What does a small animal veterinarian do?

What is a Small Animal Veterinarian?

Small animal veterinarians specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of illnesses and injuries afflicting small animals, typically companion animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small pets. Their work involves interacting with pet owners to gather information about the animal’s health history and discussing treatment options. Additionally, they may collaborate with veterinary technicians and other staff to provide comprehensive care for their small animal patients.

What does a Small Animal Veterinarian do?

Duties and Responsibilities
The work of small animal veterinarians is essential in maintaining the health of individual pets and contributing to public health by preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Their responsibilities typically include:

• Routine Check-ups – conducting regular health check-ups to ensure the overall well-being of pets
• Vaccinations – administering vaccinations to prevent common diseases in pets
• Diagnostics – performing diagnostic tests such as blood work, X-rays, and ultrasounds to identify health issues
• Treatment – prescribing medications and providing various treatments for illnesses and injuries
• Surgery – performing surgical procedures when necessary, such as spaying, neutering, and addressing injuries
• Dental Care – addressing dental issues and promoting oral health in pets
• Nutritional Counseling – offering guidance on proper nutrition and diet for pets
• Client Education – educating pet owners on preventive care, behavioral issues, and general pet wellness
• Emergency Care – providing emergency medical care for injured or critically ill small animals
• Administrative Tasks – maintaining patient records

Types of Small Animal Veterinarians
Now that we have a sense of the small animal veterinarian’s scope of work, let’s look at some different types of small animal vets, each with their own focus and expertise:

• General Practitioners – These veterinarians provide comprehensive care for a wide range of health issues in small animals. They handle routine check-ups, vaccinations, and common medical conditions.
• Emergency and Critical Care Veterinarians – Specializing in handling urgent and critical medical cases, these veterinarians work in emergency clinics and are trained to manage trauma, toxicities, and other acute conditions.
• Surgical Veterinarians – Focusing on surgical procedures, these veterinarians may specialize in soft tissue surgery, orthopedic surgery, or other specialized surgical interventions.
• Dentistry Veterinarians – Specializing in oral health, these veterinarians focus on dental procedures, such as cleanings, extractions, and addressing dental diseases in small animals.
• Internal Medicine Veterinarians – These veterinarians specialize in diagnosing and treating internal health issues, including diseases of the organs and systemic conditions.
• Behavioral Veterinarians – Focusing on animal behavior, these veterinarians address behavioral issues in pets and provide guidance to pet owners on training and behavior modification.
• Diagnostic Imaging Veterinarians – Specializing in diagnostic imaging techniques such as X-rays, ultrasound, and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), these veterinarians use advanced imaging to diagnose and monitor various conditions.
• Veterinary Dermatologists – These vets specialize in skin, ear, and coat conditions in small animals.
• Veterinary Oncologists – These vets specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in small animals.
• Veterinary Cardiologists – These vets specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of heart and circulatory system disorders in small animals.
• Veterinary Neurologists – These vets specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the nervous system in small animals.

What is the workplace of a Small Animal Veterinarian like?

Small animal veterinarians can work for various entities, and their workplace may vary based on their preferences, specialization, and career goals. The following are among their most common employers:

• Private Veterinary Practices – Many small animal veterinarians work in private practices, either as associates or solo practice owners. Private practices may focus on general veterinary care or specialize in areas such as surgery, dentistry, or internal medicine. In these settings the workplace typically includes examination rooms, surgical suites, laboratories, and areas for diagnostic imaging.
• Animal Hospitals and Clinics – Small animal veterinarians can be employed by larger animal hospitals or veterinary clinics that provide a range of services, including emergency care, surgery, and specialized treatments. Vets working in these environments may have access to more extensive facilities and equipment, including specialized treatment areas, intensive care units, and emergency care facilities.
• Specialty Referral Centers – Small animal vets who specialize in areas like surgery, dermatology, oncology, or internal medicine may work in specialty referral centers, where they collaborate with other specialists to provide advanced care. Speciality referral centers have advanced equipment and facilities to support specialized care.
• Veterinary Teaching Hospitals – Some small animal veterinarians work in academic settings, providing clinical care as well as participating in research and the education and training of veterinary students. Veterinary teaching hospitals are often associated with universities.
• Corporate Veterinary Practices – Large corporations in the veterinary industry may operate their own chain of veterinary clinics, and small animal veterinarians can be employed by these corporate entities. These clinics generally benefit from corporate resources and standardized practices.
• Government Agencies – Small animal veterinarians may work for government agencies that focus on animal health, public health, or disease control. This can include positions in regulatory bodies or public health departments. Vets in government roles may have offices in government buildings or laboratories.
• Non-profit Organizations – Some small animal veterinarians choose to work for non-profit organizations that focus on animal welfare, rescue, or advocacy. These organizations may operate veterinary clinics and outreach programs that provide low-cost veterinary services in underserved communities.
• Research Institutions – Veterinarians interested in research may work in laboratory settings at academic or private research institutions, contributing to studies aimed at advancing in veterinary medicine.
• Industry and Pharmaceutical Companies – Small animal veterinarians may be employed by companies in the veterinary pharmaceutical or pet food industries, working in roles related to product development, research, or sales. In these settings, vets may have offices in company headquarters or research and development facilities.

It’s important to note that some veterinarians may pursue a combination of roles throughout their career, such as working in private practice while also engaging in research or teaching. Regardless of their career choices, their workday is usually demanding, requiring both medical expertise and strong communication and interpersonal skills to provide comprehensive care for animals and support for their owners.