Why is veterinary medicine important to our society?

Veterinarians are important for several reasons. First they help to protect animal health by examining, diagnosing and treating many diseases and conditions of domesticated animals. This ranges from preventing parvovirus in puppies through vaccination to removing bladder stones in rabbits to floating teeth in horses to allow them to eat properly.

Second, veterinarians help protect human health. One of the main ways veterinarians do this is by vaccinating domesticated animals (particularly dogs, but also cats, horses and cattle) against rabies. Prior to mandatory vaccination of dogs against rabies, dozens of people became infected with rabies every year in the United States. Veterinarians are also involved in many aspects of public health, ranging from inspecting meat and poultry products to improving sanitation in communities to prevent contamination of drinking water.

Third, veterinarians help improve the lives of both animals and humans through everything from investigating disease outbreaks to helping develop new drugs and medical technologies to educating both veterinarians and non-veterinarians.