Animal Health Industry Careers for Veterinarians

​​​The animal health industry offers a variety of exciting career opportunities (see Common Animal Health Industry Roles). Veterinarians embarking on a career change to the animal health industry often enter a professional services role in which they support marketing, sales, regulatory affairs, research, and/or internal development and represent the company to external customers (eg, veterinarians, veterinary technicians, pet owners, key opinion leaders, company sales representatives, distributors).

What are the advantages of working in the animal health industry?

The animal health industry includes a relatively small group of businesses with exceptional opportunities for networking, professional development, leadership, and influence in the veterinary community. These careers offer professional and personal satisfaction through being on the edge of the scientific field, having long-term and encompassing goals, providing services to the veterinary profession, and receiving a different level of pay and benefits.

Positivity about veterinary practice is essential because veterinary colleagues are the customers of animal health industry companies.

​​​​​What are the challenges of working in the animal health industry?

Travel can be a concern and should be a consideration when accepting a position. One survey reported ≈83% of veterinarians employed with animal health industry companies traveled <40% of their time, and 28% ​​​​did not travel often.¹ Regular job responsibilities do not stop during travel times, and emails and reports are often completed after regular working hours. Attending conventions (Figure 1), conferences (Figure 2), and sales meetings can also include working evenings and weekends.

​​​​​FIGURE 1

Industry veterinarians in an exhibit hall at an AVMA convention

FIGURE 2

Industry veterinarians at an American Association of Industry Veterinarians networking reception

Many jobs in the animal health industry involve public speaking and/or visiting clinics. Engaging in client, community, and/or professional presentations can provide experience and boost confidence.

Mergers and acquisitions within the field can affect longevity, and although a new or revised organization may no longer be a good professional or personal fit, other companies and opportunities are available.

What do animal health industry employers look for in a candidate?

Employers typically look for leadership skills, ability to work on a team, excellent communication and analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, self-confidence, strong work ethic, professional image, flexibility, sense of humor, and a positive attitude and are likely to value veterinary practice experience, as well as an understanding of or willingness to learn business principles. Practice ownership is not a prerequisite, but understanding practice financial metrics and how individual contributions allow for profit can be helpful. Board certification and/or advanced degrees are not commonly needed, but business classes can be beneficial.

​​​​​How do veterinary skills translate to animal health industry jobs?

Understanding which skills (eg, selling products, decreasing costs) can transfer from practice to industry work is important. In the clinic, veterinarians know how to provide excellent customer service, communicate with diverse types of people, solve problems, educate clients, handle complaints, explain complex concepts in an understandable way, and sell diagnostic and treatment recommendations along with the necessary products. Veterinarians also bring new services and products to clinical practice and have the education, experience, and soft skills necessary to succeed in the animal health industry.