Veterinarians are a very small occupational group. Most veterinarians work in private practice in animal hospitals and clinics. Other veterinarians are employees in governments, the food processing industry, or educational institutions. They may work in offices and laboratories or on farms. In private practice, what veterinarians do varies with the type of veterinary specialty and location.
Some veterinarians are general practitioners who treat a wide range of animals.
There is a growing trend for veterinarians to specialize in treating one group of animals, for example, large animals, such as dairy cattle and horses, or small animals, such as domestic cats and dogs. In urban areas small animal practice is common. Veterinarians treat family pets, such as dogs, cats and birds. They also stress the use of preventive medicines and advise owners of breeding, nutrition and vaccination procedures. They may also educate the public about the potential of disease that can be spread from animals to humans.