Being a veterinarian is a demanding, hands-on career that blends science and compassion, with the work schedule of a veterinarian being much more hectic than many could imagine. From long hours and emotional strain to physical demands and client communication, the veterinary profession requires far more than just a love for animals – although this helps, of course.

In this article, we’ll explore what day-to-day life is really like for veterinarians, the work environment of a vet, veterinarian working conditions and the work schedule of a veterinarian, giving you a well-rounded look at what it means to work in animal healthcare today.

What is it like to be a veterinarian?

A veterinarian’s routine will differ from one day to the next, whether they are performing routine wellness checks on patients, diagnosing and treating illnesses, or undertaking an emergency surgery, veterinary roles are extremely diverse. Those working with livestock in rural areas may even transfer between farms, while those in research or public health settings may have more structured schedules.

Veterinarian education and training

Prospective veterinarians must obtain a four-year college degree and then complete a four-year program to receive a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) to become a fully-fledged veterinarian. To practice as a veterinarian, however, individuals must pass a licensing exam, and maintain the requirements associated with the professional license.

Being accepted into a veterinary school is very competitive due to the small number of colleges across the US offering veterinary medical degrees – with veterinary college admissions usually expecting students to have undergone a bachelor’s degree including coursework in biology, microbiology, chemistry, physics, and calculus, as well as substantial experience with animals.

The DVM degree usually takes four years to complete, with the first three years incorporating a mixture of classroom lectures,k anatomy labs, and hands-on work with animals. In the final year, students will undertake clinical rotations in a variety of disciplines which incorporate all the hands-on skills needed to be a well-rounded veterinarian. Once earning a DVM degree, all veterinarians must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination and then pass specific state licensing exams.

After graduation, many veterinarians choose to do a 1-year internship to gain specialized hands-on training in their specific area of interest. And if a veterinarian wishes to practice in a specialization, like dermatology, radiology, oncology or any of the 46 recognized specialities, they must undertake a residency program and additional board certifications.

Work environment of a vet

Veterinarians can expect their work to take them to a number of different settings including general practice hospitals, emergency and specialty animal hospitals, farms, animal shelters, zoos, or even be mobile and travel across different environments.

But what are common veterinarian working conditions? Let’s take a closer look at the different working conditions of a vet:

Veterinary practices

At veterinary practices, veterinarians will work in clinical exam rooms treating pets. Veterinarians working within these practices usually have regular patients like dogs, cats and rabbits who are brought in for routine care.

Emergency clinics

Veterinarians who work at emergency clinics provide urgent care to animals. They will be on-call (on a rotational basis) at the clinic to perform surgeries, administer medication and more.

Laboratories

Some veterinarians may choose to go down the research track, working in laboratory settings to conduct experiments and research different aspects of veterinary care. Veterinarians working in laboratories hope to promote the scientific development of animal care. They may spend more time reading, studying, and interpreting results than interacting with animals.

Farms, stables and ranches

Veterinarian working conditions when working with large animals at farms usually require veterinarians to be outdoors for the majority of the day. Veterinarians working on ranches and stables may observe animal behavior to diagnose issues or help horses, cows and sheep give birth. These veterinarians usually have a few assistants to help them control animal behavior during certain treatments.

Inspection firms

Regulatory organizations ensure livestock animals receive humane treatment and live in safe environments. Veterinarians who work at inspection firms walk through industrial farms, visit meat or dairy processing plants to assess living conditions, provide routine care, and spend time in an office preparing reports.

What is the work schedule of a veterinarian?

Veterinarians usually have hectic and busy workloads, which can include everything from routine appointments to emergency visits. In comparison, veterinary practice owners not only provide medical treatment, they also handle clinical logistics, schedule appointments and more.

How many hours do veterinarians work per week?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, veterinarians often work over 40 hours per week. However, veterinarians often work overtime to respond to emergencies outside of scheduled work hours. Veterinary practice owners may work additional hours to manage technical aspects of their business, like hiring staff and scheduling building maintenance.

Benefits of being a veterinarian

Many veterinarians join the industry for their love of animals, while others become veterinarians because of the earning potential – but these aren’t the only benefits associated with being a veterinarian:

Diverse career opportunities

The veterinary field offers veterinarians a wide range of potential career opportunities. There are private clinical practices and general animal hospitals of course, but veterinarians could also work in academia, research, public health, the military, and even roles in food safety inspection. Veterinary professionals are able to find niches that align with their skills and interests.

Strong job outlook and stability

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected the employment of veterinarians will grow by 19% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations – with around 4,300 openings for veterinarians projected each year, on average, over the decade. The demand for veterinary services continues to grow, driven by increasing pet ownership and heightened awareness of animal health. This trend ensures job stability and a positive employment outlook for veterinarians.

Competitive earning potential

Veterinarians often enjoy a comfortable income, with opportunities to maximize their earnings through experience, specialization, or owning a practice. Educational costs are often significant, but the financial rewards can offset these investments over time.

Meaningful impact on animal and public health

Veterinarians play a crucial role in the health and well-being of animals. By diagnosing and treating illnesses, veterinarians prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases – which are transmissible from animals to humans – ensuring the safety of the food supply chain.

Continuous learning and professional growth

As a dynamic field, veterinary medicine requires ongoing education to ensure veterinarians stay ahead of the curve. Veterinarians must stay updated on the latest medical treatments, advancements, and technologies. This need for continuous learning promotes a culture of lifelong learning and professional development.

Opportunities for entrepreneurship

Many veterinarians choose to open their own clinical practices, giving them autonomy to shape their professional environment and career.

Challenges of being a veterinarian

Veterinary work is extremely rewarding, however, beneath the surface of this increasingly in-demand profession, there are a number of challenges that lie heavily on practitioners.

Mental health challenges

Veterinarians are disproportionately affected by burnout, depression, and suicide compared to the general population. The emotional toll of making life-or-death decisions, discussing euthanasia, dealing with vulnerable animals, or navigating financial constraints leads to high levels of compassion fatigue. Veterinarian working conditions are tough.

As a profession, veterinarians work long hours, and more often than not, these hectic schedules are accompanied by high client expectations that exacerbate the stress, creating an unforgiving cycle of pressure.

Student loan debt

Many veterinarians begin their careers with a mountain of student debt. In fact, the average veterinary graduate owes over $150,000, with some debts exceeding $300,000. Veterinary salaries are competitive, however, they can often fall short in balancing the cost of education, leaving many professionals in financial limbo.

Conclusion

As a career, the veterinary profession balances deep compassion for animals with scientific expertise and high personal commitment. The work environment of a vet is filled with variety, from clinical care in animal hospitals to research in laboratories or hands-on work with livestock in rural settings.

What is a day in the life of a veterinarian really like? They face demanding hours, emotional and physical strain, and significant student debt – but many still find the work deeply rewarding. Whether the strong job outlook entices hopefuls into the fields or the opportunity to specialize and lead, veterinary medicine offers both challenges and meaningful fulfillment.

FAQs

How many hours do veterinarians work a week?

Most veterinarians often exceed 40 hours per week. Emergency veterinarians and practice owners may work nights, weekends, or be on-call to handle urgent cases.

Where do veterinarians work?

Private practices and animal hospitals, emergency and specialty clinics, farms and ranches, zoos and aquariums, research laboratories, public health and food safety agencies.