How to become a small animal veterinarian

Is becoming a small animal veterinarian right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

Overview
What do small animal veterinarians do?

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How to become a Small Animal Veterinarian

Becoming a small animal veterinarian involves a genuine passion for working with animals and a specific educational pathway, including undergraduate and veterinary school education. Here is an overview:

High School Diploma or Equivalent
Earn a high school diploma or equivalent. High school education provides a foundation in basic communication and math and organizational skills, and it lays the groundwork for further learning.

Bachelor's Degree
Obtain a relevant bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Since not all schools offer an undergraduate program in veterinary medicine, many aspiring veterinarians opt for a degree in zoology, biology, chemistry, or another related field. Typical prerequisite coursework for veterinary school includes classes in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.

Animal Experience
Gain hands-on experience working with animals. This can be obtained through volunteering, internships, or employment in veterinary clinics, animal shelters, or research settings.

Veterinary College Admission Test (VCAT)
Prepare for and take the Veterinary College Admission Test (VCAT). This standardized test assesses the academic and scientific knowledge, as well as problem-solving abilities, of prospective veterinary students.

It's important to note that admission to veterinary school is competitive, and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Applicants often need a strong academic record, relevant animal experience, letters of recommendation, and a well-prepared application.

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Degree
Apply to and complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program at an accredited veterinary school. These programs typically last four years and include a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. Core coursework focuses on subjects such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, surgery, and clinical skills. Practical experience in various aspects of veterinary medicine, including small animal care, is gained through clinical rotations and externships.

Specialization (Optional)
After completing veterinary school, some veterinarians choose to pursue postgraduate education and training to specialize in a particular area, such as internal medicine, surgery, dentistry, or emergency and critical care.

Licensing Exam
After completing the DVM program, graduates must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) or a state-specific licensing exam to become licensed to practise veterinary medicine.

Seek Employment or Start a Practice
Look for employment opportunities in private practices, animal hospitals, clinics, or other settings where small animal veterinary care is provided. Some veterinarians choose to start their own practices.

Build a Professional Network
Establish connections within the veterinary community, including colleagues, mentors, and industry professionals. Networking can provide support, guidance, and lead to potential job opportunities.

Certifications
There are certifications and board certifications available for small animal veterinarians who choose to specialize in specific areas of veterinary medicine. These certifications are typically obtained through advanced education, training, submitting case logs, and passing rigorous examinations. Board-certified veterinarians are recognized for their commitment to excellence, expertise, and advanced knowledge in a particular field. They often use the title ‘Diplomate’ of the respective college or board.

Here are some certifications that may be pursued by small animal veterinarians:

  • American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) – The ABVP offers board certification in various specialty areas, including canine and feline practice, avian practice, and exotic companion mammal practice.
  • American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) – Veterinarians specializing in surgery can seek board certification through the ACVS, which offers certification in small animal surgery, large animal surgery, and other surgical disciplines.
  • American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) – The ACVIM provides board certification in internal medicine, with subspecialties such as cardiology, oncology, neurology, and other areas.
  • American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) – For veterinarians specializing in dentistry, the AVDC offers board certification in veterinary dentistry.
  • American College of Veterinary Dermatology (ACVD) – Veterinarians focusing on dermatology can seek board certification through the ACVD.
  • American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) – The ACVO offers board certification in veterinary ophthalmology for veterinarians specializing in eye care.
  • American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB) – Veterinarians interested in behavioral medicine can pursue board certification through the ACVB.
  • American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (ACVECC) – The ACVECC awards certification in emergency and critical care.

Professional Organizations
There are several professional organizations and associations that cater to the interests and needs of small animal veterinarians. The following prominent organizations provide resources, advocacy, support, continuing education opportunities, and a platform for networking and professional development.

  • American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) – The AVMA is the primary professional organization for veterinarians in the United States, encompassing various specialties, including small animal veterinary medicine.
  • American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) – The AAHA is an organization that accredits companion animal veterinary practices based on specific standards of excellence. Membership offers access to educational resources and networking opportunities.
  • American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners (AASRP) – While primarily focused on small ruminants (herbivores with a four-chambered stomach), this organization may be of interest to veterinarians working with small animals in mixed-practice settings.
  • American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) – The AAFP is dedicated to advancing feline medicine and surgery. It provides resources and guidelines for veterinarians focusing on the care of cats.
  • International Society for Companion Animal Infectious Diseases (ISCAID) – The ISCAID focuses on infectious diseases in companion animals and provides a platform for collaboration and education among veterinary professionals.
  • Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV) – The AAV is dedicated to advancing the field of avian medicine, and may be of interest to veterinarians with a focus on small exotic animals.
  • Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (VECCS) – The VECCS is dedicated to the advancement of emergency and critical care medicine.