So you're thinking about the field of veterinary medicine but not sure what area of practice to explore.

Have you thought about working with companion animals?

Companion animals provide emotional support to their human owners.

They're usually dogs, cats, or birds, but it's not uncommon for other animals like chickens, rabbits, horses or snakes to be companion animals as well.

It's no walk in the park!

Veterinary programs have a variety of different requirements but they generally consist of:

• an undergraduate degree

• a specialized veterinarian degree

• onsite training and ongoing professional development

1. Complete high school pre-requisites to apply to a college/university program in Life Sciences or a similar field.

2. Complete two years of pre-veterinary study or be required to have completed your Bachelor's degree.

3. Gain experience in the field through volunteering/internships to help strengthen your resume and guide you towards your interests.

4. Apply to and complete a 4-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program.

5. Take and pass the licensing exam for your state or province.

6. Start practicing in the field!

7. Pursue other training and/or certifications to specialize in working with companion animals.

• Perform wellness exams

• Do diagnostic testing using x-rays/drawing blood etc.

• Administer vaccines

• Prepare and prescribe medications

• Perform surgeries such as spays and neuters

• Diagnose illnesses

• Treat wounds

• Clean teeth

• Assist with problem births

• Euthanize animals nearing the end of their lives

Canadian Average Salary

$79,751 CAD

USA Average Salary

$95,460 USA

It's wise to weigh the challenges and benefits of this tough but rewarding career.

• It can take many years of schooling.

• It can be hard to deliver bad news to companions of support animals.

• You get to care for animals.

• You can help people with emotional support animals live better lives.