Veterinarians are highly trained professionals who specialize in the care and treatment of animals. They are responsible for diagnosing and treating medical conditions, prescribing medications, performing surgeries, and providing preventative care to keep animals healthy.
While many veterinarians choose to work in traditional settings, such as private clinics or animal hospitals, there are a variety of alternative career paths that they can explore.
While clinical practice is a rewarding career, some veterinarians may become burnt out or find that they are no longer enjoying the day-to-day work. Alternative careers can offer new challenges and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Whether you are looking for career satisfaction, new challenges, or ways to make a difference in the lives of animals, alternative careers can provide the opportunities you seek. In this article, we will highlight alternative careers for veterinarians.
Alternative Careers for Veterinarians
Animal Shelter Manager
Animal shelters provide temporary homes and care for abandoned, lost, or homeless animals. A veterinarian with experience in shelter medicine can excel as an animal shelter manager, overseeing the daily operations of the shelter and ensuring the health and well-being of its residents.
Animal Control Officer
Animal control officers are responsible for enforcing animal-related laws, rescuing animals in distress, and investigating cases of animal abuse. Veterinarians with experience in emergency medicine and a passion for animal welfare may find this career path to be a good fit.
Wildlife Rehabilitator
Wildlife rehabilitation involves caring for sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife and releasing them back into their natural habitats. Veterinarians with an interest in wildlife and a background in exotic animal medicine may enjoy this alternative career path.
Research Scientist
Veterinarians who have a passion for research can pursue careers as research scientists, where they can conduct studies and experiments aimed at improving animal health and welfare.
Government Veterinarian
Government veterinarians work for federal agencies, such as the USDA or the FDA, and are involved in a variety of tasks, including food safety inspections, disease control and prevention, and animal health regulation.
College Professor
Veterinarians with a love for teaching and a strong academic background may choose to pursue careers as college professors, where they can share their knowledge and expertise with students.
Equine Veterinarian
Equine veterinarians specialize in the care and treatment of horses. They may work in private practices, racing stables, or other equine-related settings.
Zoo Veterinarian
Zoo veterinarians are responsible for the health and well-being of the animals in zoos, aquariums, and wildlife parks. They diagnose and treat medical conditions, perform surgeries, and provide preventative care to keep the animals healthy.
Military Veterinarian
Military veterinarians serve in the armed forces and are responsible for the health and well-being of military working dogs, as well as livestock and other animals used in military operations.
Disaster Response Veterinarian
Disaster response veterinarians are responsible for providing medical care and support to animals during natural disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and wildfires.
Humane Society Veterinarian
Humane society veterinarians work for animal welfare organizations and are responsible for the health and well-being of the animals in their care.
Aquatic Veterinarian
Aquatic veterinarians specialize in the care and treatment of marine animals, such as dolphins, whales, and sea lions.
Farm Veterinarian
Farm veterinarians provide care and treatment to a variety of farm animals, including cows, pigs, and chickens. They may work in private practices, on-site at farms, or for animal agriculture organizations.
Mobile Veterinarian
Mobile veterinarians travel to clients’ homes to provide veterinary services, such as check-ups, vaccinations, and surgeries.
Pet Food Company Veterinarian
Pet food companies often employ veterinarians to ensure that their products are safe and nutritionally balanced for pets.
Animal Behaviorist
Animal behaviorists study the behavior of animals and work to modify or improve their behavior through various training techniques. Veterinarians with an interest in animal behavior and psychology may find this career path to be a good fit.
Pet Adoption Coordinator
Pet adoption coordinators are responsible for matching animals with suitable adopters and providing support throughout the adoption process. Veterinarians with a passion for animal welfare and strong interpersonal skills may excel in this role.
Pet Insurance Underwriter
Pet insurance underwriters evaluate insurance policies for pets and determine their coverage, premiums, and eligibility. Veterinarians with a background in risk management and a passion for pet health may find this career path to be a good fit.
Pet Photographer
Pet photographers specialize in capturing memories of people and their pets. Veterinarians with an eye for photography and a love for animals may find this alternative career path to be a good fit.
Animal Therapy Specialist
Animal therapy specialists use animals to provide emotional and physical therapy to individuals with disabilities or mental health conditions. Veterinarians with a background in animal behavior and a passion for helping others may find this career path to be a good fit.
Pet Food Developer
Pet food developers are responsible for creating and testing new pet food products to ensure their safety and nutritional value. Veterinarians with a background in animal nutrition and a passion for pet health may excel in this role.
Animal Rights Advocate
Animal rights advocates work to protect the rights and welfare of animals through advocacy, education, and public awareness campaigns. Veterinarians with a strong commitment to animal welfare may find this career path to be a good fit.
Pet Stylist
Pet stylists are responsible for grooming and styling of pets, including trimming their fur and clipping their nails. Veterinarians with experience in animal grooming and a passion for pet appearance may excel in this role.
Pet Store Manager
Pet store managers are responsible for overseeing the daily operations of pet stores, including managing staff, ordering inventory, and ensuring customer satisfaction. Veterinarians with strong leadership and management skills may find this career path to be a good fit.
Pet Trainer
Pet trainers use positive reinforcement techniques to teach pets new behaviors and improve their obedience. Veterinarians with a background in animal behavior and a passion for helping pets and their owners may find this career path to be a good fit.
Pet Travel Agent
Pet travel agents help pet owners plan and book trips that are pet-friendly, including arranging for pet-friendly accommodations, air travel, and other transportation. Veterinarians with a passion for travel and a love for pets may excel in this role.
Service Animal Trainer
Service animal trainers train dogs and other animals to assist individuals with disabilities, such as guiding the visually impaired, alerting individuals with hearing loss, and providing emotional support. Veterinarians with a background in animal behavior and a passion for helping others may find this career path to be a good fit.
Equine Therapy Specialist
Equine therapy specialists use horses to provide physical and emotional therapy to individuals with disabilities or mental health conditions. Veterinarians with a background in equine medicine and a passion for helping others may find this career path to be a good fit.
Pet Cemetery Manager
Pet cemetery managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of pet cemeteries, including managing staff, ensuring the maintenance of the grounds, and offering support to bereaved pet owners. Veterinarians with strong leadership and interpersonal skills may excel in this role.
Pet Funeral Director
Pet funeral directors help pet owners plan and arrange funerals and memorial services for their deceased pets. They provide support to grieving pet owners and assist them with selecting appropriate memorial items, such as caskets or urns. Veterinarians with strong interpersonal skills and compassion for pet owners may excel in this role.
Pet Sitter
Pet sitters provide in-home care for pets while their owners are away. This can include feeding, walking, and providing basic care for pets. Veterinarians with a love for animals and a desire to work with pets in a non-clinical setting may find this career path to be a good fit.
Zoo Veterinarian
Zoo veterinarians provide medical care to animals in zoos, aquariums, and wildlife parks. They work with a wide range of species and are responsible for maintaining the health and welfare of captive animals. Veterinarians with a background in wildlife medicine and a passion for working with exotic species may find this career path to be a good fit.
Marine Mammal Veterinarian
Marine mammal veterinarians provide medical care to marine mammals, such as dolphins, whales, and seals. They work in aquariums, marine mammal parks, and research facilities and are responsible for the health and welfare of these animals.
Veterinarians with a background in marine biology and a passion for working with marine mammals may find this career path to be a good fit.
Wildlife Rehabilitator
Wildlife rehabilitators care for injured, sick, or orphaned wildlife with the goal of releasing them back into their natural habitat. They provide medical care, feed and care for the animals, and monitor their progress. Veterinarians with a background in wildlife medicine and a passion for helping wildlife may find this career path to be a good fit.
Wildlife Biologist
Wildlife biologists study wildlife populations and their habitats and work to conserve and manage these resources. They may also conduct research on wildlife behavior and disease. Veterinarians with a background in wildlife biology and a passion for conservation may find this career path to be a good fit.
Conservation Officer
Conservation officers enforce laws and regulations related to wildlife, fisheries, and parklands. They may also work on conservation projects and educate the public about wildlife conservation. Veterinarians with a background in wildlife biology and a passion for conservation may find this career path to be a good fit.
Park Ranger
Park rangers protect and manage natural and cultural resources in national and state parks. They may also lead educational programs and enforce park regulations. Veterinarians with a background in wildlife biology and a love for the outdoors may find this career path to be a good fit.
Agricultural Veterinarian
Agricultural veterinarians provide medical care for livestock and work with farmers and ranchers to ensure the health and productivity of their herds and flocks. They may also advise on animal husbandry practices and food safety. Veterinarians with a background in large animal medicine and a passion for agriculture may find this career path to be a good fit.
Livestock Inspector
Livestock inspectors ensure that livestock is healthy and meets standards for food safety, disease control, and humane treatment. They may also enforce regulations related to the transportation and sale of livestock. Veterinarians with a background in large animal medicine and a passion for agriculture may find this career path to be a good fit.
Animal Nutritionist
Animal nutritionists develop diets and feeding plans for a wide range of animals, including pets, livestock, and zoo animals. They consider factors such as the animal’s species, age, and health status when creating diets. Veterinarians with a background in animal nutrition and a desire to work in a non-clinical setting may find this career path to be a good fit.
Livestock Manager
Livestock managers are responsible for the day-to-day operation of livestock facilities, including feeding, breeding, and health management. They may also oversee the production of livestock products, such as milk or meat. Veterinarians with a background in large animal medicine and a passion for agriculture may find this career path to be a good fit.
Animal Breeder
Animal breeders specialize in breeding and raising a specific species of animal, such as dogs, horses, or cattle. They use knowledge of genetics, animal behavior, and health to produce healthy, high-quality animals. Veterinarians with a background in animal genetics and a passion for a specific species of animal may find this career path to be a good fit.
Pet Dress Maker
A pet dressmaker is someone who creates and designs clothing and accessories for pets. This can include items such as shirts, coats, sweaters, tutus, bandanas, and hats. Pet dressmakers may work in a variety of settings, including their own home-based businesses, pet boutiques, and larger clothing and accessory companies.
Equine Manager
Equine managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of equine facilities, such as stables, riding schools, and racetracks. They may also manage horse breeding and training programs. Veterinarians with a background in equine medicine and a passion for working with horses may find this career path to be a good fit.
Equine Dentist
Equine dentists specialize in the dental care of horses. They perform routine dental exams and teeth floating, as well as more complex procedures, such as extractions. Veterinarians with a background in equine medicine and a special interest in equine dentistry may find this career path to be a good fit.
Equine Therapist
Equine therapists use a variety of techniques, such as massage, acupuncture, and chiropractic, to help horses recover from injury and improve their performance. They may also provide preventative care to keep horses healthy and in top condition.
Veterinarians with a background in equine medicine and a passion for equine therapy may find this career path to be a good fit.
Pet Blogger
A pet blogger is someone who writes about pet-related topics and shares their knowledge and experiences with their audience. Pet bloggers may write about a wide range of topics, such as pet health and wellness, training and behavior, pet-friendly travel, and product reviews.
They may also share personal stories about their own pets and provide advice and resources for pet owners. Pet bloggers may run their own blogs or contribute to established pet-related websites. They may also use social media platforms, such as Instagram and Facebook, to share their content and engage with their audience.
Equine Breeder
Equine breeders specialize in breeding and raising horses. They use knowledge of genetics, horse behavior, and health to produce healthy, high-quality horses for a variety of purposes, such as racing, show jumping, or pleasure riding. Veterinarians with a background in equine genetics and a passion for working with horses may find this career path to be a good fit.
They may work on breeding programs for specific breeds of horses and use genetic techniques to enhance the traits of their horses. Equine breeders also play a critical role in preserving endangered equine breeds and ensuring the health and well-being of the horses they breed.