Military Trips with Four Legs: Which Branches Have Veterinarians?

Hi there! I am current junior with a love for animals and am considering becoming a veterinarian. I understand the military has opportunities for vet services, does anyone know which branches specifically have veterinarians or veterinary programs?

Absolutely! Veterinary services are a critical part of the military, not just for working animals but also for maintaining public health and food safety among the troops.

The U.S. Army is the primary branch that employs veterinarians through the Army Veterinary Corps. Veterinarians in the army provide care for government-owned animals, such as working dogs and horses. They also participate in biomedical research and development, and take charge of food safety and defense operations. They inspect food that the military and Department of State procure locally, overseas and stateside.

The U.S. Air Force also employs veterinarians but in a less direct capacity. The Air Force's Biomedical Sciences Corps comprises many medical fields, including veterinary medicine. In such capacities, veterinarians might work predominantly in public health and food safety, rather than directly with animals.

The Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard do not have specific veterinary programs or roles as they typically leverage the U.S. Army veterinary capabilities when necessary. The Space Force, which was only just formed in 2019, doesn't have as well-defined roles, but they operate under the Department of the Air Force (although they are a separate branch), so they may have access to some of the Air Force's same opportunities.

Lastly, the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, which operates under the Department of Health and Human Services and is considered one of the seven uniformed services, also employs veterinarians. These veterinarians mostly work in public health and regulatory medicine capacities.

Remember, if you're considering one of these paths, every branch's veterinary services will also require you to meet the general physical, age, and education requirements for officers in that branch. Many will require you to have your Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree before joining, and there are some programs that will help pay for vet school in exchange for service.

I hope this provides a helpful starting point for you in considering a career in military veterinary services. It's an unique path that can offer a wide range of experiences, and you're serving your country while working with animals, which seems like it could be a great fit for you!