Who Let the Dogs Out? My Path to a Career as a Veterinarian

Who Let the Dogs Out?

My love for dogs started with my very first dog, Chelsea. From the moment I was born, she protected me like no other. Even my own grandfather was scared she was going to bite him when he tried to play with me. When she passed away I felt like I had lost my best friend. That’s why I hold a special place in my heart for not only dogs, but all animals. Veterinarians get the privilege to work with such kind creatures all day, everyday. Performing surgeries, working with the animals, interacting with the owners, and rescuing homeless or hurt animals are just a few of the things vets do. Although becoming a veterinarian will be a strenuous journey, the benefits are monumental in the end.

Veterinarians are medical professionals whose goals are to improve the health and welfare of animals, protect public health and food safety, and better enhance environmental health. The specific work of veterinarians depends on their special interests. The majority of veterinarians work in private clinical practice, about seventy-four percent to be exact. The general public often sees these veterinarians. Even though most private practice veterinarians treat a variety of animals, about sixty percent only work on small animals, such as dogs and cats, as well as birds, reptiles, rabbits, and other animals that are kept as pets. Only about one-fourth of veterinarians work in mixed animal practices, where they see non-domestic animals such as sheep, pigs, and goats, while also seeing companion animals. Only ten percent of private clinical practice veterinarians work specifically with large animals, such as horses and cows. Veterinarians may also specialize in certain fields as physicians do. Surgery, internal medicine, anesthe...

... middle of paper ...

... cutting costs, veterinarians are not 100 percent sure if it’s the right move to make yet. (New Strides in Spaying and Neutering 1-5) The outlook on veterinarian’s technology is very promising, as well as the veterinarian doctor position. There will always be a need for veterinarians. With 61,400 current veterinary positions in the United States and 3,420 new job openings created each year, this field is definitely promising for any future veterinarians.

Even though the journey to becoming a veterinarian will be a long and rigorous road ahead, in the end, it will all be worth it. Sixty five percent of animals around the world die from abuse or improper treatment, and as a future veterinarian, I want to start putting a stop to it now. “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” –Mahatma Gandhi.