A veterinarian that is board certified has completed a residency and testing requirements within their specialty. A residency is a two to three year program spent under the guidance of a board certified veterinarian in a specialty practice or in a university veterinary medical hospital. A veterinary oncologist has received board certification in the study of cancer in dogs, cats, ferrets, birds and other exotic and domestic animals. These veterinarians are specially trained to diagnose and treat animals with cancer. Most oncologists work in specialty veterinary hospitals and universities and treat dogs and cats with cancer on a regular basis.
Some people choose surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy for their pets with cancer.