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Job outlook for mixed animal veterinarians in the United States
Are mixed animal veterinarian jobs in demand?
Mixed animal veterinarian job and salary trends over time
Mixed animal veterinarian jobs over time
Mixed animal veterinarian job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 536 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 511 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 517 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 493 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 481 | 0.00% |
Average mixed animal veterinarian salary over time
Mixed animal veterinarian salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $61,280 | $29.46 | +4.0% |
| 2024 | $58,940 | $28.34 | +1.7% |
| 2023 | $57,933 | $27.85 | +3.8% |
| 2022 | $55,828 | $26.84 | +1.9% |
| 2021 | $54,809 | $26.35 | +0.3% |
Mixed animal veterinarian jobs by state
Most common states for mixed animal veterinarians
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 397 | 6% |
| 2 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 253 | 5% |
| 3 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 198 | 5% |
| 4 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 314 | 4% |
| 5 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 293 | 4% |
| 6 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 249 | 4% |
| 7 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 248 | 4% |
| 8 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 57 | 4% |
| 9 | Delaware | 961,939 | 41 | 4% |
| 10 | Alaska | 739,795 | 33 | 4% |
| 11 | California | 39,536,653 | 1,198 | 3% |
| 12 | Texas | 28,304,596 | 830 | 3% |
| 13 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 669 | 3% |
| 14 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 329 | 3% |
| 15 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 293 | 3% |
| 16 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 241 | 3% |
| 17 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 207 | 3% |
| 18 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 76 | 3% |
| 19 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 34 | 3% |
| 20 | Vermont | 623,657 | 16 | 3% |
Most common cities for mixed animal veterinarians
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lodi | 1 | 4% | $82,154 |
| 2 | Winchester | 1 | 4% | $72,133 |
| 3 | Annandale | 1 | 2% | $72,751 |
| 4 | Billings | 1 | 1% | $41,449 |
| 5 | Tallahassee | 1 | 1% | $59,665 |
| 6 | Torrance | 1 | 1% | $80,585 |
| 7 | Yakima | 1 | 1% | $56,445 |
| 8 | Fontana | 1 | 0% | $79,908 |
| 9 | New York | 1 | 0% | $87,560 |
Mixed Animal Veterinarian job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of mixed animal veterinarian experts
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Stanford University
North Carolina State University
Andrews University
Ohio State University
Murray State University
Kansas State University
Washington State University
Washington State University
Seattle University
University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine
Animal Hospital of Towne Lake and Cat Clinic of Woodstock
Michigan State University
Oklahoma State University
ZAA - Zoological Association of America
Pennsylvania State University
Colorado State University
University of Wisconsin
What general advice would you give to a Mixed Animal Veterinarian?
Erin Burton DVM, MS, DACVP (Clinical Pathology): I anticipate as telehealth and artificial intelligence become more common in the human health care sectors that these types of technologies will begin to be utilized in veterinary medicine and research. While critical thinking and adaptability have been core competencies that are built into the foundation of all veterinary medicine curricula, our graduates will be positioned well to take on these exciting developments and need to lean into the foundational skills learned for their formal education. As the population in the United States continues to become more diverse (economically, culturally, and geographically distributed) and the effects of climate change become more influential on our communities, it will be critical for veterinarians to maintain cultural competence and sensitivity to different cultural beliefs and practices related to animal care to ensure that we are providing inclusive and effective veterinary services to all seeking care.
What Mixed Animal Veterinarian skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Erin Burton DVM, MS, DACVP (Clinical Pathology): I am not sure I am positioned to answer this question. This would be better answered by an employer and is very sector dependent.
What will help Mixed Animal Veterinarians increase their earning potential?
Erin Burton DVM, MS, DACVP (Clinical Pathology): Today the work of the veterinary profession has never been more critical. The DVM degree has always been one of the most versatile and trusted medical degrees one can gain. No matter the community that you decide to serve, you will be well equipped to face the opportunities and challenges that await. Whether you are in an urban, suburban, rural or remote part of the world, some will support their community as the other family doctor," caring for companion animals, both large and small, that help support a family's physical and psychological well-being. Others may choose a path that addresses critical issues affecting our world today such as a safe and healthy food supply along with the conservation of our environment and natural resources. While others will go on to engage in biomedical research, seeking to answer critical questions that address the health of animals, people, and the world we share, including emerging diseases undiscovered. Regardless of the path, veterinarians influence the day-to-day quality of all lives, human or animal, in immeasurable ways.
Donna Bouley DVM, PhD
PROFESSOR OF COMPARATIVE MEDICINEStanford University
Veterinary Biomedical And Clinical Sciences
What general advice would you give to a Mixed Animal Veterinarian?
Donna Bouley DVM, PhD: In addition to everything scientific and technical that they learn in vet school, they will need to have good people skills, patience and understanding (pet owners may not be able to afford to treat their animals and this can be stressful for vets), therefore a creative mind - especially if there are alternative ways to treat an animal if the proposed treatment is beyond the owner's reach. A vet must have a strong work ethic, be willing to work in a team, should be willing to give back (ie - volunteer to work with the homeless community's pets), be a lifelong learner (vets must attend continuing education to maintain their licenses). And the passion to still want to work as a veterinarian, despite the fact that they most likely have tremendous debt due to the outrageous tuition costs of veterinary school, and this debt will impact their lives for decades after graduation. Since veterinarians in general will never make the salary that MDs do, this potential financial burden can lead many young people to decide against going to vet school in the 1st place.
Kimberly Ange-van Heugten Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Teaching, Animal Science, Faculty Senate RepresentativeNorth Carolina State University
Animal Science Department
What soft skills should all Mixed Animal Veterinarians possess?
Kimberly Ange-van Heugten Ph.D.: My top 5 soft skills would be teamwork, stress management, problem-solving skills, communication, and time management.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Mixed Animal Veterinarians?
Kimberly Ange-van Heugten Ph.D.: My top 5 hard skills would be: Degree earned - for future vets, the DVM is obvious, but MS degrees in subject matter such as nutrition can be very important as well, computer skills, technology skills (specific to the veterinary field), management and writing skills.
What skills will help Mixed Animal Veterinarians earn the most?
Kimberly Ange-van Heugten Ph.D.: It is currently a wonderful time to pursue a career in animal health or veterinary medicine. During the pandemic, many people both acquired new animals and strengthened their bonds with existing ones. Thus - the need for more animal products (food, medicines, etc.) and care providers (veterinarians, kennels, groomers, etc.) is booming. The salary for these positions has historically been lower than most professionals would expect, but the market is currently doing very well. However, animal work can be long, physically, and emotionally straining hours. Thus - earning the most may not always be a financial question. Balancing financial needs with personal life is important. The skills that help you earn the most will help you gain the position that allows you to balance this. Thus - do not say yes to the first job you are offered. Shop around. Think about it. Is the job a good long-term fit? If the hiring person feels you are the best fit (via your personal presentation and social skills along with your academic and work record), then they are going to be willing to pay more if they think you will stick around long term. Many "animal people" do not practice human social skills. I encourage them to do that. When you find the perfect job for you - you need to be able to convince the person doing the hiring that you are the best fit. Also - while some veterinary jobs are common place (companion animal vets, for example, are in almost every town) - some veterinary positions are much more difficult to acquire and therefore require flexibility to get that high-earning job. An example would be someone that is willing to move several states away to work with beef cattle animal health with feedlot animals or train military dogs.
What skills stand out on Mixed Animal Veterinarian resumes?
Kimberly Ange-van Heugten Ph.D.: There are many skills that stand out for veterinary resumes, and since there are numerous types of veterinary careers (companion animals, exotic animals, lab animals, population health positions, livestock health, herd management, military, etc.), these skills could be hard to quantify for all applicants. However, when I look at resumes for students to attend professional school, I look for evidence of dependability. Did the student have many short-term jobs or a few long-term ones? Graduate programs and animal careers require hard work and commitment, and if I train someone, I want them to stick around for a while. I also look for a demonstrated area of interest. If the student/employee is applying to work with exotic animals but does not have any demonstrated experience or coursework in that area, that could be a red flag. While I am willing to train, I want to know that the person has a passion for the position they are applying for. I should mention - that - applying to veterinary school requires proof of academic rigor and success, and therefore GPA is very important but demonstrated ability and experience is as well. Due to the stressors in the veterinary field, I would also look for evidence that the future veterinarian has outlets for mental and personal self-care (hobbies, exercise, social networks, etc.).
Jay Brand Ph.D.
Professor of Leadership, Higher Education & Organizational StudiesAndrews University
Department of Leadership
What skills will help Mixed Animal Veterinarians earn the most?
Jay Brand Ph.D.: Earnings potential probably relates more to practice location (e.g., upscale retirement and/or urban locales) and practice specialties (e.g., thorough bred horse racing) than to entries on one's resume; however, again, a broad knowledge across many domesticated species and a knowledge of healthy thriving in addition to treatment for illness would open more doors than a narrow specialty.
What skills stand out on Mixed Animal Veterinarian resumes?
Jay Brand Ph.D.: I can tell you from personal contact that those who truly empathize with their patients and the human 'owners' impress me the most and retain my loyalty.
Customer service and people engagement skills - in addition to technical veterinary medicine skills - can be differentiating.
Broad knowledge of general health and flourishing (e.g., optimal nutrition) in addition to diagnosing and treating disease conditions can also highlight one's resume.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Mixed Animal Veterinarians?
Marília Chiavegato Ph.D.: I do not think there will be an enduring impact. I believe the impacts were short-term and mainly related to delays on new job start and fewer opportunities due to company's hiring pauses and economic uncertainty.
Long-term impacts will likely be related to skills needed to face the constantly changing environment we are live on nowadays.
What type of skills will young Mixed Animal Veterinarians need?
Marília Chiavegato Ph.D.: This year has shown us the importance of adaptability and collaboration. Young graduates will need to be creative in changing environments, adaptable to different scenarios and requirements, and motivated to find quick, simple solutions to small and big problems.
Collaborative personality is also key. The problems we face currently in the world are complex, they need different perspectives and approaches. In Animal Sciences specifically, graduates need to keep in mind the relationships between animals, plants, and especially the environment. It is important that young graduates are able to find reliable sources of information and avoid disseminating false concepts and generalizations. They need to understand that decisions regarding animals' management affect plants, water quality, soil quality, and the atmosphere. There are plenty of opportunities to use animals to preserve and enhance environmental sustainability.
Working in groups is essential. Being able to lead different people or groups is a big differential. The ability to lead diverse groups of people is indissociable from the ability to listen and engage respectfully, despite difference in opinions.
What experience really stands out on Mixed Animal Veterinarian resumes?
Marília Chiavegato Ph.D.: Leadership, collaborative, and interdisciplinary experiences show adaptability and ability to work in diverse groups.
Shea Porr Ph.D.
Department Head, Animal/Equine Science, Associate Professor, Equine ScienceMurray State University
Animal and Equine Science
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Mixed Animal Veterinarian job market given the pandemic?
Shea Porr Ph.D.: In the animal science area, I don't think we're going to see a lot of big changes. There are many opportunities that students are simply unaware of. People still need to eat, so opportunities in the food animal industries haven't diminished. Indeed, some industries are really hurting for qualified employees. We have a lot of students coming into the animal and equine science programs who have less and less experience with animals. They didn't grow up on a farm, and they really don't know what it takes to manage an animal operation, nor do they know what opportunities are available.
They usually know what a veterinarian does (at least relative to dogs and cats), but they don't know what meat science is all about. Maybe they took riding lessons during summer camp, but they have no idea what it means to manage all the horses at that camp. Maybe they want to be a vet, but they don't realize that there's more to being a vet than just general practice. There are state and federal veterinarians as well as those that work in places like the Breathitt Veterinary Diagnostic Lab. Both veterinarians and animal scientists work in areas like nutrition, reproduction, and exercise physiology. Some animal scientists work in extension, such as with 4-H or FFA programs. Others teach and do research. I don't see any of that going away anytime soon.
What Mixed Animal Veterinarian skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Shea Porr Ph.D.: Any of what are being commonly called "soft skills" would be very useful. This includes things like communication, both writing and speaking; problem solving, both in a team and as an individual; and the ability to prioritize and accomplish tasks in a timely manner. One of the best ways to do some of these is to get involved in an internship. Many of those pay, and they're often designed to help students get a better feel for that company's particular part of the industry. If they're working a job for that gap year, step into leadership positions, even if it's something like being a shift lead. Get involved with a community organization-don't just be a member, but participate and really get involved. Many of the skills that aren't directly related to working with or managing animals are highly valuable to any employer and you can work on those skills in nearly any setting.
What general advice would you give to a Mixed Animal Veterinarian?
Shea Porr Ph.D.: Watch and listen. There are a lot of things that are taught in the classroom that aren't necessarily the only way to do things. Different employers will have different experiences or situations, and though the concept may be the same, the delivery may not. Don't assume that just because you have a degree, you already know how to do it "right." Doing something a different way doesn't make it wrong, and you may learn another way to do the same thing.
Be willing to move. You may want to end up working a job back in your hometown, but that's not always going to happen right after graduation. You may need to move to another city, state, or even country, and earn some experience before moving back home. There's a lot to be said for what you can learn and bring back with you. And who knows-you may fall in love with a completely different part of the country!
Take a chance. Step outside your comfort zone. There are a lot of exciting opportunities out there, and you don't want to let one slip by because you were afraid of a little challenge. Or even a big one!
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Mixed Animal Veterinarian job market given the pandemic?
Dr. James Roush: Nationwide, there has been a substantial increase in demand for veterinary services because of the pandemic, particularly in mixed and small animal practices. Clients are seeking out more care for their pets than ever, perhaps because they are spending more time with their pets and seek better care. Veterinary practices are hiring at a frantic pace and there is a huge demand for new graduates this year. We also are seeing a demand for more advanced techniques and treatments on top of requests to refer to specialists in surgery, oncology, and other disciplines.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Mixed Animal Veterinarians to find work opportunities?
Dr. James Roush: Veterinary medicine is spread widely across the United States and graduates currently can find work in almost any geographic location they desire. There are, of course, more jobs near large population centers, but almost every area has a demand for new graduates right now.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Mixed Animal Veterinarians?
William Davis: I believe there will be many impacts on graduates in these fields. These can be really broken down into several different areas. First, the graduates from our programs will have a higher level of resilience than before and be more adept at navigating and thriving in remote work environments. Our current students have also reported skill improvement in areas such as time and information management. With some exceptions, the negative is that students have fewer opportunities for hands on training in scientific laboratories or internship environments. There are opportunities out there for students with the resources and initiative to find them. Still, the overall number of students who are being accommodated in these activities are much lower. How this will impact graduates' ability from our institutions to meet the needs of industrial partners, research institutions, and governmental and non-governmental agencies remains to be seen.
What type of skills will young Mixed Animal Veterinarians need?
William Davis: I think this depends, to a considerable extent, on the type of career that a student pursues. I don't believe the whole skill set will be much different for students in applied and basic research. Graduates will still need a strong foundation of knowledge in their field, and they will need the interpersonal skills in oral and written communication necessary to work on a team. For our graduates who desire careers in science communication, management, sales, or other work environments, these individuals will need to work with small groups of individuals to set and achieve goals. The skills they are building right now, in a small learning environment, will be crucial to building on as a foundation for success, and they will need to make sure that they keep current with the latest technology used in remote work environments.
What experience really stands out on Mixed Animal Veterinarian resumes?
William Davis: I have been very impressed with the students I've mentored and advised over the past nine months who have found a way to continue to move forward in their career development, despite the challenges that all students face in light of the current pandemic. This includes students who have gained research experience in labs here at WSU or other institutions, students who have gained internship experience in remote work environments, and students who have been resourceful and discovered hidden professional development activities in areas like health care. What sets these recent and near-term graduates apart from others is their resourcefulness, tenacity, and ability to network with professionals to find these opportunities.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Mixed Animal Veterinarians to find work opportunities?
Dr. Rick DeBowes: In talking with colleagues around the country, it seems as if everyone is seeking associates for their practices. Colleagues who teach practice management have reported similar observations. Rural or isolated areas might have fewer opportunities, primarily because more irregular patterns are located in such regions. Nevertheless, it seems that every year I work with several graduates who secure offers to 'return home' to a rural environment and practice medicine in those small communities that helped raise them. At present, it seems that nearly everyone who wants a clinical practice position, in most areas of the country, is finding and receiving more offers than they can accept.
Theresa Earenfight Ph.D.
Professor of History, Director, Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies ProgramSeattle University
History Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Mixed Animal Veterinarian job market given the pandemic?
Theresa Earenfight Ph.D.: The future looks excellent for positions in clinical medicine. People appear to be adding pets to their families at unprecedented rates. With so many individuals working from home, they spend more time with their furry family members and make observations of those pets, driving more owners to seek veterinary care or direction. Practices are hectic, and I hear of more and more emergency clinics asking referring veterinary practices to hold onto every patient they can. New graduates are being offered handsome salaries, most with production opportunities, pre-tax benefits, and relocation allowances, along with signing and retention bonuses.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Mixed Animal Veterinarian job market given the pandemic?
Peggy Root Kustritz DVM, PhD, MMedEd: Veterinary medicine has been very busy during the time of the pandemic. More people are home and are seeing more concerns about their animals, and more people are adopting pets. To provide service while maintaining biosecurity for veterinary staff and for clients, some services have had to decrease the number of cases they can see in a day, and all small animal work has slowed down as we have moved to a curbside model. Even before the pandemic, the job market in veterinary medicine was strong, and now there is even more demand for more veterinarians to help manage more cases in new ways. Communication skills are vital in helping work with clients at a distance. All veterinarians receive public health training, and that knowledge is crucial in helping animal owners understand the risks for themselves and their animals as we all navigate COVID together. In short, I believe we'll see a strong job market for veterinarians and an increasing recognition of the great value of knowledge of public health and biosecurity.
What skills stand out on Mixed Animal Veterinarian resumes?
Peggy Root Kustritz DVM, PhD, MMedEd: Communications! This is always the skill set that alumni report was of greatest value to them as a new veterinarian, and the need for clear communication is heightened by the provision of service through indirect forms of communication, such as talking to clients on the phone or via text or email, instead of face-to-face and providing telemedicine. Other skills that everyone badly needs right now are teamwork (especially the ability to communicate clearly within teams) and adaptability. I know that veterinary graduates like to stress the coursework they've done, but every graduate of an AVMA-COE accredited school is a great student and has to have demonstrated knowledge and specific clinical competencies to finish their training. It is the 'softer' skills that set candidates apart.
Jamie Rauscher RVT
Medical ManagerAnimal Hospital of Towne Lake and Cat Clinic of Woodstock
What general advice would you give to a Mixed Animal Veterinarian?
Jamie Rauscher RVT: I would advise new graduates to look at their career as a whole. Do not get bogged down in the negativity of so many others. You will be told everything from you cannot survive on your own salary, the pay is terrible, clients are ungrateful, you will become burnt out within the first 5 years, etc. All that is part of a negative mindset. I have been in the field for 25 years. I love it. I have earned the salary I make due to hard work and determination. I am constantly looking for ways to grow myself, so I will be able to develop my career into what I am physically able to do, as well as mentally as I age. I can help to support my family, even if I was not able to have my husband's income to add in, I would be able to take care of myself and my son with no problem.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Mixed Animal Veterinarians to find work opportunities?
Paul Bartlett Ph.D.: Public health at local (city or county) health departments are spread throughout the nation, but most state health departments are located in the state's capital city. Federal agencies such as the CDC or FDA have offices located in many areas of the country. Traditionally, many students completing undergraduate school will start on MPH if they don't immediately get into their desired professional school. If you eventually get into professional school, the MPH goes with many professional degrees (DVM, Ph.D., MD, etc.). If you don't pursue another degree, the MPH is not a dead-end or wasted time in that, by itself, it can lead to a career without additional education.
How do you envision technology impacting Mixed Animal Veterinarians in the next 5 years?
Paul Bartlett Ph.D.: It would help if you had experience using computers, but most employers would not expect you to be a computer programmer, web designer, or have other advanced computer skills. It would help if you were a good writer and a good communicator. Some MPH graduates become very involved in high technology laboratory methods, and some become involved with advanced statistics or monitoring software. There are lots of specialties to build upon an MPH education. The U.S. public health system has been dramatically reduced in recent decades. Perhaps the COVID-19 pandemic will induce us to rebuild our public health infrastructure to be ready for the next pandemic. If so, this could lead to more jobs for people with an MPH degree.
What type of skills will young Mixed Animal Veterinarians need?
Clint Rusk: About 80% of our students are studying to become Veterinarians. I believe our graduates will need good STEM skills in Science, Technology, and Math in the coming years. To set themselves apart from their competitors, our graduates will also need soft skills such as effective oral communication, clear written communication, critical thinking, decision making, creativity, and the ability to work with people on teams. Many of the companies we visit with at Career Fairs are looking to hire individuals with good critical thinking skills, those who can make the right decisions, and those individuals who can convince other people they have made the right decision. Our graduates will also have to be good business people with an understanding of accounting and record-keeping.
How do you envision technology impacting Mixed Animal Veterinarians in the next 5 years?
Clint Rusk: Technology has been impacting the job market for many years. In the next five years, technological advances will continue at an even faster pace. Fortunately, nearly all of our recent graduates have been exposed to technology through their phones, computers, cars, etc., for as long as they can remember. I believe our graduates who are well adapted to technology and can use it to solve problems, increase efficiency, and improve a company's bottom line will have an advantage in the job market.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Mixed Animal Veterinarian job market given the pandemic?
John Seyjagat: The pandemic has a devastating impact on zoological facilities and is subjecting these institutions to a change in operations. Additionally, public pressure due to public perception and harmful legislation will also have an impact on facilities. Facilities have had to maintain social distancing. To do so, facilities have reduced visitation to less than 50% capacity, closed all exhibit buildings, and discontinued public gatherings and education and conservation talks. Animal Outreach Programs have also been suspended.
As a result of the pandemic, we can see some facilities reducing operating costs, and cutting back on programs, reducing their workforce and education staff. Local, state, and federal legislators are all jockeying to pass bans on wet markets, wildlife trade, and movement to prevent zoonotic disease transmission and a second pandemic. Should such bans become effective, there would be a further reduction in zoos and aquarium deliverables to their guests. Such a trend would adversely affect zoo and wildlife careers and the zoological job market.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Mixed Animal Veterinarians in the next 3-5 years?
John Seyjagat: Digitalization! Most of the education deliverables would be virtual. We would see an increase in webinars, recorded subject matter, and virtual tours. He who can take digitalization and bring it to life with content, uniqueness, action, drama, and storytelling would succeed.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Mixed Animal Veterinarians to find work opportunities?
Dr. Adrian Barragan DVM, MS, PhD: Veterinary medicine is a broad career that offers young veterinarians a variety of work opportunities after graduation. Young veterinarians can develop a career treating animals in a veterinary practice, or doing research and teaching in academia, among others. In the recent years, there appears to have been a decrease in interest for large animal medicine in young graduates. Exposure to inclement weather conditions, long driving hours and living in rural areas may be some of the possible reasons for this trend. However, large animal veterinary medicine is an exciting and rewarding career ideal for people that enjoy being outdoors and caring for these wonderful animals.
What type of skills will young Mixed Animal Veterinarians need?
Dr. Adrian Barragan DVM, MS, PhD: Veterinary medicine has always been considered an essential activity for its importance in both keeping pets healthy and ensuring that food producing operations achieve optimal animal welfare and production standards. This is even more important in times such as those experienced during the current pandemic. Young graduates need to develop a set of skills that allow them to understand the pathophysiological processes of diseases and proper care for sick animals, but also effective communicational skills for conveying sensitive information to pet owners. Furthermore, young graduates aiming at pursuing a career in food producing animal medicine must develop an overall understanding of the industry trends and needs in order to better serve farmers. The veterinary medicine field in food production animals has evolved from an individual disease treatment approach to a population preventive medicine approach. Although young veterinarians must be knowledgeable about disease diagnostics and treatments, focus should be aimed at understanding and coaching animal owners about developing optimal management practices to prevent diseases, while improving animal welfare and performance.
How do you envision technology impacting Mixed Animal Veterinarians in the next 5 years?
Dr. Adrian Barragan DVM, MS, PhD: The use of technology in veterinary medicine has helped to improve health care provided to animals through better diagnostic methods and less invasive treatment approaches, among others. On food producing animal operations, technology has helped the industry to monitor more closely animal health and performance, allowing producers to timely adjust their management to prevent diseases and improve welfare. Furthermore, teleconference platforms and new phone devices have allowed veterinarians to perform remote animal health consultations with animal owners. This helps to provide remote comfort to sick animals, which it is especially important during times such as those experienced during the current pandemic. Technology will continue to advance veterinary medicine, not only through better animal health monitoring and treatment, but also through better teaching practices (e.g., 3-D/360 anatomy videos) for veterinary students.
What type of skills will young Mixed Animal Veterinarians need?
Dr. Keith Belk: I would list the following skills: work ethic, strong scientific, technical training, communication (verbal and written), and interpersonal skills.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Mixed Animal Veterinarians to find work opportunities?
Dr. Keith Belk: I would say that there is a demand for our students in Animal Sciences globally; there are both grass-roots production, processing, and peripherally-related opportunities. The greatest demand within the U.S. is in the midwest, south, and west.
How do you envision technology impacting Mixed Animal Veterinarians in the next 5 years?
Dr. Keith Belk: Hugely! Scientific reports suggest that to feed the expected 9-12 billion people that will populate the planet by 2100, food production will need to double. 70% of this increased need for production will need to come from technology. Science is very much a part of every day in Animal Science.
Dr. Scott Hygnstrom
Professor and Extension Wildlife SpecialistUniversity of Wisconsin
Center for Wildlife
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Mixed Animal Veterinarians?
Dr. Scott Hygnstrom: What single thing has had the greatest impact on your life in the last day, week, month, even year? Most of us will say the coronavirus pandemic. I believe that it is safe to say that the pandemic will have an enduring impact on graduates as well, as they move out into the workforce. The impacts will be both positive and negative. Many employers of wildlife graduates have laid off personnel and put monitoring, research, and educational programs on hold until health concerns with the pandemic wane.
Because of the falling economy, budgets for state and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private businesses have been cut significantly, so they likely won't have the resources to hire staff in the short term. Wildlife work needs to be done, however, to satisfy the demands of the American public, so I am confident that in time, jobs will be available for recent graduates to fill entry-level positions to help with the backlog of work that needs to be done.