Veterinarians

Veterinarians, or vets, are doctors who take care of animals. They help pets stay healthy by giving checkups and vaccines. When a pet gets sick or hurt, the vet figures out what is wrong and helps it get better. Becoming a vet takes many years of school.

What Vets Do

Vets do many of the same things that your doctor does. They listen to an animal's heart, check its eyes and ears, and look at its teeth. Vets give animals shots to prevent diseases. They also perform surgeries when animals need them. Some vets specialize in just one kind of animal.

Visiting the Vet

Most pets should visit the vet at least once a year for a checkup. Puppies and kittens need to go more often for their first shots. It is important to take your pet to the vet right away if it stops eating or seems to be in pain. The vet's office is there to help your pet feel its best.

Fun Facts

• Veterinarians go to school for at least 8 years after high school.
• Some vets work at zoos and take care of lions, elephants, and other wild animals.
• The first known animal doctor lived in ancient Egypt about 4,000 years ago.

Did You Know?

There are over 100,000 veterinarians working in the United States. Some vets even make house calls so pets do not have to leave their homes!