After receiving an undergraduate degree, veterinarians go to school for four more years—as long as medical doctors, who only learn about one species! Good grades are very important in high school, as is developing good study habits.

Zoo veterinarians go to the same schools as all other veterinarians. They just take extra electives, go to zoo preceptorships (LINK to our program) while in school and some (14–15 individuals out of 3,000 vets graduating each year in North America) go to internship/residency programs after graduation. However, most of their specialization comes from LOTS of reading.

There are slightly more than 100 board-certified zoo vets in the world. Lincoln Park Zoo has one and another on the way! Lincoln Park Zoo also teaches an ACZM-approved program for teaching residents (link). Board-certified vets must complete either a three-year zoo residency or six years as a full time zoo vet, publish five papers, one which is a research project, and take a two-day test that covers all zoo and wildlife species!

There are 32 vet schools in the United States and Canada. Not all states have a veterinary school, and there are only two states with two. Each has its own requirements, so look online early!

The best place to start acquiring animal experience is by volunteering with domestic animals. Try a humane society, animal shelter or private veterinary hospital. After you have some baseline experience, you can look into volunteer (link) programs at Lincoln Park Zoo or attend classes offered by the veterinary and curatorial staff (LINK to education program). Most vet schools have Open House Veterinarian programs for the community; the zoo's veterinarians are often asked to participate or be guest speakers at these programs.

The best place to start acquiring animal experience is by volunteering with domestic animals. Try a humane society, animal shelter or private veterinary hospital. After you have some baseline experience, you can look into volunteer (link) programs at Lincoln Park Zoo or attend classes offered by the veterinary and curatorial staff (LINK to education program). Most vet schools have Open House Veterinarian programs for the community; the zoo's veterinarians are often asked to participate or be guest speakers at these programs.

The best place to start acquiring animal experience is by volunteering with domestic animals. Try a humane society, animal shelter or private veterinary hospital. After you have some baseline experience, you can look into volunteer (link) programs at Lincoln Park Zoo or attend classes offered by the veterinary and curatorial staff (LINK to education program). Most vet schools have Open House Veterinarian programs for the community; the zoo's veterinarians are often asked to participate or be guest speakers at these programs.

Not routinely. The C.H. "Doc" Searle, M.D. Animal Hospital is a working hospital that cares for more than 1,000 animals, so it cannot be open to the public. Also, due to health concerns, guests under the age of 16 years are unable to visit. The tours that are available are pre-arranged and may be associated with classes taught by the vet staff. (LINK)

Not routinely. The C.H. "Doc" Searle, M.D. Animal Hospital is a working hospital that cares for more than 1,000 animals, so it cannot be open to the public. Also, due to health concerns, guests under the age of 16 years are unable to visit. The tours that are available are pre-arranged and may be associated with classes taught by the vet staff. (LINK)

The zoo's veterinarians cannot do their job alone! They have three trained, certified veterinary technicians that act as nurses, anesthetists, laboratory analyzers and many other roles. Find out more about being a veterinary technician at the Association of Zoo Veterinarian Technicians.