Q. I would like to know how to become a vet because I love and care for animals so much! I've been trying to get information on how to become a vet and have been doing it ever since I was 6 years old. I wish every day that someone can teach me on how to become a vet.
A. So, you want to become a veterinarian? Well, here are a few things you should know:
You must have very good grades in school, especially high school and college. You should take lots of science classes like chemistry and biology. You must like people as much, if not more, than you like animals.
These days, it is very hard to get into veterinary school, especially if you are female. Over 75 percent of veterinary students are now women, so it is very competitive. There are only about 25 veterinary schools in the United States and Canada.
When you are older, try to get lots of experience working as a volunteer, so you can be sure that is what you want to do.
You will have to decide if you want to work with small animals, food animals (like cows) or horses, since fewer and fewer veterinarians are able to work on all species of animals. You may even like working on zoo animals, birds, marine mammals or wildlife.
Veterinary medicine is a wonderful profession; I hope you decide to join us!
Best,
Jon Geller, DVM
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