The U.S. veterinary medical profession contributes to society in diverse ways, from developing drugs and protecting the food supply to treating companion animals and investigating animal diseases in the wild. In a study of the issues related to the veterinary medical workforce, including demographics, workforce supply, trends affecting job availability, and capacity of the educational system to fill future demands, a National Research Council committee found that the profession faces important challenges in maintaining the economic sustainability of veterinary practice and education, building its scholarly foundations, and evolving veterinary service to meet changing societal needs. Many concerns about the profession came into focus following the outbreak of West Nile fever in 1999, and the subsequent outbreaks of SARS, monkeypox, bovine spongiform encephalopathy, highly pathogenic avian influenza, H1N1 influenza, and a variety of food safety and environmental issues heightened public concerns. They also raised further questions about the directions of veterinary medicine and the capacity of public health service the profession provides both in the United States and abroad. To address some of the problems facing the veterinary profession, greater public and private support for education and research in veterinary medicine is needed. The public, policymakers, and even medical professionals are frequently unaware of how veterinary medicine fundamentally supports both animal and human health and well-being. This report seeks to broaden the public's understanding and attempts to anticipate some of the needs and measures that are essential for the profession to fulfill given its changing roles in the 21st century.

Opportunities in Veterinary Medicine Careers offers job seekers essential information about a variety of careers in the field of veterinary medicine. The book includes training and education requirements, salary statistics, and professional and Internet resources.

Opportunities in Animal and Pet Careers offers job seekers essential information about a variety of careers for animal lovers. The book includes training and education requirements, salary statistics, and professional and Internet resources.

Many veterinary jobs can be obtained with two years or fewer of training, in clinical practices, animal hospitals, zoos, aquariums, and wildlife research and rehabilitation. Careers described include animal care attendant, veterinary technician, veterinary receptionist, veterinary lab assistant, and kennel and shelter attendant, among related vocations. Sidebars illustrate the real-life experiences of a veterinary assistant, a wildlife technician, a veterinary technician, and an equine veterinary technician. Each job's activities, academic requirements, and certification and licensing requirements are explained in an easily accessible format. This handy guide offers details on applying for veterinary jobs, tips for interviewing, and strategies for career advancement.

"Opportunities in Veterinary Medicine Careers" offers job seekers essential information about a variety of careers in the field of veterinary medicine. The book includes training and education requirements, salary statistics, and professional and Internet resources.

Research in veterinary science is critical for the health and well-being of animals, including humans. Food safety, emerging infectious diseases, the development of new therapies, and the possibility of bioterrorism are examples of issues addressed by veterinary science that have an impact on both human and animal health. However, there is a lack of scientists engaged in veterinary research. Too few veterinarians pursue research careers, and there is a shortage of facilities and funding for conducting research. This report identifies questions and issues that veterinary research can help to address, and discusses the scientific expertise and infrastructure needed to meet the most critical research needs. The report finds that there is an urgent need to provide adequate resources for investigators, training programs, and facilities involved in veterinary research.

There are many different types of careers for those interested in working with animals. On the local level, workers can groom and train household pets, walk dogs, run a pet store, or work in an animal shelter. Other opportunities exist in monitoring and managing wildlife, working with farm animals, and advocating for humane treatment of animals. Employment of veterinarians in particular is projected to increase by 33 percent through 2018, a much faster than average rate of growth, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Career Opportunities Working with Animals describes more than 80 occupations in such animal-related fields as veterinary medicine; shelters, sanctuaries, and refuges; veterinary offices/hospitals/clinics; animal advocacy organizations; care and conservation of wildlife; zoos and aquariums; creative careers; pet care, training, and grooming; pet food, pet supply, and pet merchandise stores; and horses. Appendixes include Colleges and Universities; Zoos, Aquariums, and Sanctuaries; Animal Advocacy Organizations; United States Thoroughbred Race Tracks; United States Harness Racing Tracks; Trade Associations; and Career and Job Web Sites. Career profiles include: Animal advocacy organization publicist Animal treatment investigator Aquarist Dog trainer Entertainment industry animal trainer Jockey Pet food and supply store store manager Shelter manager Small animal veterinarian Veterinary technician Wildlife rehabilitator Zoo director.