4 Things to Know Before You Become a Veterinarian

Being a veterinarian is arguably one of the most rewarding and gratifying positions out there. I mean, who wouldn’t want to cuddle little guys like Whiskers and Mittens all day?

Unfortunately for you (and Whiskers and Mittens) being a vet isn’t all play. There’s a lot of responsibility that comes with the job and at times, it can be emotionally exhausting.

For most, the good trumps the bad, but it’s still good to know what to expect. Read on to learn 4 things you should know before you become a veterinarian.

1. Area of Interest

One of the first things you must consider before entering this field is the type of animal(s) you want to work with. A good starting point is to decide between domestic pets or large animals.

But, that’s just the start of it. The American Veterinary Medical Association offers over 40 areas of discipline, so you should spend time researching different fields.

You can go a more general health route and work at an office like Marietta Vet Clinic. These clinics offer your standard pet health services, such as neutering, spaying, and heartworm testing.

Or, you can get super specific and do something as distinct as sports medicine or aquaculture. The options are quite abundant!

2. Education and License

To become a veterinarian, you’ll need to obtain your Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). This typically requires between 7 and 9 years of schooling.

Most vets earn their bachelor’s in a science-related major, such as biology or anatomy. Some schools even offer more niche subjects, like biology or animal science.

After your BS, you’ll apply for placement in veterinary school which takes roughly 4 years. Like most doctoral programs, this is a very competitive field.

Upon completion of your degree, you’ll need to pass a state board examination to legally become a vet.

3. School Loans/Debt

Also like most doctoral fields, if you want to become a veterinarian, it’s going to cost you. The average cost of veterinary school ranges from $16,000-$50,000 a year.

However, since it’s such a competitive field, many students find that they must go out of state. As we all know, this can add an extra place to that dollar amount. On average, out of state tuition for vet school is upward of $63,000.

4. Salary

We spent enough time talking about the disadvantages to vet school, so let’s end on a good note. Aside from the furry kisses and playful dates, another huge perk of the job is its salary.

In 2015, the median salary for a vet is $88,490. If you get into a managerial position, that figure can get well into 6 figures.

Still Looking to Become a Veterinarian?

If you’re interested in this type of field, it’s fair to assume you’re an avid animal lover! What’s every animal lovers ultimate kryptonite?

You may have guessed it – a good, ol’ Facebook video or photo of a purr-fectly adorable animal.

We all know that nothing beats a good animal meme/gif so we’ve got plenty of them. Whether you’re happy as a clam or moody like this guy, we’ve got you covered.

Also, if you’re looking for more info on pets, work, or life, then check out our blog for new content each week!