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How do you get the training you need to be hired as a veterinarian at a zoo? Do you complete that training in standard vet school?

I understand the process of going to veterinary school, but being a zoo vet seems very niche. How do you get all the training you need to get hired for that job?

fall25 biology veterinarian zoology wildlife-biology
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Karin’s Answer

Hi Will,

The basics of veterinary training are the same if you want to become a zoo vet - bachelors degree followed by veterinary school - but the choices you make can set you up for a successful career as a zoo vet.

It would make sense to get your undergraduate education in an exotic animal/zoo program, in wildlife biology, animal science or as a zoo vet tech:
https://www.vettechcolleges.com/veterinary-technicians/zoo-vet-tech
https://www.vettechcolleges.com/blog/hands-on-exotic-zoo-animal-programs

You could further strengthen your profile as an aspiring zoo vet by volunteering at a zoo or in a conservation program.

It would also be a good idea to attend a vet school that has an exotic animal hospital/program, such as
University of Florida: https://smallanimal.vethospital.ufl.edu/clinical-services/zoological-medicine/
North Carolina State University: https://cvm.ncsu.edu/resources/current-students/dvm-students/curriculum/focus-areas/zoological-medicine/
UC Davis: https://whc.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/zoological-medicine

There are also summer programs for students interested in wildlife and exotic animals, e.g. https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/research/student-research/star/wildlife-exotic

Typically, an aspiring zoo vet would do a residency after earning their DVM and become board-certified in zoological medicine: https://www.aczm.org

I hope this helps! All the best to you!

KP

Karin recommends the following next steps:

https://veterinary.rossu.edu/about/blog/how-to-become-a-zoo-veterinarian
https://www.aczm.org/
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