December 9th is the International Day of Veterinary Medicine. It is a day to not only thank our hard-working veterinarians but to shine a light on all the important things they do throughout the world. Vets help keep our beloved pets healthy, protect the livelihood of farmers by caring for livestock, help manage public health concerns, and conduct research that ultimately benefits animals and humans. This is the perfect time to learn a bit more about what veterinarians do and how we can help support them in their important work.

Veterinary medicine can be traced back as far as 3000 BC indicating how animals have played a pivotal part in human history. Understanding and treating agricultural diseases would have been incredibly important during the establishment of early societies not only for health reasons but for economic ones. The first official veterinary school was established in France in 1761 and has been a legitimate field of study since. In 1863 the American Veterinary Medical Association was officially established, and still exists today with a mission to “[advance] the science and practice of veterinary medicine to improve animal and human health” (AVMA.org).

Veterinarians perform a variety of important duties. Most of us are familiar with our local vets. They administer vaccines, perform routine checkups, and provide emergency services to our furriest family members. They are an important resource that help keep our pets healthy. Local vets also perform a vital function in ensuring our animal food sources are disease-free and safe for human consumption. On a state level, veterinarians are involved in public health issues such as evaluating the safety of food and water, identifying the source of illness outbreaks, and regulating the transportation of animals. The United States Army and Air Force even have veterinarians to ensure the care of military working animals. Not all vets work in public-facing positions, however. Many are employed in the research field working to understand health problems that affect animals and humans. They help test vaccines and treatments for everything from COVID to cancers.

With all of the important work that veterinarians do on a daily basis, how can we best recognize their efforts? The simplest thing is to thank your local vet. You can also take some time to learn about how this field of medicine has, and continues to, benefit people and animals alike. Helping to raise awareness of the importance of veterinary programs is also a great way to help support them. Social media is a very effective way to share the information you learn. Finally, be on the lookout for opportunities to help with promotional programs. Ask your local vet office if they need volunteers or if there are ways you can help spread the word about the work they do.

Veterinarians are an important part of our community but much of what they do is unknown to the general public. This December 9th, we encourage you to take a moment, thank your local vet, and tell your friends about all the amazing things they do.