Besides their value as companions, pets can protect homes and property, destroy vermin, and provide transportation. Pets are generally purchased from breeders or pet shops, or adopted from private or civic shelters for abandoned animals. Pet owners should bring newly acquired animals to a veterinarian, who will examine them for congenital and contagious diseases and will initiate a routine vaccination and examination schedule. The veterinarian will also provide guidance for proper care and feeding. Veterinary Medicine Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of animal diseases.
Veterinarians complete a four-year postgraduate program before becoming licensed.
They usually specialize in either small animals such as pets, or large animals, such as horses and farm animals.