Veterinarians in private practice are often involved in public health service on a part-time basis through membership on a local board of health. Education, research, and laboratory animal medicine Schools and colleges of veterinary medicine employ veterinarians who teach, conduct research, and practice clinical veterinary medicine. Industry, governmental agencies, and other academic institutions employ veterinarians specializing in laboratory animal medicine, pathology, pharmacology, and toxicology. Those specializing in laboratory animal medicine provide clinical laboratory animal care and advise investigators on the proper and humane use of laboratory animals. The veterinary pathologist evaluates the effects of infectious and noninfectious agents on the various organ systems.
Veterinary pharmacologists develop and test pharmaceutical products for animal use.
The veterinary toxicologist is responsible for safety evaluation of drugs and other chemicals for both animals and humans. Other opportunities Many zoos employ veterinarians to supervise the preservation, health, and care of wildlife and exotic animals. Careers in aquatic veterinary medicine, bio- and genetic engineering, and embryo transfer are also available to the graduate veterinarian. Some veterinarians write and edit professional publications or serve on the boards of state or national professional organizations. Others serve as executive secretaries for professional veterinary groups.