Types of Vets
The field of veterinary medicine is as diverse as any other medical field. Depending on the specialization of the veterinarian, you can find different types of vets practicing in different types of environments. Some veterinarians have both public positions and private practices such as veterinarians who deal in exotic animals or farms and ranches. Veterinarians, like medical doctors, can be found in research settings and conservation as well as zoos and circuses.
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Pet Vet
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A type of vet most often thought of is the veterinarian that specializes in small animals. These vets usually treat household pets, including dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters and ferrets. This type of vet also deals with smaller birds such as parrots, cockatoos and song birds. This is the most common type of private veterinary practice. The veterinarian most seen in private practices like this are often general practitioners.
Exotic Vet
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These veterinarians work in zoos or refuges. They first obtain a general DVM certification and then obtain specialized training in the health of exotic animals and birds from around the world. This type of veterinarian can also have a private practice to treat exotic animals such as lizards or monkeys, which some people own. These vets can also work in customs offices where animals are often brought by ship or air. Circuses also employ this type of veterinarian.
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Equine and Farm
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The types of veterinarians found in the equine and farming community range from specialists in animal husbandry to farm and stock inspectors. They usually work in groups and treat groups of animals rather than a single animal. These veterinarians can further specialize in the type of animal they deal with such as horses, cattle, alpaca, chicken or turkey. Depending on the type of veterinarian expertise, a vet in these fields can help establish and manage herds or work for government agencies to help maintain the quality of the feedstock from meat to eggs to milk or hides. You will also find veterinarians who specialize in the racing field with dogs and horses.
Wildlife
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Wildlife veterinarians are a special type of vet. These are the people who track, tag and manage herds for preservation programs or government agencies. Many veterinarians who specialize in wildlife often work with universities and research departments on animal behavior and control.
Marine
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A marine veterinarian is a type of vet who deals with non-domestic marine species such as dolphins, sea lions, whales and sea turtles. Marine veterinarians are very specialized and are most often found at university research facilities, aquatic parks and aquariums, and some zoos.
Researcher
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Research veterinarians develop vaccines and study the various forms of disease found in animals. Research veterinarians also study animal behavior in relation to people and captivity. This type of vet is also found in medical labs and research facilities of pharmaceutical companies testing new treatments and medications.
Specialists
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As with medical doctors, veterinarians can specialize in various individual fields. Practitioners can specialize in cardiology (heart), ophthalmology (vision), radiology and chemotherapy (x-rays and cancer treatment), pathology (specific diseases) or dermatology (skin diseases). There are also vet dentists and veterinarians who specialize in holistic medications and applications.
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