Ask a vet: What does it take to become a veterinarian?

We get this question a lot, especially from young animal lovers dreaming of spending their days helping pets. Becoming a veterinarian is an incredibly rewarding journey, but it’s no small feat.

We asked Dr. Melissa Caid to share what it really takes to earn the title “DVM” (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine).

Q: How do you become a veterinarian?
Dr. Caid: First, you’ll need to complete a four-year undergraduate degree — usually with a focus in biology, animal science, or a related field. Vet schools look for students with strong academic records, hands-on animal experience, and a passion for science and medicine. After that comes veterinary school, which is another four years of intensive study and clinical training.

Q: Is it competitive?
Very. Vet school admissions are notoriously tough — often more selective than medical school! That’s why it’s so important to gain experience early on by volunteering at clinics, animal shelters, or farms. Showing a real commitment to animal care can help set you apart.

Q: What kind of training do vets go through?
A lot! In vet school, students study anatomy, pharmacology, surgery, pathology, and more. They also work directly with animals in clinical settings to develop the skills they'll need in practice. Some vets go on to complete internships or residencies in specialties like surgery, dermatology, or internal medicine.

Q: What advice do you have for aspiring vets?
Spend time around animals and the people who care for them. Ask questions. Learn to be patient, observant, and compassionate, not just with animals, but with their people, too. And be ready to work hard! It’s not an easy path, but it’s an incredibly fulfilling one.

Want to learn more?
There are some great websites for aspiring veterinarians of all ages:

• Vet Set Go — an awesome resource for middle and high school students interested in vet careers.

• I Want to Be a Veterinarian — created by veterinarians to walk you through the steps, from middle school to vet school.

Have a question for our team? Send it our way — we love helping the next generation of animal advocates learn and grow!