How to Become a Zoo Veterinarian

Working as a veterinarian in a zoo is demanding and exciting. In addition to physical stamina, zoo veterinarians need to have the knowledge and clinical skills to treat hundreds of different species of animals. To prepare for this responsibility, graduate veterinarians need to gain specific experience in zoological medicine through internship and residency programs in order to become qualified zoo vets.

1. Enroll in an accredited veterinary school. In the United States, there are 28 accredited colleges of veterinary medicine, and admission to first year classes is competitive.  Typically, admission requires an undergraduate degree and completion of premedical courses in the basic sciences. In addition to excellent grades and test scores, schools require applicants to demonstrate a commitment to the field by working or volunteering with animals.


2. Complete the four year veterinary curriculum. Typical programs include two to three years of classroom instruction in basic and clinical sciences and one to two years of clinical rotations.  Aspiring zoo veterinarians will need to choose electives in zoo and exotic animal medicine and complete zoo externships.


3. Apply to an internship, preferably in zoological medicine. There are many more applicants than positions available, so you will need good grades, relevant experience and excellent recommendations to qualify for a zoo internship. Other internships, such as large or small animal rotating internships or exotic animal internships, can also help you to gain valuable experience that will help you to secure a job at zoo or gain admission to a zoo medicine training program.


4. Apply for a zoo residency position or for an entry level veterinary job at a zoo.  Residency programs offer further training in zoological medicine, and they can help you to establish yourself as a specialist within the field. The experience you gain as a resident can significantly increase your chances of obtaining a position as a zoo veterinarian.