DVM students check vitals of a dog.

Training in small animal medicine and surgery

Students interested in canine and feline medicine and surgery will be able to immerse themselves in advanced course work and clinical training to prepare them for exciting careers in small animal practice.

Courses designed to develop excellent practitioners

The small animal faculty at VMCVM are committed to helping our students achieve their goals of becoming a small animal veterinarian. Our clinicians provide outstanding instruction in the classroom, as well as in the clinic, in order to develop passionate practitioners with excellent clinical knowledge and skills.

Please refer to the DVM Course Catalog for the track and elective courses that are available for students tracking small animals.

Career opportunities

Potential career options for students tracking small animals include the following:

  • Small animal general private practice
  • Small animal emergency medicine
  • Shelter medicine
  • Specialty practice, which requires post-DVM advanced training through internship, residency, and board certification by a veterinary specialty organization
  • Teaching
  • Research