A veterinarian (often called a vet) is a doctor who takes care of animals. Just as your pediatrician examines you, gives you shots, and helps you get better when you're sick, a veterinarian does the same for dogs, cats, horses, birds, and many other creatures.

Veterinarians go to school for many years to learn about animal bodies, diseases, and treatments. They examine pets during checkups, prescribe medicine, perform surgeries, and help injured animals heal. Some vets work in clinics treating household pets, while others specialize in farm animals like cows and pigs, or even exotic animals at zoos. There are equine veterinarians who focus specifically on horses, and wildlife veterinarians who help injured wild animals.

The job requires both scientific knowledge and genuine compassion. A vet needs to understand complex medical problems, but also stay calm around frightened animals and communicate clearly with worried pet owners. Since animals can't explain where it hurts, veterinarians must be excellent observers, noticing subtle clues about what might be wrong.