinary Specialists

Veterinary specialists focus on advanced fields like dentistry, surgery, dermatology, chiropractic, and acupuncture.

  • Work with: Both companion and production animals, depending on their specialty.
  • Responsibilities: Provide specialized care and perform complex procedures.
  • Education: A DVM degree followed by additional residencies and board certifications.
  • Attire: Scrubs or specialty-specific gear.

8. Government Veterinarians

Government veterinarians ensure public health and food safety by overseeing animal health programs.

  • Work with: Production animals and wildlife.
  • Responsibilities: Monitor disease outbreaks, regulate food production, and enforce animal welfare laws.
  • Education: A DVM degree; some positions may require additional public health training.
  • Attire: Business or field attire, depending on the role.

9. Field Clinical Veterinarians

Field veterinarians provide on-site care, often for large-scale operations like farms and ranches.

  • Work with: Livestock, horses, and other production animals.
  • Responsibilities: Conduct health checks, assist with breeding, and advise on herd management.
  • Education: A DVM degree, with additional training in large animal medicine.
  • Attire: Field clothing and protective boots.

Veterinary medicine offers diverse career paths, each with unique opportunities that make an impact on animal health, research, and public safety. Whether you aspire to work in a small animal clinic, a research lab, or the field, there’s a rewarding path for everyone.

Are you looking for top talent in the Specialty Chemical, Advanced Materials, or Animal Health industry?

Contact us to discuss how we can bring top leadership talent to your team. Boaz Partners is a premier executive search firm focused on the direct recruitment of executives and professionals for the specialty chemicals and animal health space. We are your partner, and our focus is on custom recruiting solutions. Follow the link to learn more about how our animal health recruiters can help you.