How to Become an Animal Veterinarian
Selecting a career is one of the most important decisions a person makes. Anyone who likes helping animals and has a knack for medicine might consider becoming a veterinarian. Vets work with injured or sick animals and help ease the worry of owners distressed at the idea that their pet suffering. Becoming a vet requires experience and an advanced degree, but once the necessary prerequisites are obtained, veterinarians have satisfying careers.
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Instructions
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Decide if you want to specialize in small animals or large animals. Many vets specialize in small pets such as rabbits, cats or dogs, whereas others focus on large animals such cows, horses, or sheep. Additionally, some vets work with exotic animals such as the big cats or primates found in zoos.
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Take the right classes in high school. Biology, zoology and chemistry classes help prepare you for college-level courses. Building the right foundation early in the educational career proves helpful.
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Seek part-time employment working with animals at an animal-related store. Gain experience by working as an assistant in a vet's office or by working in one of the mega-pet stores such as PetSmart. Both types of positions provide experience in customer service, pet grooming, boarding, and scheduling vaccinations.
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Obtain a bachelor's degree in a science field. Most veterinarian programs require applicants to have a four-year degree, but a biology degree prove the most useful. Whatever undergraduate degree you seek, take lots of biology and organic chemistry classes.
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Apply to a veterinarian school. A degree in biology or zoology provides the best type of experience.
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Volunteer at a local zoo or humane shelter. Even while attending vet school, pursue relevant employment. Gaining experience before graduation ensures the ability to compete for jobs. Gain valuable experience administering shots and caring for animals. Volunteering at zoos broadens experience with large animals. Gaining experience with horses, cows or other large mammals help you compete for jobs working at equine ranches or on commercial dairy farms. Volunteering at a humane shelter also helps provide experience working with smaller animals.
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As graduation from veterinary school approaches, prepare resumes and send them to staffing firms such as ihireveterinary.com and your school's placement office. They forward resumes to employers seeking qualified veterinarians.
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