my future profession veterinarian essay

How to Write Great Personal Essays for Veterinary School

If you are getting ready to go to veterinary school, the first step in your formal acceptance process is preparing your application through the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS). There are many sections to this application, from general demographic information to a list of your academic history and veterinary experience, and this application takes a lot of time to fill out. While most of the application is just about listing facts, one of the more daunting aspects for many hopeful applications is crafting the perfect personal statement for the VMCAS.

The VMCAS personal statement or essay portion has changed some over the years, from a one or two-page essay during my application cycle to the most recent three essay questions with specific prompts. The prompts from the 2020 application cycle were the following:

• There are many career choices within the veterinary profession. What are your future career goals and why?
• In what ways to veterinarians contribute to society and what do you hope to contribute?
• Consider the breadth of society which veterinarians serve. What attributes do you believe are essential to be successful within the veterinary profession? Of these attributes, which do you possess and how have you demonstrated these in the past?

Regardless of the format of the essay portion when you apply to veterinary school, the following tips are sure to help you create a great essay portion for your own VMCAS application.

1. Read the Requirements and Stick to Them!

This is an obvious suggestion, but it is important to adhere to the following requirements that VMCAS lists.

• Keep your topic general (not program-specific), as this application will be sent to multiple veterinary colleges.
• Stay within the character limits! Last year it was 2,000 characters per essay.
• Use your own words and DO NOT plagiarize.
• Use simple formatting.

2. Don’t Try to Re-List Your Experience and Achievements

The admissions committee members can see the rest of your application, where you will have plenty of space to list all of the bullet points on your resume up to this date. So when it comes to the essay questions, don’t waste time trying to re-highlight your previous experiences within your answers. Focus on answering the prompts directly without feeling the need to list your qualifications.

Except for your answer to question three, you do not even need to list any specific past examples. And when you do get to essay number three, keep in mind that you can think outside the box and are not limited to instances where you demonstrated these qualities in a veterinary-related capacity. Your attributes and personality traits outside of school and veterinary clinics are just as reflective of who you are. And who you are outside of a veterinary clinic or formal education setting can have a big impact on your personality and future success as a veterinarian.

3. Don’t Be Vague

Come up with specific examples for your essay answers that really help the admissions committee get to know you. Telling the admissions committee that you want to help improve the lives of animals doesn’t really tell them anything. You want to demonstrate insight, maturity, and depth in your essay. Show that you put a lot of thought into your answers.

Instead of generally helping animals, maybe you want to contribute to society by donating your time at a local humane society providing veterinary care at lower cost to qualifying low-income households. Maybe you want to work in rural Iowa to help decrease the barriers to accessing veterinary care for those that live in underserved regions of the United States.

Being specific will help you demonstrate more of who you are and help you stand out from the crowded pool of applications.

4. Avoid the Cliches

Another way to stand out with unique answers is to avoid cliches. For example, you probably don’t need to mention that an essential attribute to becoming a successful veterinarian is to “love animals.” Instead, think about things that are less cliche but just as essential and more specific, such as being a great communicator, so that you can improve the lives of animals by clearly discussing the importance of preventative care with a dog’s caretaker.

In addition to loving animals, it can be cliche to discuss that you have wanted to work with animals since you were young or that you feel that veterinary medicine your passion or calling. When you craft your answers to these essays it can help to write down multiple ideas for answers and get rid of the obvious responses. The more obvious the response, the less likely it will be to stand out from other applications.

5. Match Your Future Goals with Your Experience

Make sure your future goals are in line with the experience that you have listed on your VMCAS application. If not, explain why. For example, if most of your veterinary experience has been obtained working with cats and dogs, it would be expected that you are interested in working a small animal veterinary clinic after graduation.

If your future goals do not match your experience, let the admissions committee know why. Maybe you had a recent experience assisting with a research project and found purpose in research as a way to improve the lives of cats and dogs.

By explaining any discrepancy between your future goals and your past experience, you create a cohesive application and don’t leave the admissions committee wondering about the differences.

6. Set a Confident and Positive Tone

When you discuss your future goals, write about the good things that you are going to do WHEN you graduate from veterinary school. Not the things you will do IF you graduate from veterinary school. This will help you come across as confident and capable. Other people are more likely to believe in you when you also believe in your success.

And don’t make any excuses or focus on any negatives in these 3 short essays. You want to leave the admissions committees with a positive overall impression after they finish reading your essay responses.

7. Pick 3-5 Main Points for Each Answer

Since you only have 2,000 characters in which to write a great essay answer to each question, it can be helpful to list out your ideas and main points before you begin writing. Then you can review your ideas and pick the 3-5 strongest ideas for each answer. Throw out any ideas that seem cliche or vague.

By focusing your thoughts ahead of time, you can write a more clear and concise essay that clearly answers the question.

8. Write Your Essay Answers without Focusing on the Character Count

Once you have picked your main 3-5 points, write without focusing the character count. After you have written what you want to convey, read the essay and then cut out information that you don’t need and work on shortening sentences.

No fluff is needed, get straight to the point. Any sentence that isn’t directly supporting your answer can be shortened or removed. And limit descriptive words to help get as much information as possible across in your 2000 character limit.

That being said, if you have the opposite problem and your essay is not close to the 2000 character limit, consider adding another point to that essay. You do want to try and fill most of the space allowed.

9. Proofread, Proofread, Proofread!

Type your answers out in a program like Microsoft Word or Google Docs so that you can easily proofread your essays. I recommend having at least 3 other people read through your essays to look for any spelling or grammar mistakes.

When you proofread the essays yourself, read them aloud so that it is easier to catch any errors.

If you don’t have anyone in your life to help you proofread your personal statement, then head over to The Student Doctor Network Pre-Veterinary Forum . There is a whole topic thread of people willing to help read personal statements for the prospective class of 2025!

Time to Get Writing

Good luck in your journey to veterinary school! I remember how stressful the application process can be, but remember to take a deep breath and leave plenty of time to fill out your application in as stress-free a manner as possible.

And if you are looking for more advice on writing your personal essays, check out this great guide for writing a personal statement from Loop Abroad . It is very thorough and helpful!

The writer of this blog, Dr. Kate, has been practicing veterinary medicine since 2014. She works at a small animal practice, focusing on dogs and cats. In her free time, she enjoys hiking with her two dogs. You can find out more about her adventures with her pups on PawsitivelyIntrepid.com

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Essay Sample on Why i Want to Be a Veterinarian

What makes me want to be a veterinarian.

I would like to be a veterinarian because I have been around animals my entire life and have always had a special bond with them. I feel that there is nothing more rewarding than helping animals in need. It is not just about providing them with food, shelter, and medical care; it is also about providing them with love and compassion. As a veterinarian, I would be able to do this for every animal that comes into my practice. By the way, a professional custom essay writing service can assist everyone in getting a better understanding of the importance of taking care of animals.  In this essay, I will share the reasons why I want to become a veterinarian.

Being a veterinarian is a fulfilling and rewarding career

I believe that being a veterinarian is something that will make me happy because it allows me to help others while also making a living doing something that I love. My experience with animals has led me to pursue a career in the field of veterinary medicine because there is nothing more rewarding than helping an animal who is sick or injured get better again, so it can enjoy its life once more without pain or discomfort.

Passion for Animals 

One of the main reasons I want to become a veterinarian is my deep passion for animals. I love spending time with them, learning about their behaviors, and caring for them. I feel a sense of fulfillment when I am around animals and have always felt drawn to working with them in some capacity. Becoming a veterinarian will allow me to combine my passion for animals with a career.

Life Filled with Learning 

In addition to helping animals, another reason why I want to become a veterinarian is because of the life-long learning opportunities it offers. Veterinary medicine is an ever-evolving field with new treatments being created almost daily. As such, being able to stay up-to-date with these changes can make all the difference when it comes to saving an animal’s life. This means that throughout my career as a veterinarian, I will have countless opportunities to learn something new and expand my knowledge base. 

Helping people who love their pets learn how to care for them

Another thing that drew me to veterinary medicine was the importance of education. I’ve always had a strong desire to help people and make a difference in the world, and I know from personal experience how important it is to have good communication skills. The ability to patiently explain things and answer questions can mean the difference between getting a dog or cat healthy again and losing them forever.

As much as I love animals, there are some things only veterinarians can do: perform surgery; prescribe medications; give shots; diagnose illnesses like cancer or heart disease with tests like blood work and X-rays (or ultrasounds). So if your pet needs one of these things done right away, it’s best if they go see their local vet instead!

The hours are long, but it will be worth it

One of the most important things I’ve learned about being a veterinarian is that it’s not going to be easy. It’s a lot of work and sometimes stressful, but there are also many rewards in helping sick or injured animals get well again.

I know how much time it takes for me to study for exams and do my homework every day after school, so I can only imagine how much more work goes into becoming a doctor! But if you want something badly enough, then there will always be sacrifices that need to be made along the way.

The Bond Between Animals and Humans 

Finally, one of the things that really fascinates me about veterinary medicine is the bond between humans and animals that can be seen through our interactions with them every day. Watching pet owners interact with their beloved pets has always inspired me; these relationships are often more robust than any other human one out there! Witnessing these interactions firsthand as a veterinarian would bring immense joy into my life each day and provide comfort and solace for both the animal and its owner during difficult times. 

To sum up, I’ve shared with you my reasons for wanting to become a veterinarian, including some of the personal experiences that have influenced my decision. I know that becoming a veterinarian won’t be easy, and I’m prepared to work hard in order to achieve my goal. As someone who has had pets all my life and has worked for veterinarians for several years, I believe this is a meaningful career path. The work that veterinarians do makes a difference in people’s lives and the lives of animals around the world.

Tips for writing an essay about Why I want to be a veterinarian

When you’re writing an essay on why you aim to be a veterinarian, consider looking at personal statements for colleges examples. This can help you highlight your own writing tips. But if you want easy ways to do it, here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

Be yourself

Becoming a veterinarian is your own choice, and it requires patience, hard work, and dedication. Nevertheless, during this journey, you will find every help that you need to achieve successful results. The fact that you wrote an essay about this experience shows your determination to become a vet.

Be specific

It’s important to be specific in your essay about why you want to be a veterinarian. Avoid general statements such as “I love animals.” Instead, provide specific examples of experiences you’ve had with animals that inspired you to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.

Explain your motivations

In addition to describing your love for animals, explain what motivates you to want to be a veterinarian. For example, you could discuss your desire to help animals, your interest in science and medicine, or your passion for working with people.

Discuss your experience

If you have any experience working with animals, be sure to mention it in your essay. This could include volunteering at an animal shelter, working as a veterinary assistant, or caring for your own pets.

Keep your writing clear and concise

Good writing is clear and concise and doesn’t confuse the reader with unnecessary jargon or complicated language. Keep your sentences short and to the point, and ensure each conveys only one idea.

Veterinarians play a vital role in ensuring the health and well-being of animals. Whether working with household pets or large farm animals, veterinarians have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of animals and their owners. There are many reasons why someone might choose to become a veterinarian, from a deep love of animals to a desire to use their scientific knowledge to solve complex problems. In the following table, we’ve outlined some of the most common reasons why individuals might want to become a veterinarian, along with a brief description of each reason.

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July 11, 2024

Vet School Personal Statement Examples to Guide You

You’ve done the work you needed to to prepare yourself for vet school. The academic work. The volunteer work. The clinical work. And now you must answer the VMCAS (Veterinary Medical College Application Service) essay prompt “Why do you want to pursue a career in veterinary medicine?”  You have just 3,000 characters with which to do so.  

Many vet school candidates find writing scientific lab reports or manuscripts easier than writing a narrative vet school personal statement. And there are so many suggestions of what you should and should not do when writing a personal statement that it’s easy to get overwhelmed.  

To help you better understand what a strong vet school personal statement looks like, in this post, we present the following example, which was written by an Accepted client who ultimately received several offers of acceptance.  

Titans. In Greek mythology, the Titans were the pre-Olympians, the elder gods. They ruled the Earth and had enormous amounts of strength. In my childhood, I had a titan too, a canine. At the age of nine my family adopted a healthy Leonberger puppy that we named Titan. Little did we know at the time that his name would not only represent his size but also his unwavering strength. At the age of one, he was diagnosed with a multitude of chronic health issues and was not expected to make it to two years of age. However, as a true titan, he proved everyone wrong. I watched his bravery and will to live as the veterinarians went above and beyond to help Titan with numerous treatment plans all while showing great kindness and empathy. This helped me realize I wanted to be a veterinarian to help other animals and foster strong relations between clients and veterinarians; Titan was my defining moment.

Growing up, I lacked self-confidence and avoided talking to people I did not know. With Titan as my constant companion, I had a plethora of strangers ask me questions about him, thus fostering my interpersonal communication skills. Being able to confidently answer questions about Titan, his breed, and his health helped to prepare me for similar conversations I currently have in my position as a veterinary assistant. I am able to handle both easy and difficult conversations with pet owners by being an engaged listener, an empathetic pet owner, and having confidence in my knowledge of animals and in myself. I also recognize that not all owners have the courage or understanding to ask the questions needed to best support their animals. With this in mind, one goal I have as a future veterinarian is to help bridge the gap of knowledge that exists between animal owners and those in the veterinary industry by providing more education for owners about their animals.

 Another aspect that I will bring to the veterinary profession is inclusivity. My older brother has special needs and I have seen the progress he has made through interactions with our dogs and cats. He has gained confidence, become more social, and is able to more freely express himself. My long-term goal to contribute to the field of veterinary medicine is to create a veterinary practice that employs people with disabilities. My future practice would offer a valuable and engaging place of employment by helping decrease the stigma surrounding the capabilities of those with special needs, and foster meaningful relationships between people and animals.

The connection and experiences I had with Titan started me on my path to becoming a veterinarian. I have persevered through every opposition I have faced, learning from my mistakes and successes while remaining dedicated to my goal of becoming a veterinarian. By being a strong communicator and working well with others I have shown my ability to lead by example. All of these attributes and more are why I will be a successful veterinarian. 

This vet school personal statement has three key strengths: 

#1: The initial narrative about the applicant’s childhood pet, Titan, coupled with the writer’s ability to be vulnerable (e.g., stating that they lacked self-confidence), allows an adcom reader to form an image of the candidate and want to learn more. Furthermore, the connection between the candidate and their dog clearly lays the foundation for their interest in the field of veterinary medicine.  

#2: This applicant not only refers to their position as a veterinary assistant but also notes very specific skills they’ve cultivated in that role, such as being an engaged listener and their ability to have difficult conversations. This demonstrates that the applicant is actively invested in the process of learning as much as possible while working.  

#3: The applicant does a great job of highlighting their vision of their future as a practitioner, both holistically (i.e., wanting to be a good educator) and specifically (i.e., wanting to employ staff with special needs). This lets the adcom know that the applicant is thinking not just about the point of matriculation but also about being a provider who will contribute to the growth and development of the field.  

As the former assistant dean of student affairs and career development at the William Beaumont School of Medicine, Dr. Valerie Wherley worked directly with the dean of the School of Medicine, the associate dean of student affairs, the associate dean of clinical curriculum, and the assistant dean of admissions, as well as with Year 4 students on both residency application reviews/critiques and mock interview preparation. Work with Valerie! Schedule a free consultation today!

Related Resources:

• Highlighting Your Leadership Experience in Your Application
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• How Personal Is Too Personal In Your Application Essays?

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• Veterinary School

Vet school personal statement examples

When you are putting together an application for vet school, vet school personal statement examples will be a great way to learn how to write your own. Samples statements are like templates, or a beaten path showing you the way forward.

You’ve consulted the vet school rankings , made your decision, and are getting set to apply to your top-choice schools. You need to ace the personal statement to go right along with your polished grad school resume and grad school letter of recommendation .

This article will give you a few veterinarian school personal statement examples to look over so you can perfect your own statement. We will also cover some helpful hints to make your statement as effective as possible, and some pointers on what writing mistakes you should avoid.

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free initial consultation here <<

Article Contents 10 min read

Vet personal statement example #1.

“Saddle up,” is my favorite phrase of all time and it conveys with it a sense of adventure that few other phrases ever can. I suppose a lot of this comes from my early years where I loved cowboy stories, but it continued on through my life once I started learning about horses. I think that’s why I loved stories of the wild west to begin with: the horses – majestic, powerful, and almost living embodiments of freedom and adventure.

I grew up with horses. My cousin, Brianne, had horses and I spent as much of my time at Brianne’s place as I could. I found that other girls my age liked the idea of owning a pony, but weren’t as interested in the care of the animal. I didn’t mind it. I made connections, and learned rudimentary caring techniques. As I grew, I became more invested, and I started learning about how to care for animals on a deeper level.

My favorite thing that I learned was about trimming horse hooves. There are different schools of thought about shoeing, but I have always favored trimming and caring for horse hooves in their natural state. It is a difficult skill to master, but one of many I learned while looking after horses.

With that in mind, I took up my next job working in an animal shelter, and we dealt with all kinds of different animals that came through, mostly dogs and cats, but one animal we wound up with for a time was a chameleon named Fred who had been abandoned and neglected by his owner.

Fred proved to be a challenge – a less familiar creature than typical housepets. I started to read up on the care of lizards, tropical animals, and other exotic pets. I had to keep his cage warm, but mist it with water, and I learned that if another chameleon came into the store I would have to keep them separate, since they prefer living alone. I became fascinated with this lizard for these unique care items, and for his strange feet and rotating eyes. I knew that this was an area of study I wanted to pursue.

In case you were worried, Fred the chameleon is fine; I adopted him and he says, “Hello,” in his lizard way.

As much as I loved my job at the shelter, I decided that my experience would best come from the zoo. We live fairly near the city zoo, and a short bus ride brought me to work every day. I got first-hand experience working with exotic animals, and at last, my career goals, my love of exotic animals, and my love of adventure came all together to form one, clear path forward.

Whenever the zoo’s vets would come by and make their rounds, I would ask them questions and offered to help them with their activities. Through this, I got to “assist” on several routine events, usually with helping to control the animals and keep them still while medicine was being administered or a checkup was happening.

One of those doctors, Dr. Martin Bellford, offered to help me out with my studies, and has proved to be as inexhaustible at answering questions as I am at asking them. He has let me come with him on all subsequent zoo visits and has explained a lot of exotic animal medicine to me. He taught me about how to stay on my toes. There are so many different kinds of animals that a vet needs to know about!

My extracurricular activities inspired my academic pursuits. I have been studying biology extensively, and my favorite classes are my biology labs. I was a bit uncomfortable dissecting frogs; I didn’t know how to feel as an animal-enthusiast. I was grateful for the ability to learn about animal anatomy, but I do believe strongly in ethically caring for animals and ensuring their health and wellbeing, as well as their rights and welfare.

Someday, I hope to be an exotic animals specialist who works with strange, wild species. I’d also like to continue to care for horses, and serve as an expert or volunteer for organizations, like the World Wildlife Fund, to continue to aid the cause for wildlife preservation. Lofty goals, but goals that are filled with adventure and animals.

Saddle up.

I was screaming at a birthday party, trying to fold in on myself so completely that I couldn’t be seen by the dog sniffing me. My best friend Jake had a dog and I was terribly afraid of dogs. I had been knocked over when I was little and I guess that memory stayed with me long enough to develop a Pavlovian reaction to seeing a canid.

But, here I am, all these years later, writing this letter with two dogs’ heads resting on my lap. I went from terrified to an enthusiast.

This change of outlook happened while pet-sitting for a family friend. I was forced to come up against dogs. At first, I was all nerves and anxiety, but one of the dogs, named Lion, really was insistent that I play fetch. At first I was throwing the ball to get Lion away from me; without realizing it, I began to throw it for fun. That evening, I found myself petting Lion while watching TV. I made friends, and started to love those dogs.

I wanted to know more about animals and work with them. My uncle Carl is a vet, and in early high school days I asked if I could work for him at his clinic. He agreed, and while I mostly did menial office tasks befitting a summer job, I also got to help out with the animals

Most of what I did there was feed the animals and look after any overnight patients, but sometimes Uncle Carl would show me about a particular procedure, and he always made time to answer my questions. One day he got me to help him with a dog’s hurt hindleg – how to settle the animal, hold it gently but firmly, and how to dress the wound so that it would heal.

Again, my thirst for knowledge took over, and eventually Uncle Carl couldn’t keep up with me questions. He told me which classes I should be taking in school to learn more. I took as many biology classes as I could, and I read up on extra material. I found that I learned best by re-wording what I learned, and wrote several extra essays just so I could understand the material better.

Through working at Uncle Carl’s practice, I have discovered that I gravitate towards domestic animals. Pets are so important to me, and I want to enter a field where I can provide care for the fuzziest of family members

Last year, Uncle Carl promoted me, and I have been more directly helping with the animals under his supervision. I have come to appreciate and understand the complexities of the vet profession, and have received many hours of direct experience with medicines, evaluations, care, and treatment options for household pets. Dogs, cats, rabbits, mice, and a few spiders and snakes have all come under my purview.

I also volunteer several days every month with an animal shelter, bringing in my knowledge of how to care for these animals and help them with their health

I don’t have lofty ambitions of changing the world on a global scale; I want to be a family vet, caring for pets. I think that’s plenty of world-changing for many people who need their family cared for and their pets looked after. I have seen the relationship that vets have with their patients, and it is rewarding and wonderful.

There was nothing I could do, because when you have a three-inch gash across the stomach of a seven-inch piglet, it’s almost guaranteed to die. But hopelessness is for other professions. I’m a farm boy, so I dosed the piglet with Stresnil, grabbed a needle and thread, and sewed the little guy up.

Life on a farm has taught me a lot of things. It’s taught me about how to be tackled repeatedly by my older brother, how to fall in creeks your parents didn’t even know were there, and how to care for animals. I have seen every aspect of animal care, and participated in most of them as well.

I was there to welcome in newly-farrowed piglets, to care for them as they grew, to administer medicines and vaccinations, to feed them, scratch their backs, and put them down as quickly and humanely as possible when all else failed. Never have I lost an animal I haven’t fought for, and never have I given up on them, even in the last hours.

There is no question that this life has given me an excellent skillset and a lifetime of experience in working with animals, caring for them, and coming to understand their needs. As much as I appreciate being a farmer, my favorite aspect of the job is the care for the animals, and I want to focus on that. That’s why I want to go into the veterinary profession instead of following in my family’s business. Don’t worry, my brothers will keep the legacy going.

Maybe I shouldn’t tell you about my failures, but I feel like they were an important part of my journey, so I will. In college, when I started to study subjects I would need to become a vet, I found I had to get over myself. My experiences were valuable, but I didn’t know nearly enough. I had brought an arrogance with me; because I had direct experience with animal care, I thought I would breeze through my coursework and studies. I was wrong.

My first test score I got back for my environmental science course took me down a peg or two and I found out the hard way that I needed a better attitude, better studying habits, and to move into the hard sciences with more determination.

The attitude was a fairly easy adjustment. I have three brothers, and between their teasing and besting me in wrestling matches, my ego isn’t so fragile that it can’t take another hit. I accepted the fact that I needed to learn even more than my peers – I had allowed myself to fall behind. Then I fixed my study habits by setting a regular routine – I would always study directly after doing chores in the barn.

Finally, I took a whole new approach to my studies: I went in ignoring my grade entirely and instead just asking one question after another, allowing my curiosity to fuel my search forward. I have found that a need to understand is a far better incentive than a grade. A grade-seeker gets nothing more than a number, but a curious mind receives knowledge.

I won’t say I’m pleased that my grades have greatly improved, although they have, because I am far more wary of becoming egocentric again, but I will tell you that my studies are fairing better. I put in the work and have done some extra credit work to make up for my slow start.

Between school and farming I don’t have a lot of spare time, but I have made space to volunteer with an animal rescue organization, and I have even been fortunate enough to join them when they go out to retrieve loose animals. I have helped out with countless animals now, of many different kinds, and I am starting to expand my knowledge of the animal kingdom beyond those found on farms.

With that said, I do want to specialize in farm animals and become a veterinarian for farms. I might not be taking over for my parents, but I still love that life and those animals. I can’t save every piglet with a heavy wound, but I can try. What’s more, with training, I have the best chance possible of making every animal’s life a little bit better.

Each personal statement needs to answer one crucial question: why do you want to be a veterinarian? Answering that question is the main point of your VMCAS essay , but it must be more than that, or that reason won’t be impactful. Anybody can say “I like animals,” you need to say and show why, and you need to tell the story of your journey to getting to where you are.

The reason is because your personal statement being good also hinges on whether or not your story is personal, unique, and shows your journey in the best light. You’re going to show the application committee why you are the perfect fit for the profession of veterinarian.

You have probably done more than one thing, focused on something other than just being a vet, have a hobby or multiple types of experiences in the professional or academic fields \u2013 highlight that diversity in your life. Just make sure you stick to 2-3 main experiences. You don\u2019t need to include every connection you have with animals, just a couple of your finest experiences. Showing the admissions committee a well-rounded individual with a variety of experiences and accomplishments will go a long way to being an impressive candidate. "}]">

Could your personal statement apply to any number of candidates? Then it isn\u2019t good. Your personal statement should be, first and foremost, personal to you. The more unique it is, the more it highlights your individual traits and experiences, the more valuable it is to you. "}]">

A personal statement is one of the best ways to stand out to the applications committee. This makes you more than a number or a list of accomplishments. It gives context to those accomplishments and shows your humanity and uniqueness – two very important factors in your acceptance and moving towards your future as an animal doctor.

Different schools process applications in their own way – including personal statements. With that said, most aren’t going to mark or grade the statement. That’s why it’s so imperative to make a statement that grabs your reader and makes you stand out. It needs to be a statement that makes the committee think, “I need to interview this person; I want to meet them.”

Again, it really depends on the institution; some will weight the statement more or less than others.

What you need to know is that your statement needs to grab the attention of the reader and that you should consider all aspects of your application to be of utmost importance.

All kinds are valid, and more types are better.

If you have cared for pets, volunteered at a shelter, or have more direct, medical experience with animals, anything is on the table and valid. Get as many different types as you can. More impressive candidates will demonstrate a rapport with animals – caring for them – as well as medical and scientific knowledge.

No, it isn’t. Obviously, if you have direct contact with the kind of animal you want to specialize in, that’s great, but wanting to be an elephant doctor or somebody who helps save pandas from extinction are great goals, and you won’t be penalized because you’re not one of the rare few people who have access to pandas.

Focus on the experiences you do have to get to the ones you don’t.

No, but you should be an animal lover, so to speak. Even if you aren’t 100% sold on creep-crawlies like millipedes, you can still love animals and want to care for them. Nobody’s asking you to give a shot to an arthropod, anyway.

Animal shelters, farms, pet stores, zoos, aquariums, and possibly even a vet’s clinic will all be places you can volunteer or work to gain experience working with animals.

Not at all. You just have to be interested in animals and their wellbeing, the skillset, and the requisite academic requirements and experiences. Pet owner can be part of that, but it’s not the only factor.

Brainstorm for a couple minutes. Just take a paper and pen and free-associate about vets and animals for two minutes. Time yourself and stop at the end of those two minutes; you’ll probably have a lot to work with.

If you’re still stuck, try thinking of the moment or series of events that led you to your decision to be a vet. Start telling that story, highlight your achievements and growth along the way, and you’ll mostly be done your statement right there.

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Interview questions answered: Why do you want to be a Veterinarian?

Whether you interview for a place at a vet school , or try to get a job of a veterinarian , you will almost always face this question. The right answer seems simple and obvious: because you love animals , you want to work for them, and help them thrive (within the limitations of their life in captivity, of course). Just as it is a case with many other interview questions, however, things are not as simple as it may seem …

First of all, you want to stand out in your interview. Saying that same thing every other student or job applicants will say isn’t going to take you anywhere. And secondly, if you apply for a place at a prestigious school with low acceptance rate , the admission committee members really expect a bit more from you . Let’s have a look at 7 sample answers to the question. Do not forget to read also my notes below the answers, for some additional hints on how to come up with a perfect answer in your interviews.

7 sample answers to “Why do you want to be a veterinarian?” interview question

• I would like to run my own veterinary clinic one day in our city. I know it is an ambitious goal, and I have a lot of work to do until it can materialize. But I’ve been a regular to several clinics with our pets, and from what I saw I can clearly tell that I would love to work in such a place , let alone run it one day. I believe that people should have dreams, and enjoy doing what they do for a living . For me, it is working with animals, and running my own vet clinic one day. That’s why I am here today, and hope to get a chance to study at this great university , moving one step closer to realizing my dream.
• I’ve been around horses all my life . Riding them since I was a child, taking care of them as a volunteer in local stables, later participating in competitions as a jockey. But you cannot be a kid all your life , and the day comes when you have to take responsibility and earn your living. I spent my years at a vet school, and now I am trying to get the job with you at this ranch , so I can continue my “love affair” with horses. Working with animals I’ve been working with all my life, and helping your place to prosper, would really be a dream come true.
• My parents have a small farm, a place where I grew up running around, helping with all sorts of duties. They have forty cows and fifty sheep , and produce cheese and yogurt. I would love to become a lead veterinarian on the farm , helping our family business to thrive, and to bring high quality local produce to the community in the area . What’s more, I believe to have what it takes to succeed in this profession—dedication, compassion, excellent communication skills, and of course passion for this type of work. Before anything else, however, I have to earn my degree. And I want to earn it at one of the best schools in the country. That’s why I am here.
• I’ve been working as a veterinarian for seven years already . But now I consider changing my job, because I do not like the practices promoted in the company, the big meat producer. The amounts of antibiotics they inject into the animals, and the growth hormones and everything, it is just terrible to witness it . And I can do nothing about it from my position. What’s more, it is just a complete slavery from birth to death for the animals. Not really my cup of coffee anymore. That’s why I am looking for a job of a veterinarian on an organic farm , so I can follow more sustainable principles in my work , and at the same time animals have at least some life…
• I believe that we are what we eat , and I would like to specialize in veterinary research in the future. I’ve been a vegetarian for almost a decade, and I have observed profound changes in my metabolism and overall well-being with my diet. What’s more, I realize the impact intensive agriculture has on the ecosystems and climate change. With that being said, I’d love to play my role in the process of raising awareness of these issues, with scientific evidence. Before I can do that, however, I need to earn my degree and some reputation , and that’s exactly the plan for the next years. I know that you put emphasis on research work here, and it is one of the reasons why I applied for a study program at your school.
• I would love to run my own veterinary practice back home , in Bristol, especially for dogs and cats . I’ve been dreaming about this for some time. You may laugh at me, but I already have a location in my sight , and I have also drawn a logo and designed a website for my future practice. Having said that, I realize that the goal is far away now , and that I have to study a lot, and pass many exams, and practice for thousands of hours to make this dream come true. At the same time, this vision definitely helps me to stay motivated and to work hard , and I think it’s not a bad thing to have a vision as a future vet.
• I follow a role model from my family–my father . He’s been working as a veterinarian for twenty years now, and I can really see that his career pays off in more ways than one . First of all, he still has a passion for his job, after twenty years . In my opinion, it isn’t a common thing to see across any profession. Secondly, he earns well , and as a result we can have a decent lifestyle as a family. Which is, of course, also important, because one day I would also love to start a family. Last but not least, I can see the impact he has on lives of animals , and since I share the love for other living creatures it is highly motivating for me, and I’d love to follow the same career path. That’s why I want to be a veterinarian.

The more specific you are, the better

Try to come up with something more specific. Perhaps a specialty field of veterinary medicine that caught your eye, and you’d love to practice it one day. Or your parents happen to run a small farm , and your goal is to become the lead veterinarian there. Or you have your own business plan , a certain clinic or practice you’d like to start in the future, in the location of your choice. You can find plenty of example on my list of sample answers.

As long as they see that you actually have some plan for your future, and know what you want to do with your degree , they will immediately consider you a great candidate for the study program. Having a goal and a sort of vision definitely helps with motivation when the workload is heavy , and you struggle to prepare for the exams. Needless to say, your priorities may shift over the years and your plans may change until you earn your degree. But it is still better to have some plan than having none.

Your non-verbal communication is extremely important

They know that you will prepare for your interview, and especially for this question , because you will get it in 95 out of 100 vet school interviews. It doesn’t mean that it is a mistake to prepare–on the contrary, they like applicants who care , and spend enough time preparing for the big day. But they may sometimes doubt the authenticity of your answer, especially if your verbal and non-verbal communication do not correspond .

They should hear some enthusiasm in your words . It doesn’t mean that you have to be pumped up, or shout from pure excitement while narrating your plans, and explaining your career choice. But there should definitely be a trace of joy in your voice, and a spark in your eye . If it is there, they won’t have a reason to doubt the authenticity of your words…

Ready to answer this one? Great! But it isn’t the only tricky question you will face in your vet school interview, or while interview for a job of a vet. Check the following pages to continue your preparation for the big day:

• Vet school interview questions – Full list of 30 most common questions and answers to some of them.
• Vet technician interview questions – Typically a superbly competitive interview with many applicants. Learn how to stand out with your words.
• How to overcome interview nerves – Simple guide that will help you beat interview anxiety, and show your very best when it matters the most.
• Why do you want to be a doctor?
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Home — Essay Samples — Environment — Animal Welfare — Benefits To Be A Veterinarian

Benefits to Be a Veterinarian

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Why I Want to Be a Veterinarian (Essay Samples)

This is a free essay sample available for all students. If you are looking where to buy pre written essays on the topic “Why I Want to Be a Veterinarian”, browse our private essay samples .

Ever wondered what being a veterinarian is like? Is it a fulfilling and rewarding profession? Do you have to love animals to be successful in this career?

The author of this sample veterinarian essay talks about how she came to aspire for a career as a veterinarian. She shares why she believes going down this career path will enrich her life, as well as those of others, including animals.

Have you taken the time to write down your dream career goals and your personal hopes as a future professional? We’d love to help you through our essay writing services .

Table of Contents

Why I Want to Be a Veterinarian and Work With Animals

Many people look at most veterinarians and think, “Oh, animal whisperer.” There is a perception that a veterinarian knows the language of each type of animal and can very well communicate with them. While they are not completely wrong, not every veterinary technician started out their career journey passionate about animals.

I say this because my passion for the veterinary field did not initially stem from a natural love for animals. In fact, I didn’t even pay much attention to my zoology classes because I found some of the topics boring. However, what changed my perspective and fueled my interest was witnessing the relationship between a little girl and their family pet.

I was walking home after school one day when I saw a little girl crossing the street with her mom and their dog. As soon as they neared the curb, the girl slipped and started crying. The dog immediately ran to her side and started nuzzling her and licking her as if to check if she was okay. I could immediately tell that there was a deep relationship between them that gradually grow over time. I soon learned that the beloved pet had been around ever since the mom was pregnant with the girl that I saw. He was right there when she was born and was protective of her from Day One.

Learning about their unique relationship was what inspired me to aim for a career in veterinary medicine. I’m not an animal lover – not yet, anyway – but I am determined to protect the deep relationships between humans and their furry friends. I also want to protect animals from daily dangers and be able to provide the proper medical support for them and pet owners during emergencies.

I have a growing appreciation of how vets are able to promptly care for sick or injured animals, assuring their owners in the process that they will do everything they can to look after their “family members.” Because of their in-depth education from veterinary school, they are highly adept at administering the proper care for each type of animal, based on each type of need.

My dream is to set up my own practice once I am a licensed vet. I realized that there is no nearby veterinarian in our community, and my goal is to become the first to set up shop. Our neighborhood is quite animal-friendly as a lot of our neighbors are pet owners. It concerns me to think that they would have to travel several miles just to access veterinary services. For an emergency, this will not do. Another advantage of having a local vet nearby is sustained relationships. They will be able to get to know all the animals in the neighborhood and really be able to have relationships with each one.

I will aim to finish university with high marks and intentionally apply everything that my education will instill in me in my future practice. Through this, I hope to be able to add value to my community and the animals residing in it. Once I have gained enough experience, I am willing to run an internship program in my office where young people interested in becoming a vet can gain experience in their own community.

I know that there is a lot of hard work involved in becoming a veterinarian, especially for someone who did not grow up with animals. But I am a champion of human-animal relationships and I’m certain that practicing veterinary medicine is more than just treating animals when they are sick or hurt. It is also making sure that the relationship with their owner is maximized in terms of the time they are able to spend together.

At the end of the day, studying veterinary medicine aligns with my core value of relationships. Even if I am not part of any animal lovers club or didn’t grow up with loved animals by my side, I understand the importance of relationships and how pets enrich the lives of their human parents. I am determined to support these relationships by doing my part in helping animals live long and fulfilling lives.

Veterinarian Career Goals Essay (Short Essay Sample)

It is no secret to my family and friends that I dream of becoming a veterinarian someday. While I didn’t grow up in a home filled with pets, I have a deepening admiration for the relationship between humans and their animal friends.

My goal is to take as many science classes as I can now to strengthen the backbone of my learning. If there are any available internships with vets for students, I am willing to get involved. I want to be able to understand the ins and outs of this profession so that I get a solid grasp of the pros and cons of going down this career route.

Of course, I want to take up veterinary medicine in university while assisting at the nearest vet practice. Once I am a licensed vet, I want to go back to my roots and set up a practice in my own neighborhood. I learned that our community doesn’t have a veterinarian, so my neighbors would have to travel a distance just to get their pets checked and treated. I want to make veterinary services easily accessible to them as our community is extremely animal-friendly.

FAQs on Why I Want to Be a Veterinarian Essay

❓ what are the reasons to become a veterinarian.

There are several possible motivations for wanting to become a veterinarian. It could be a natural love for animals, a personal experience with a furry friend, a good relationship with a veterinary technician, a burden to save animals, even continuing a family legacy.

❓ How Important A Role Of A Vet Is?

It goes without saying that veterinarians are essential members of any local community. In fact, each neighborhood should not be without one, especially if they are animal-friendly. Veterinarians are front-liners for animals. They diagnose and treat sick or injured animals and make sure they are well taken care of by their families. They understand the unique needs of each one and love animals with a passion. Whether small animals or large animals, their goal is to save lives through medicine. They are as important to these animals as a doctor is valuable to humans.  They ensure the health and safety of these creatures, as well as their quality of life. They are knowledgeable in animal diseases and are skilled at treating them. Their presence in the medical field deserves much appreciation and recognition because of their focus on our pets.

Veterinarian - My Future Career Profile

4 Pages 933 Words November 2014

For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to be a veterinarian. When I was just a little girl I did not realize how much school I would have to go through to be able to be one. A veterinarian is someone who takes care of sick or injured animals and helps diagnose and treat the animals in a professional and knowledgeable way. In order to be a veterinarian the first main goal is to get a bachelors degree in biology, animal science, veterinary medicine, or something in that field. To get a bachelors degree it will take four years at a university. After they have earned that bachelors degree they will then need to continue to veterinary school. It's very competitive and difficult to get into veterinary school, therefore, for those first four years at a university they will have to have made sure that they have made good grades and have participated in volunteer work that deals with animals. Vet school takes around four years. In vet school you will go deeper into the field and it will help prepare you to be fully ready to become a veterinarian. They will then be able to get their license in veterinary. After vet school most people tend to do a 2-year internship at a veterinary office of choice. Employment of veterinarians is projected to grow 12 percent from 2012 to 2022. As the population grows, more veterinarians will be needed to inspect the food supply and to ensure animal and human health. After becoming a veterinarian and getting settled down in the job they will then start earning a salary. The median average of the salary in 2012 was 84,460 dollars. Also, the best-paid veterinarians were earning up to 144,100 dollars. Although the money in this field is extraordinary, in order to be a vet you should have the right skills and abilities or the job might not work out as well as planned. A passion for animals is something that is required in order to take on this job. This is the most important skill when being a vet. A customer will...

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Veterinarians 

General information, description.

Diagnose, treat, or research diseases and injuries of animals. Includes veterinarians who conduct research and development, inspect livestock, or care for pets and companion animals.

Business Breakdown

People in this career work in these sectors.

• Private, for profit 60.70%
• Self-employed 28.51%
• State and local government 5.39%
• Private, not for profit 3.49%
• Federal government 1.70%

Workplace at a Glance

What you can expect to experience while on the job

• Responsibility
• Exposure to job hazards
• Physical activity
• Decision making
• Repetitiveness
• Level of competition
• Time pressure

Industry areas

• Health Science

Job Outlook

Employment of veterinarians is projected to grow 20 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 5,000 openings for veterinarians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Similar Careers

• Emergency Medicine Physicians
• Allergists and Immunologists
• Physicians, Pathologists
• General Internal Medicine Physicians
• Dermatologists

Related Military Careers

Salary information.

Median Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.

Median Military Salary Military pay may be higher based on specialty pays or bonuses. Learn more about Military benefits.

State-by-state Salary

Gray states indicate no data available

Salary Range Salary varies based on years of experience, degree level and location.

Education & Interests

Most common education levels.

People in this career achieve this level of education.

• Doctoral degree 79%
• Post-doctoral training 11%
• First professional degree 9%
• High school 0%
• Some college 0%
• Master's degree 0%
• Bachelor's degree 0%
• Associate's degree 0%
• Post baccalaureate 0%
• Less than high school 0%
• Post-master's certificate 0%
• Post-secondary certificate 0%

PERSONALITY CHARACTERISTICS

You may find this career fulfilling if you consider yourself to be:

• Investigative — You have an interest in studying and researching objects, organisms, and other things.
• Realistic — You have an interest in physically working with equipment, materials or structures.

Not sure what characteristics best describe you? Take the RIASEC Test.

Skills at a Glance

Skills helpful in this career

• Verbal skills
• Critical thinking & problem solving
• Equipment operation & maintenance
• Math & science skills
• Technology design & control
• Medicine and Dentistry
• Customer and Personal Service
• Education and Training
• English Language

Gain insights into your knowledge by using the ASVAB Career Exploration Program

Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics , National Center of Education Statistics , Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule) . Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.

The Future of Veterinary Care

May 29, 2018

An Editorial by Juan Ramón Alaix, Chief Executive Officer, Zoetis

Home → → News

As CEO of Zoetis, I have enormous respect for veterinarians and the contributions they make to society by caring for animals – animals that we all may depend on for companionship and nutrition. Their commitment to animal health is supported and shared by all of our Zoetis colleagues, so I was honored when the World Veterinary Association asked me to deliver a keynote address to 500-plus veterinary professionals this month in Barcelona. This was a great opportunity to discuss the forces shaping the future of animal health, and more importantly, how veterinary care will evolve to address the world’s most pressing animal health issues.  

I believe the role of the veterinarian will be even more critical going forward, when you consider the increasing demand for protein fueled by a growing world population; the expanding middle class and its desire for more pet companionship and diets rich in animal proteins; the consolidation of food production to support large urban centers; and the need for better healthcare protocols to ensure safe and affordable food supplies. All of this means that our dependence on animals will be even greater in the future.  

There are many trends influencing how veterinarians – and partners like Zoetis – will help raise and care for healthy animals to meet these demands in the future. These trends include: 

• The evolving threat of emerging diseases that endanger the health of farm animals, and the ability to produce more protein in the face of climate changes and constrained natural resources.
• The growing influence of consumers – who are better informed and connected than ever before -- when it comes to food production and their pets’ health and wellness.
• The advancement of digital tools and data analytics becoming even more important for veterinarians to ensure accurate, targeted treatment, deliver more personalized care and better connect with their customers. 

I am convinced that by embracing many of these developing trends, technologies and innovations, veterinarians will remain at the center of Animal Health for years to come, and I see four opportunities in particular: 

First, veterinarians must take a more integrated approach to care . At Zoetis, we invest in innovation across the full spectrum of care for animals – from prediction and prevention to detection and treatment – and we work with veterinarians to help them expand their tools beyond traditional medicines to also include the ways genetics, diagnostics, digital innovation and data analytics can improve animal health. By using good prediction and prevention tools on the front end through vaccines and genetic testing, followed by diagnostic and digital tools to monitor animal health, veterinarians can help reduce the use of antibiotics – whether it’s cattle or canines – and ensure timely and targeted treatment on the back end of this cycle of care. 

Second, veterinarians can also transform their practices – and increase traffic – through big data and digitalization . Digital pet wellness applications are connecting pet owners with their local vet practice, while capturing nearly every aspect of their pet’s life. This enables veterinarians to ensure the best professional advice and care. I am also inspired by the increasing number of veterinary practices now using social media channels to stay present and relevant to a new generation of pet owners. It’s important for veterinarians to be proactive in the “internet of things” to maintain their influence in healthcare – and to avoid other external players replacing them – not only as prescribers, but also in delivering products, services and advice to customers.

Third, there is the opportunity to expand our global access to technology through sustainable business and economic models. One way to achieve this is through broad collaborations. For example, in some African markets – which are home to some of the largest livestock populations in the world – we are making great progress in establishing access to local veterinary services, diagnostics, medicines, vaccines and other animal health products through a collaboration with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Initiatives like this can improve medicalization rates, minimize the incidence of disease, and strengthen local veterinary expertise in areas where it does not exist today. In turn, this can greatly improve the livelihoods of local farmers.  

Finally, I am encouraged by efforts to elevate the veterinary profession – by collaborating with professionals and academia to raise the standards of veterinary education, modernize treatment, and grant wider, more affordable access to veterinary care.  

Ensuring the best possible health outcomes for animals is a tall order. For many veterinarians, it is much more than a profession… it’s a passion to which they have dedicated their lives. I am proud of what we at Zoetis are doing in partnership with veterinarians to bring greater value to society – through new medicines, technologies and insights that can improve the health and wellness of animals; enhance the sustainability of animal agriculture; promote the veterinary profession, and advance the level of veterinary care around the world. 

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Veterinary scholarships that enhance the future of the profession

Paw Prosper announced 2 new scholarships for veterinary students and professionals

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Paw Prosper, a pet health company aimed at finding solutions to wellness challenges, has announced a new scholarship for veterinary students, the Paw Prosper Student of Veterinary Medicine Scholarship, and another scholarship for professionals seeking to further their education with the Paw Prosper Continuing Education Scholarship. Paw Prosper will offer financial assistance and motivation to both current and aspiring professionals in the industry through this new program.

"Through our ongoing work with amazing professionals in the animal health and welfare industry, we have developed a deep appreciation and respect for their dedication to improving the lives of animals," said Ryan DeCaire, CEO of Paw Prosper, in a news release. 1 "We want to support the next generation of professionals who want to improve and innovate as a way to further our mission to help animals stay healthy for longer."

The Paw Prosper Student of Veterinary Medicine Scholarship is available to both undergraduate and graduate students studying veterinary medicine. The Paw Prosper Continuing Education Scholarship is designed for professionals seeking to further their education and expertise in advanced animal health and welfare studies. Both scholarships are open to residents of the United States and Canada and applicants must submit an application along with a 1000-word essay. The application period runs from July 8th, 2024, to August 31st, 2024. Two recipients will be chosen and notified September 24, 2024 with each receiving a $1000 award. 1,2

Veterinary students interested in the student scholarship must be enrolled in an accredited university or college in the US or Canada, with a minimum GPA of 2.50. The essay submission for this scholarship must answer the question: “What defining moment helped steer you toward a career in veterinary medicine?” 2

Veterinary professionals interested in the continuing education scholarship must already be a credentialed veterinarian, technician, or other credentialed professional and be enrolled in an accredited continuing education course. The essay submission for this scholarship must answer the question: “What motivated you to pursue this continuing education, and how do you envision this opportunity impacting your ultimate goal in the animal health and wellness industry?” 2

"There is so much innovation and new information within the animal wellness industry that continuing education is required to stay on top of the latest techniques and research. Professionals must complete a certain amount of continuing education per year; however, this can be financially challenging," said Kara Amstutz, CEO of the Canine Rehabilitation Institute. 1 "This scholarship will help those dedicated to providing the best care possible for their patients by taking some of the financial burden off their plate."

More information on these 2 scholarships can be found on the Paw Prosper website. 2

• Paw Prosper launches new scholarships to support students of veterinary medicine and continuing education. News release. Paw Prosper. July 8, 2024. Accessed July 8, 2024. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/paw-prosper-launches-new-scholarships-to-support-students-of-veterinary-medicine-and-continuing-education-302190836.html
• Scholarships. Paw Prosper. Accessed July 8, 2024. https://pawprosper.com/pages/scholarships

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