"My parents say I taped a toothpick “splint” to an injured caterpillar when I was six. I don't think it worked, but my parents say that's the day they predicted I would become a vet, and they were right! As a kid, I thought that loving animals and wanting to be around them all the time would be enough, but veterinary school is hard work. I was always good at science, so that helped, but it's medical school for all different types of animal species, so you have to stay committed.
 

Some of my friends went into large animal specialties, working for farms or on horses. Another friend treats exotic pets like snakes and hedgehogs, but I enjoy the family pet dynamic. Whether it's performing surgery or teaching kids how to care for a new puppy, every day is a fun challenge! The pets all have their own great personalities! The losses can be hard, because I love my patients. Fortunately, there are more happy outcomes than sad ones, and my bonus pay is wagging tails and friendly licks!"

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Job Description

SOC Code: 29-1131

Veterinarians 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.*

*Source: This information is based on O*NET™ data. O*NET is a trademark registered to the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.

Top Job Skills:

• Diagnostic testing
• Behavioral assessment
• Customer service
• Administer vaccines
• Climbing ladders

General Work Activities:

• Mental Processes
  • Operate on patients to treat conditions
  • Prescribe medications
  • Treat acute illnesses, infections, or injuries
  • Communicate health and wellness information to the public
  • Counsel family members of clients or patients
  • Provide health and wellness advice
  • Treat animal injuries or illnesses
  • Supervise medical support personnel
• Interacting With Others
  • Coordinate logistics for productions or events
• Information Input
  • Examine patients to assess general physical condition
• Work Output
  • Collect biological specimens from patients
  • Operate diagnostic imaging equipment

Source: SC Works Online Services (SCWOS)

*All data is factual, but names, Images, and quotations have been adapted to protect the Identity of employees and businesses.

Job Statistics

 

Examples of Workforce Areas with Job Openings

 

• Midlands
• Trident
• Greenville
• Upper Savannah
• Catawba
• Waccamaw

Source: SC Works Online Services. Ask an SC Works representative for more information about postings in your area.

Examples of Employers with Job Openings

• American Veterinary Group
• Thrive Pet Healthcare
• VCA, Inc.
• VetCor
• Encore Vet Group
• National Veterinary Associates

Source: SC Works Online Services. Ask an SC Works representative for more information about postings in your area

Related Occupations

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

NOTE: All data based on state averages. Information may vary depending on region, experience, and specific employment situation. Last Updated: 2025

Learn More with SCWOS

SC Works Online Services (SCWOS) is the state’s largest job database and provides all of South Carolina's job postings from all major sites, including Monster and Career Builder, in one resource. SCWOS has thousands of positions listed by employers all over the state. To access SCWOS, visit jobs.scworks.org.

Find in-depth breakdowns of occupational statistics such as necessary job certifications, job skills and abilities, current job openings, overview of general work activities, and more by visiting O*NET.org.