Hamline University

Veterinarians care for the health of animals and work to improve public health. They diagnose, treat, and research medical conditions and diseases of pets, livestock, and other animals. Veterinarians treat the injuries and illnesses of pets and other animals with a variety of medical equipment, including surgical tools and x-ray and ultrasound machines. They provide treatment for animals that is similar to the services a physician provides to treat humans.” -United States Department of Labor

Veterinarians also play a critical role in promoting the health and welfare of farm animals, exotic animals, working animals (like those in the equine industry), and those that need a healthy environment in which to thrive, whether that environment is a rain forest, a desert or even the ocean. Many veterinarians work on research, food safety and inspection testing animals and animal products for major diseases, developing vaccines and enforcing government safety regulations. Veterinarians also design and administer animal and public health programs for the prevention and control of diseases transmissible among animals and between animals and people.