What Do Veterinarians Do

Veterinarians, or vets, are doctors for animals. They help sick and injured animals feel better. Vets take care of pets like dogs and cats. Some vets also work with farm animals, zoo animals, or wild animals. They love animals and want to keep them healthy.

A Vet's Work

Vets give animals checkups just like your doctor gives you checkups. They give shots to prevent diseases. They do surgery when animals are hurt. Vets also clean animals' teeth and help with broken bones. They must be gentle because animals cannot tell them where it hurts.

Different Kinds of Vets

Small animal vets take care of pets like cats, dogs, and hamsters. Large animal vets visit farms to help horses and cows. Zoo vets care for lions, elephants, and other wild animals. Some vets work in emergency clinics that are open all night. Marine vets help dolphins, sea turtles, and whales.

Fun Facts

• Vets need almost as much school as human doctors, about 8 years after high school.
• Some veterinarians travel to Africa to help protect endangered animals.
• The first known animal doctor lived in ancient Egypt about 4,000 years ago.

Did You Know?

Veterinarians treat all kinds of animals, from tiny hamsters to giant elephants. A zoo vet might give a checkup to a giraffe in the morning and a penguin in the afternoon!