I want to be a Vet!

Steps to becoming a Zoo Veterinarian 

  1. Graduate from high school.
  2. Earn a bachelor’s degree. Some schools have a pre-veterinary program, but there is not a “pre-vet” major.  Most pre-veterinary students pursue a science degree in biology, zoology, chemistry, or related field, but this is not required if the veterinary school prerequisites are met. This typically takes four years to complete.
    1. Plan to ensure you are aware of and can complete the specific veterinary school prerequisite courses and experience.  Not all schools have the same requirements.
    2. Get experience working with animals through internships, externships, or volunteering.
  3. Attend veterinary school and complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program. This is a four-year degree.
  4. While in vet school, get experience and exposure to the zoo industry.  Continue working with animals through internships, externships, or volunteering.  Look for clinical zoo veterinary externship or preceptorship opportunities.
  5. Pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE).
  6. If you choose to specialize in zoo medicine, complete four to five years of internships and residency training to become board certified in zoological medicine.
  7. Network with other professionals in the field. Join professional organizations.
  8. Apply for positions at zoos.

Adults helping Elementary School students

Support children in their schoolwork in all subjects and other interests in addition to animals. There are many options for jobs working with animals other than veterinarians and other jobs in zoos and aquariums that don’t involve working hands-on with animals, but still benefit wildlife.

  • Children can help with pet care, including feeding, cleaning up after them, grooming, giving them toys and other enrichment, and making sure their animal companions get plenty of exercise.
  • There may be opportunities for children to join a club at school focused on science, animals, or the environment.
  • There are 4-H programs for children ages 8 – 18 in Georgia, and some counties have Cloverbud programs for children ages 5 – 7.
  • Spend time at parks, zoos, aquariums, museums, and nature centers. 
    Families can observe wildlife together and start a nature journal.
  • Family members can read books and watch age-appropriate documentaries about animals with children.

Links to check out:

Middle and High School students

  • Learn about veterinary careers and other careers working with animals. 
  • Talk to people that work in the veterinary field. Ask them about their educational background, what they do, their favorite and least favorite parts of their jobs, and any advice they have for a young person interested in becoming a veterinarian. 
  • Veterinary medicine is based on science, and you’ll need some math skills too, so do your best at school and keep your grades up. 
  • Being a veterinarian takes more than knowledge of animals. Work on developing good communication and leadership skills. 
  • Learn about the different types of veterinary jobs. There are many specialties! 
  • Volunteer somewhere working around animals like animal shelters, zoos, aquariums, and animal rehabilitation centers. 
  • Shadow a veterinarian. 
  • Join Zoo Atlanta’s Volunteen program for high school students ages 14 – 17. 
  • Take biology, chemistry, zoology, ecology, chemistry, physics, and math classes in high school and college. 

Links to check out:

Undergraduate students

Links to check out:

Beyond undergrad 

Organizations to learn about

Additional Sources

American Association of Zoo Veterinarians. (n.d.). Zoo and Aquarium Veterinarians: The True General Practitioners. 
 
Association of American Veterinary Colleges. (n.d.). Become a Veterinarian and Make a Difference. Retrieved June 2024, from https://www.aavmc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/career-brochure-web.pdf 
 
American Veterinary Medical Association. (n.d.-b). Veterinarians. Retrieved June 2024, from https://ebusiness.avma.org/files/ProductDownloads/MCM-ClientBrochures-20-Veterinarians-v3.pdf 
 
Jamil, E. (2023, October 9). Guardians of Captive Wildlife: The role of a zoo veterinarian. Medium. https://medium.com/@ejamil_62933/guardians-of-captive-wildlife-the-role-of-a-zoo-veterinarian-2d6405f0bad5 
 
Hamilton, S. (2024). The wild path to becoming a zoo veterinarian. Zoo Atlanta. 
 
Veterinary Career Videos. (n.d.) Playlists. [American Veterinary Medical Association]. YouTube. Retrieved June 2024, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77I8_fM6QBI&list=PLMszZOQAqfuX-LxFx7qNG7ilqbnfRURHF