Veterinarian: Definition, Salary & More

In many countries, the local terminology for a veterinarian is a supervised and preserved term, meaning that members of the public without the mandatory accomplishments and/or licensure are not able to use the title. In many cases, the actions that may be shouldered by a veterinarian (such as treatment of illness or surgery in animals) are shortened only to those specialists who are listed as a veterinarian. For occurrence, in the United Kingdom, as in other influences, animal treatment may only be functioned by certified veterinary physicians (with a few labeled exceptions, such as para veterinary workers), and it is unlawful for any person who is not registered to call themselves a veterinarian, specify any drugs, or perform the treatment.

Most veterinary physicians work in impersonal settings, treating animals directly. These veterinarians may be involved in general practice, treating animals of all types; they may be specialized in a specific group of animals such as companion animals, livestock, zoo animals, or equines; or may specialize in a narrow medical discipline such as surgery, dermatology or internal medicine. As with other healthcare professionals, veterinarians face ethical decisions about the care of their patients. Current debates within the profession include the ethics of certain procedures believed to be purely cosmetic or unnecessary for behavioral issues, such as declawing of cats, docking of tails, cropping of ears, and debarking on dogs.

Veterinarian Salary

Veterinarians made a median salary of $90,420 in 2017. The best-paid 25 percent made $118,600 that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made $70,810.

Best-Paying Cities for Veterinarians

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the veterinarian profession are Urban Honolulu, Naples, Santa Cruz, Macon, and El Paso.
Urban Honolulu, Hawaii $216,240
Naples, Florida $172,360
Santa Cruz, California $156,810
Macon, Georgia $154,290
El Paso, Texas $152,730

The Best-Paying States for Veterinarians

The states and districts that pay Veterinarians the highest mean salary are Hawaii ($198,340), District of Columbia ($125,100), New Jersey ($124,870), New York ($122,500), and Nevada ($121,150).

Hawaii $198,340
District of Columbia $125,100
New Jersey $124,870
New York $122,500
Nevada $121,150

Veterinarian Definition

A veterinarian performs a wide variety of services related to animal health; the work is usually done at a private practice, though it can occur at a facility such as animal care and control center or a zoo. Some common services that are performed by veterinarians are check-ups, vaccinations, administering medicine, spaying, and neutering, and other surgeries. For veterinarians who work with pets, the veterinarian communicates regularly with owners on how to best provide care and discusses any needed services such as surgery or medication. Preventative care is an important part of the job to ensure long-term animal health.

Other services may be offered by the facility where the veterinarian practices (such as grooming), and though veterinarians do not typically perform these services, they may recommend them. A veterinarian also has management duties, overseeing assistants who help them carry out some tasks. Graduation from an accredited veterinary school is necessary for veterinarian positions, along with current licensing from the state. Previous veterinary experience is generally required or preferred as well.

It is important for veterinarians to have a strong knowledge of various conditions and diseases that afflict animals. Veterinarians should have strong customer service skills to ensure clients are satisfied and continue to return to the facility for future services. They should also have good problem-solving skills to help diagnose and treat a wide variety of animals and ailments.

Vet Tech/Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary

Veterinary technologists and technicians handle lab work, radiology, nursing care, surgery assistance and dozens of other tasks related to animal health care. “We do everything except diagnosing, prescribe and do surgery,” says Julie Legred, veterinary technician and former executive director of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America. They often work in private clinics and animal hospitals, assisting veterinarians with animal care. Veterinary Technologists and Technicians made a median salary of $33,400 in 2017. The best-paid 25 percent made $39,860 that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made $27,430.

While the job might sound like a lot of fun, Legred is quick to point out that “it’s not just holding puppies.” She adds, “You’re not going to make a lot of money, you have to pick up poo, and you get peed on.” In other words, the work isn’t glamorous, so only those with a real commitment to caring for animals tend to stay in the field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 20.0 percent employment growth for veterinary technologists and technicians between 2016 and 2026. In that period, an estimated 20,400 jobs should open up.