Veterinarians solemnly swear to use their scientific knowledge and skills “for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health and welfare, the prevention and relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge.”
Today’s veterinarians are in the unique position of being the only doctors educated to protect the health of both animals and people. They are not only educated to meet the health needs of every species of animal but they play an important role in environmental protection, food safety, and public health.
In taking The Veterinarian’s Oath, a doctor solemnly swears to use his or her scientific knowledge and skills “for the benefit of society, through the protection of animal health, the relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, and the advancement of medical knowledge.”
Today nearly 70,000 veterinarians are professionally active in the United States. They provide a wide variety of services in private clinical practice, teaching, research, government service, public health, military service, private industry, and other areas.
The Veterinarian’s Oath (Adopted by the AVMA):
Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health and welfare, the prevention and relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge.
I will practice my profession conscientiously, with dignity, and in keeping with the principles of veterinary medical ethics.
I accept as a lifelong obligation the continual improvement of my professional knowledge and competence.
This section contains articles to help you better understand how veterinary medicine can help you and your pet enjoy the longest and fullest life together.
- The Veterinary Approach
Category: Today’s Veterinarian
Veterinarians employ state of the art technology that is very similar to technology used in the treatment of humans. Veterinarians in private clinical practice work to prevent disease and other health problems in their patients. They examine animal patients, vaccinate them against diseases, prevent the
- Vetopedia
Category: Today’s Veterinarian
Vetopedia is a glossary of terms used by vets in treating animals. A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z AAFCO Association of American Feed Control Officials; an organization which sets standards for pet food ingredients and minimum daily requirements. Abdomen A region of the body between
- What We Do
Category: Today’s Veterinarian
Doctors of Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Surgeons are medical professionals whose primary responsibility is protecting the health and welfare of animals and people. The term “veterinarian” comes from veterinae, which means “working animals.” Every veterinarian has gone through extensive medical
- What We Learn
Category: Today’s Veterinarian
Continuing education is important, even after veterinarians have completed their college studies and acquired the appropriate licenses. Students interested in a career in veterinary medicine should begin their preparation by doing well in general science and biology in junior high school. They need
- You & Your Vet
Category: Today’s Veterinarian
Your veterinarian will rely on your awareness of small changes in your pet’s behavior or habits. As the pet owner you must communicate your pet’s health care needs to your veterinarian. Nobody knows your pet like you. Many signs of illness are subtle. Your veterinarian will rely on your awareness of