Who lets the dogs out? My love for dogs began with my first dog, Chelsea. From the moment I was born, he protected me like no other. Even my grandfather was afraid that it would bite him when he tried to play with me. When she left I felt like I lost my best friend. That's why I have a special place in my heart not just for dogs, but for all animals. Veterinarians are privileged to work with such gentle creatures all day, every day. Performing surgeries, working with animals, interacting with owners, and rescuing homeless or injured animals are just some of the things veterinarians do. Although becoming a veterinarian will be an arduous journey, in the end the benefits are enormous. Veterinarians are medical professionals whose goals are to improve animal health and welfare, protect public health and food safety, and improve environmental health. The specific work of veterinarians depends on their particular interests. Most veterinarians work in private clinical practice, about 74% to be exact. The general public often sees these veterinarians. Although most private veterinarians treat a variety of animals, about 60% only work on small animals, such as dogs and cats, as well as birds, reptiles, rabbits, and other animals kept as pets. Only about a quarter of veterinarians work in mixed-animal practices, where they see non-domestic animals such as sheep, pigs and goats, as well as seeing companion animals. Only 10% of private practice veterinarians work specifically with large animals, such as horses and cows. Veterinarians can also specialize in certain fields like doctors do. Surgery, internal medicine, anesthesia... half paper... cost cutting, vets still aren't 100% sure if it's the right move to make. (New breakthroughs in spaying and neutering 1-5) The outlook for veterinary technology is very promising, as is the position of the veterinary surgeon. There will always be a need for veterinarians. With 61,400 current veterinary positions in the United States and 3,420 new job opportunities created each year, this field is certainly promising for all future veterinarians. Although the journey to becoming a veterinarian will be a long and rigorous road, in the end, it will be worth it. 65% of animals in the world die due to abuse or improper treatment, and as a future veterinarian, I want to start putting an end to that now. “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” –Mahatma Gandhi.