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Are you a high school student contemplating a career in veterinary medicine? Below are some resources to help you explore whether pre-vet is the right track for you and how to start preparing now.

What Does a Veterinarian Do?

Veterinarians are animal doctors who diagnose and treat illness, perform surgeries, provide preventative care, and promote animal welfare. But the job goes way beyond just pets!

Veterinarians can work with dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and small mammals in private practice; care for horses, cows, pigs, and other livestock; treat exotic animals at zoos or wildlife centers; conduct research to prevent and treat diseases (including zoonoses); protect public health by inspecting food, monitoring outbreaks, and helping control disease spread; serve in the military caring for service animals; work in pharmaceutical and biotech companies developing new drugs and treatments; and teach at veterinary schools and universities.

How to Prepare in High School

If you're interested in becoming a vet, high school is a great time to start building a strong foundation. Take advanced science classes like AP Biology, AP Chemistry, and AP Physics. Strong academics in math and English are important too. Seek out volunteer opportunities at animal shelters, farms, veterinary clinics, and wildlife rehab centers. Join or start a pre-vet club at your school. Explore job shadowing or internship opportunities with local veterinarians.

Helpful Resources

4-H Clubs offer hands-on animal science and leadership opportunities.

Vet School Summer Programs for High School Students

How to Find High School Veterinary Internships (Loop Abroad)

University of Florida College of Vet Med: Info for High School Students

Purdue University College of Vet Med: High School Guide to Becoming a Vet

Getting into vet school is challenging and requires advanced planning. Make sure that you meet the prerequisites, hit your GPA targets, and gather the right experiences to be a competitive candidate for admission!

Academics

Specific courses called prerequisites are required for admission to any veterinary school. Each school may have different prerequisite course requirements. For example, some schools may require two semesters of physics but others may only require one!

Complete prerequisite courses at a pace where you can maximize learning and grades while participating in nonacademic activities. Schools love to see well-rounded candidates who can juggle things beyond academics such as extracurriculars, employment, volunteer work, clubs, research, or animal/veterinary experiences.

No specific major is required. However, Animal Science and Biology are very popular majors among pre-vet students because a lot of prerequisite course requirements overlap with the courses required for these degrees.

We also highly recommend checking out the pre-vet advising office at your university for personalized guidance.

Animal and Veterinary Experience

Vet schools want to see that you've gained meaningful experience with animals and in veterinary settings. Hands-on, paid, or volunteer animal experience is crucial for a competitive application. This includes veterinary clinic shadowing, animal shelter volunteering, farm or livestock experience, wildlife rehabilitation, research with animals, and study abroad programs with a veterinary focus.

Standardized Testing

Many vet schools require the GRE (Graduate Record Examination). Some schools have recently dropped the GRE requirement, but many still require it. Check each school's admissions page for the most current testing requirements. Start preparing early and consider taking the exam more than once if needed.

Letters of Recommendation

Most vet schools require 3-6 letters of recommendation. Start building relationships with professors, veterinarians, and supervisors early. At least one letter should be from a veterinarian who has supervised you directly.

There's a lot to consider when planning your path to becoming a veterinarian: Where will you apply? How will you afford it? Have you met all the requirements? Are you filling out the application correctly? Don't stress. We've got resources to help guide you through the process!

Getting Into Veterinary School: The Big Picture

Applying to vet school is a journey and it takes planning! From choosing the right schools to writing your personal statement, every step matters. Dr. Brandon Forshey, DVM and Pre-Vet Advisor at the University of Findlay, has guided hundreds of students into veterinary school. Check out his expert tips and get one step closer to your DVM dreams!

VMCAS (Veterinary Medical College Application Service)

VMCAS is the centralized application service for most U.S. veterinary schools. Through VMCAS, you can apply to multiple schools with one application. The application typically opens in mid-May and has a September deadline. Start your application early and give yourself plenty of time to write your personal statement and gather all required materials.

Personal Statement Tips

Your personal statement is your chance to tell your story. Be authentic, specific, and reflective. Explain why you want to be a veterinarian, what experiences have shaped your path, and what you hope to contribute to the profession. Have multiple people review your statement before submitting.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Vet school is a significant financial investment. Explore scholarships, grants, and loan options early. The AVMA and individual vet schools offer scholarship resources. Federal student loans, state aid, and private scholarships can all help. Check out our Study Abroad page for scholarship opportunities that can also strengthen your application.

We have compiled information for each of the accredited veterinary schools. This is meant to be an overview. Before applying, you must confirm all requirements on each school's website and the VMCAS.

Tips for success: Meet or exceed the current eligibility requirements for admission. Visit the school and/or attend information sessions. CAREFULLY follow the application directions. Make sure all application components are submitted correctly and on time.

Accredited U.S. and Caribbean Island Schools

International Schools (AVMA Accredited)

University of Calgary (Canada), University of Guelph (Canada), University of Montreal (Canada), University of Prince Edward Island (Canada), University of Saskatchewan (Canada), Massey University (New Zealand), University of Melbourne (Australia), Murdoch University (Australia), University of Sydney (Australia), James Cook University (Australia), Royal Veterinary College (UK), University of Edinburgh (UK), University of Glasgow (UK), University of Liverpool (UK), University of Nottingham (UK), University College Dublin (Ireland), Utrecht University (Netherlands), Seoul National University (South Korea), National Autonomous University of Mexico

If you are interested in veterinary medicine, you must stay engaged and informed. Below are some important resources for pre-vet students to explore.

Should You Become a Veterinarian?

Here are some helpful articles and videos that dive into life as a veterinarian:

7 Signs You Should Consider a Career in Veterinary Medicine (St. George's University)

A Veterinary Medicine Career - Is it Right for You? (Ross University)

Stay Informed: Veterinary News and Research

DVM360 - A trusted source for up-to-date veterinary news, clinical tips, and expert opinions. Be sure to check out their student section. Visit DVM360

Animal Health SmartBrief - A daily newsletter delivering top headlines and emerging trends in animal health, curated for veterinary professionals and students.

Veterinary Information Network (VIN) - VIN is the world's largest online veterinary community offering clinical resources, message boards, and continuing education. Visit VIN

VIN Foundation - The nonprofit arm of VIN, offering debt management resources, scholarships, and tools specifically for veterinary students. Visit VIN Foundation

Key Professional Organizations

AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) - The leading authority in veterinary medicine. Explore career resources, policy updates, and student membership benefits. Visit AVMA

AAVMC (Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges) - Resources on vet school admissions, prerequisites, and pathways into the profession. Visit AAVMC

SAVMA (Student American Veterinary Medical Association) - The student arm of the AVMA, offering networking, leadership opportunities, and events for pre-vet and vet students.

Having paid or volunteer employment, even if it is not animal-related, is beneficial for your vet school application. Before you start looking for a volunteer or employment opportunity, make sure that you are well prepared for your search.

Get helpful hints on resume creation, job hunting, and interviewing here.

How to Find Pre-Vet Internships

Veterinary hours (clinical, agribusiness, or health science under the supervision of a veterinarian) are crucial for your application. Pre-vet internships are a great way to accumulate these hours and gain exposure to various specialties within veterinary medicine, such as wildlife, zoos, aquariums, or rescue centers.

Tips for Finding Internships

Start Early: Veterinary internships often require months of planning, so begin your search ahead of time. However, be open to last-minute opportunities.

Check University Resources: Many universities have career services or pre-vet advising offices that maintain lists of internship opportunities.

Network: Talk to your professors, veterinarians you've shadowed, and other pre-vet students about opportunities they know of.

Be Flexible: Consider opportunities outside your immediate area or comfort zone. Rural large animal practices, wildlife centers, and research labs all count.

Study Abroad: International veterinary programs offer unique experience with species and practices you won't find at home. Check out Pre-Vet Study Abroad for options.

Veterinarians do more than care for pets. They play a critical role in public health, food safety, biomedical research, and environmental conservation. With a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, you'll find a wide range of career paths available to you.

Discover Veterinary Career Options

Exploring Veterinary Career Options (AAVMC)

Career Opportunities in Veterinary Medicine (Oregon State University)

Veterinary Specialties (AVMA)

Non-Veterinary Careers with Animals (VIN Foundation)

One Health

One Health is a collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach that recognizes the vital connection between the health of people, animals, and the environment. By encouraging cooperation across sectors, One Health aims to more effectively address complex health challenges like zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, food safety, and environmental degradation.

For pre-vet students, understanding One Health is increasingly important. Many vet schools emphasize it in their curricula, and careers in public health, epidemiology, and wildlife conservation all draw on One Health principles.

Career Paths

Private Practice (Small Animal, Large Animal, Mixed, Equine, Exotic), Emergency and Critical Care, Veterinary Specialty Medicine (Cardiology, Oncology, Surgery, Dermatology, Ophthalmology, etc.), Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, Aquatic/Marine Animal Medicine, Laboratory Animal Medicine, Food Animal/Production Medicine, Public Health and Epidemiology, Military Veterinary Medicine, Research and Academia, Shelter Medicine, Industry (Pharmaceutical, Biotech, Pet Food), Regulatory Medicine (USDA, FDA), Conservation Medicine, Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation

Real Stories, Real Journeys.

The National Pre-Vet Club's video series invites you to explore the many paths within veterinary medicine, told directly by those who've walked them. We're highlighting veterinarians from diverse backgrounds and experiences, sharing their personal stories to inspire and inform your own journey into vet med.

New videos will be released periodically, so be sure to check back often!

Featured Interview: Dr. Andrea Gentry-Apple

Coordinator of Veterinary Education, Clinical Associate Veterinarian, Laboratory Animal Science Undergraduate Coordinator
North Carolina A&T State University

In this inspiring conversation with Loop Abroad co-founder Jane Stine, Dr. Andrea Gentry-Apple shares the story of how her veterinary career unfolded in unexpected ways. From navigating college as a first-generation student to becoming a leader in veterinary education, her journey is a testament to persistence and passion.

More interviews coming soon!

Many students have reached out to share that they do not have access to a pre-vet club where they live, and want to start one. We are happy to help!

If you cannot start a club for whatever reason (not enough interested students, work/schedule conflict, etc.) then please lean on us! We are your virtual pre-vet club. Reach out with any questions and explore our many pages of free resources to help you on the journey to veterinary school.

Interested in Registering Your Club?

Joining NPVC as an official club chapter brings multiple benefits to your club and its members. By registering, you'll gain access to exclusive resources, virtual meetings with other chapters, and networking opportunities with pre-vet students across the country. To register your club as an official NPVC chapter, contact us at info@nationalprevetclub.org.

Guides for Starting a Club

We've put together guides specifically for high school and college students who want to start a pre-vet club at their school. These cover everything from finding a faculty advisor to organizing your first meeting to recruiting members.

Contact us at info@nationalprevetclub.org to request the guides.

Fine-tune those job-seeking skills so that you can land that coveted pre-vet job or internship!

Resume

Building an Effective Resume and Curriculum Vitae - Check out these general tips for building an effective resume or CV from the veterinary study abroad folks at Loop Abroad.

UC Davis Veterinary Medicine Resume/CV Writing Advice - UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine put together helpful tips on building a resume or CV that will get noticed.

Cover Letter

Judging a Book by Its Cover: What Your Cover Letter Says About You - Veterinary cover letter tips from the VIN Foundation.

Writing a Cover Letter - Information about writing a cover letter from the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Interview

Congratulations! You landed the interview. Now what? Preparation is key. Research the organization, practice common interview questions, dress professionally, arrive early, and follow up with a thank-you note. Be ready to discuss your experiences with animals, your interest in veterinary medicine, and what you hope to contribute.

Studying abroad is a great way to explore new areas of veterinary medicine and get unique experiences on your resume.

Benefits of Study Abroad for Pre-Vet Students

International experience demonstrates adaptability, cultural competence, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone. All qualities that vet schools value. Study abroad programs with a veterinary focus let you work with species and in settings you may never encounter at home, from elephants in Thailand to wildlife in South Africa to large animals in Belize.

NPVC Exclusive Programs

NPVC members get exclusive access to discounted study abroad programs through our partnerships:

Australia Pre-Vet Wildlife Medicine - Two weeks studying zoo medicine with koalas, kangaroos, echidnas and more at the Walkabout Wildlife Park near Sydney.

Belize Large Animal Veterinary Practice in the Tropics - Two weeks of hands-on large animal medicine with horses, cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs at working farms across Belize.

USA Study Abroad

The U.S. government promotes study abroad experiences because of the valuable skills and networks that students develop while studying internationally. For pre-vet students, a study abroad experience not only prepares you to work in our globalized world but also provides valuable experience for the vet school application.

Congratulations! As a Charter Member, you are granted exclusive permission to use the NPVC badge in your email signature.

Keep it classy in your emails by writing "Charter Member, National Pre-Vet Club".

Contact us at info@nationalprevetclub.org for the badge image file.