What Other Categories of Veterinarians Exist?
Because more people consider their pets to be members of the family, there is a need for non-traditional veterinarian services such as preventative dental care and cancer treatments, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. There are several types of vets since they are essentially animal doctors, just like there are various medical specialties for people.
Those seeking veterinary school have a wide selection of specialties to pick from to meet the needs of the expanding and more diverse domestic animal populations. Here are some examples of the specializations available:
Small Animal Practitioner
Small animal specialists, the most prevalent veterinarian, care for household animals. Veterinarians specializing in small pets, sometimes referred to as companion animal doctors, often treat canines, felines, 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.
Several small animal clinics offer vet wellness plans to help their customers afford their services. Pet wellness plans have several benefits over traditional pet insurance yet accomplish the same. Knowing that you are covered for a portion of the costs of regular veterinary care when you take your pet 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 qualified practitioner known as a large animal veterinarian. They would have studied animal husbandry, livestock management, and other relevant subjects in college.
Exotic Veterinarian
As the number of domestic exotic pets increases constantly, these veterinarians are in great demand. A veterinarian that focuses on exotic animals is not as typical. Any household animal that isn’t a cat or dog is considered an “exotic” pet. Besides most birds, this vet treats guinea pigs, mice, reptiles, prairie dogs, chinchillas, and hedgehogs. Visit websites like southwiltonvet.com to learn about reputable exotic animal facilities.
Specialty Veterinarian
Vets can select from different specialties, much like medical professionals in humans. They can even pick a specific species, for instance, an avian veterinarian 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. Being a dog or cat dentist may be for you if you enjoy handling several academic subjects. To address any oral issues, veterinary dentists must have training in surgery, medicine, and animal dentistry.
Wildlife Veterinarians
Veterinarians that specialize in wildlife medicine treat wild animals. A qualified veterinary scientist with extra education and hands-on expertise in caring for particular wildlife species is known as a wildlife veterinarian. They commonly work for sanctuaries, zoos, and rehabilitation facilities for wildlife, and they may be asked to care for animals like tigers, apes, and other types of raptors.
Conclusion
The benefits of picking a veterinary medicine career are tangible and intangible. The work is emotionally satisfying because your care and treatment strategies often improve a pet’s health and quality of life.
Vet clinicians and those in other subspecialties often participate in teams or facilities where they can meet others who share their interest in research and helping animals. Business won’t be decelerating anytime soon because 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.
