Find Your Purrfect Fit in the World of Veterinary Medicine

January 6, 2026

Veterinary medicine is a vast, dynamic field with career paths for every passion, skill set, and level of experience. Whether you dream of performing surgery, enjoy being the first friendly face a pet owner sees, or are interested in remote employment, in the veterinary world, there’s a role for you. 

Clinical Roles: The Heart of Patient Care 

The core of veterinary medicine revolves around the clinical team that delivers direct patient care.  

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM/VMD) 

A DVM is a licensed physician for animals. This role is highly diverse, ranging from general practice to specialized fields. 

• General Practice: The primary care physician for pets, focusing on preventive care, routine surgeries, diagnostics, and managing common illnesses. 

• Emergency and Critical Care (ER): A fast-paced environment often treating trauma, sudden illnesses, and critical, life-threatening conditions. Many emergency clinics are open 24 hours, and shifts involve overnight and weekend hours. 

• Specialty Medicine: After general practice and an internship, a DVM can complete a residency to become a board-certified specialist. The AVMA recognizes 22 specialties, including internal medicine, surgery, dermatology, ophthalmology, and dentistry. 

• Exotic and Wildlife Medicine: These roles focus on non-traditional pets such as birds and small mammals, or work with zoo animals and other wildlife. 

Explore Vetcor’s available DVM roles here.

Credentialed Veterinary Technician (CrVT, LVT, CVT, RVT) 

A technician is the nurse of the veterinary world. While titles may change based on the state you’re in, credentialed technicians receive additional schooling and are trained in a wide range of medical and technical procedures. Responsibilities for CrVTs vary based on hospital, but may commonly include: 

• Administering medications and IV fluids 

• Monitoring anesthesia for surgery and dental procedures 

• Performing lab work (blood draws, urinalysis, cytology) 

• Assisting in surgery and providing critical patient care 

• Educating clients on pet health and procedures 

Explore Vetcor’s available technician roles here.

Veterinary Assistant or Technician 

Assistants and non-credentialed technicians support DVMs and CrVTs with essential tasks. This is a common starting point for those entering the clinical side of veterinary medicine, and responsibilities may include: 

• Restraining and comforting patients 

• Cleaning, sterilizing, and maintaining equipment 

• Assisting with patient monitoring and feeding 

• Stocking supplies and maintaining hospital cleanliness 

Explore Vetcor’s available technician roles here.

Hospital Manager/Practice Manager 

The Hospital Manager is the business and operations leader of the clinic. They ensure the practice runs smoothly, profitably, and efficiently while focusing on employee retention and customer experience. Sometimes Hospital Managers have a clinical background, and other times, they have experience running operations outside of vetmed. Some common responsibilities for Managers include managing the staff, overseeing finances, ensuring the hospital is compliant with all regulations, and implementing hospital protocols.  

Explore Vetcor’s hospital manager roles here.

Client Service Representative (CSR) 

The CSR, also referred to as a receptionist, is the first and last impression of the clinic. They manage client communication, appointments, and client records. A typical day for a CSR includes scheduling appointments, triaging calls, check-in and check-out, handling medical records, and processing payments.  

Explore Vetcor’s client service roles here.

Kennel Attendant 

The Kennel Attendant is a crucial member of the clinical support team and helps ensure the hospitalized (or boarded) patients are comfortable and safe. This is an excellent role for those who love working with animals and would potentially like to work their way up into a position like an Assistant or Technician. Everyday responsibilities for a Kennel Attendant could include daily feeding and walking for patients, maintaining hospital cleanliness and sanitation, monitoring patient appetites, and assisting with bathing.  

Explore Vetcor’s pet care roles here.

Beyond the Clinic: Veterinary Support Roles 

Not every role in vet med involves scrubbing into surgery. The scope of veterinary medicine extends far into public health, corporate, and academic sectors. 

Corporate Roles 

Organizations like Vetcor partner with clinics to assist them behind-the-scene so that the hospital teams can focus on what they do best—caring for animals. Corporate organizations often have roles in Operations, IT, HR, Marketing, Recruiting, and Finance to offer a full scope of support to their network of hospitals. For experienced DVMs, leadership and advisor positions with a corporate organization offers them opportunities to leverage their clinical expertise, help shape best practices, mentor staff, and drive the future of veterinary care. 

If you have a passion for animals, but are more savvy with a computer than a scalpel, or are burnt out working in-clinic but want to stay in the industry, a role with Vetcor could be perfect for you! Apply for a Vetcor Support Office role today!

Mobile and Remote Veterinarian 

For veterinarians who enjoy the human-animal bond, but aren’t interested in surgery, there are specialized roles that focus on providing comfort to pets from their most familiar environment—their home. Telemedicine, hospice care, and in-home euthanasia businesses are excellent options for veterinarians who enjoy the field but are looking for roles outside of a standard brick-and-mortar clinic. 

Pet Groomer 

Pet grooming is a complementary service to veterinary medicine, ensuring the comfort and hygiene of pets. Groomers often work closely with the medical team, as they are frequently the first to notice skin conditions, lumps, or other health issues. These professionals provide essential services like bathing, hair trimming, nail clipping, and ear cleaning. Depending on the area, groomers may work in-clinic, or have their own business outside of a veterinary practice.  

Explore Vetcor’s pet care roles here.

Pharmaceutical/Pet Food Roles 

Veterinarians and credentialed technicians who transition into this sector play a vital role on sales and research teams. They serve as trustworthy liaisons between the company and practicing veterinarians. Their expertise also helps companies develop medications, specialized diets, and improve diagnostic equipment.  

Research and Academia 

Veterinarians are integral to research that benefits animal health and the future generation of practitioners. 

• Research Veterinarians: Working in government, universities, or private labs, these veterinarians conduct clinical trials, study the pathology and treatment of diseases, and ensure the humane use of research animals. Their work is critical to developing new drugs, vaccines, and surgical techniques. 

• Teachers/Professors: Veterinary professionals are needed to educate the next generation of DVMs and veterinary professionals at universities, technical colleges, and specialized training centers. This involves developing curriculum, conducting lectures, and mentoring students in clinical and laboratory settings. 

Public Health and Government 

These roles protect the food and drug supply, monitor disease outbreaks, and ensure animal welfare on a large scale, safeguarding the health of entire populations.  

• USDA or FDA: Ensure food safety, inspect livestock, and regulate veterinary products. 

• Epidemiology: Track and prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases. 

• Military: Ensure the health and readiness of military working dogs. 

Find Your Future With Vetcor 

No matter where your passion lies, the veterinary industry offers a path. What truly sets a career apart is the support system behind you. 

At Vetcor, we believe in promoting growth and providing resources to help you reach your full potential, regardless of your current role or title. Whether you’re a recent graduate DVM or an experienced veterinary receptionist looking to move into management, your path to success is supported here. 

Apply to Vetcor today to find your dream career and a partner in your professional growth.