Description
Diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases and injuries in companion animals—primarily dogs, cats, and other small pets. Provide clinical care, surgery, and diagnostics in veterinary hospitals or clinics, along with client education and practice management.
- • Examine dogs, cats, and other small pets to diagnose illnesses or injuries.
- • Treat sick or injured animals with medications, therapies, and pain management.
- • Perform soft-tissue surgeries, including spay/neuter and wound repair.
- • Administer vaccinations for core and lifestyle diseases (e.g., rabies, distemper).
- • Collect and analyze samples such as blood, urine, feces, and cytology.
- • Operate and interpret radiography and ultrasound for diagnosis.
- • Develop anesthesia plans and monitor patients during procedures.
- • Provide dental care, including cleanings, extractions, and oral surgery.
- • Implement parasite prevention and control protocols.
- • Educate clients on zoonotic risks, preventive care, and treatment options.
- • Advise owners on nutrition, behavior, and general home care.
- • Establish isolation, biosecurity, and testing procedures for contagious diseases.
- • Perform and interpret point-of-care tests and coordinate outside lab work.
- • Provide emergency and critical care, including triage and stabilization.
- • Humanely euthanize animals and counsel clients on end-of-life decisions.
- • Maintain detailed medical records and ensure regulatory compliance.
- • Train and supervise veterinary technicians, assistants, and support staff.
- • Manage clinic operations such as scheduling, inventory, and budgeting.
- • Conduct postmortem examinations to determine causes of death when indicated.
- • Participate in continuing education and apply evidence-based practices.
- • Microchip pets and complete health certificates for travel or adoption.
- • Create individualized wellness and chronic disease management plans.
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
