Veterinarian: Job Duties, Skills and Salary 2025

What Does a Veterinarian do?

Veterinarians are medical professionals dedicated to the healthcare of animals. They diagnose and treat diseases, perform surgeries, and provide preventative care to a variety of animals ranging from domestic pets to livestock and wildlife. Veterinarians play a key role in public health by controlling zoonotic diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Their responsibilities extend to educating pet owners on proper care, including nutrition, hygiene, and disease prevention. Beyond clinical duties, veterinarians often conduct medical research related to animal health issues, develop public health policies, and contribute to scientific publications on veterinary medicine.

This role is pivotal not only in ensuring the health and welfare of animals but also in supporting the bond between pets and their owners, enhancing livestock production, and safeguarding public health.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Veterinarians in the Healthcare field handle essential tasks and contribute significantly to achieving team and organizational goals. Here are some of their primary responsibilities:

• Examine animals to diagnose their health problems and recommend best practice treatment.
• Administer vaccinations to prevent common diseases and perform spay and neuter surgeries.
• Perform surgical procedures on injured animals.
• Prescribe medication and educate pet owners on administering it properly.
• Conduct routine check-ups on animals to maintain their health and welfare.
• Provide emergency care during accidents or sudden illness.
• Euthanize animals when necessary and in the most humane way possible.
• Advise animal owners regarding sanitary measures, feeding, and general care to promote health of animals.
• Engage in continuing education to stay abreast of the latest veterinary techniques and technology.

How to Become a Veterinarian

Launching a career as a Veterinarian requires a specific education. We outline the essential qualifications, skills, and steps to enter this field.

Qualification

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited program.
• State veterinary board certification and a valid license to practice veterinary medicine.
• Experience with animals in a clinical setting is highly preferred.
• Strong understanding of biology, animal science, and veterinary medicine.
• Excellent problem-solving, diagnostic, and surgical skills.

Requirements & Skills

• Compassion for animals and sensitivity for the pets’ owners.
• Strong communication skills to interact effectively with animal owners and veterinary staff.
• Physical stamina for handling large or uncooperative animals.
• Ability to make decisions in high-pressure environments and handle the emotional aspects of animal care.
• Dedication to lifelong learning to keep up with new medical information and technologies.

Veterinarian Salary Guide

Wondering what Veterinarians earn? Explore salary ranges by experience, and career tips to maximize your earning potential.

The average salary for a Veterinarian in the U.S. is approximately $95,000 per year and can vary from entry-level to senior positions. Veterinarians may receive a wide range of benefits.

Veterinarian Salary Career Steps