International Day of Veterinary Medicine: Why Veterinary Medicine Is So Important
December 9 is the International Day of Veterinary Medicine. It’s a day to recognize the hard work of veterinary professionals, who work tirelessly to protect the health and welfare of animals around the globe. In honor of the day, here’s a look at what veterinary work entails and why veterinary medicine is so important.
What Do Veterinarians Do?
Veterinarians work to protect animal and public health around the world. They research, diagnose, and treat illness and injury in animals of all kinds. Veterinarians support the health and welfare of our beloved pets, essential working animals, wildlife, and more. Vet medicine encompasses work such as:
Examinations of animals
Treatment and dressing of wounds
Animal surgery
Animal vaccinations
Animal care education and advisement
Prescription of medication
Disease research
People working in veterinary medicine often work in private clinics and hospitals, while others work in laboratories, zoos, or classrooms. Some veterinarians primarily work in the field—on farms, ranches, conservation areas, and more. Here at International Veterinary Outreach (IVO), our veterinary professionals work in all types of settings around the world. From pop-up clinics in Nicaragua to the remote mountains of Nepal, we bring community veterinary medicine to where it’s needed most.
The Importance of Veterinary Medicine
While many pet owners recognize the importance of vets in keeping their furry friends safe and healthy, the impact of veterinary medicine as a whole goes far beyond individual households. Veterinary professionals advocate for and protect the welfare of working animals and food animals, playing an important role in larger public health and safety.
Additionally, veterinary medicine is crucial for community health. Healthy animals and safe human-animal interactions reduce the risk of harm on both sides and prevent the transmission of zoonotic diseases. Through their work in supporting animal health, veterinarians play an integral role in supporting the health of communities and ecosystems worldwide.
On the International Day of Veterinary Medicine and every day, we at IVO would like to thank our staff and volunteers—and veterinary professionals everywhere—for their passion, heart, and meaningful work.
Here at IVO, our international animal health programs provide veterinary care to communities that otherwise lack access. We’re improving the lives of people and animals worldwide, and you can help us do it! If you would like to support veterinary medicine, donate to IVO today!
