According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, veterinarians who specialize in large farm animals are highly sought after. The majority of graduates from veterinary school care for small domestic animals — mainly dogs and cats. They tend to work in metropolitan areas, unlike large animal veterinarians who work on farms and in country settings. Those who choose this route can earn a handsome yearly salary because the need is so great.

If you think you would like to specialize in caring for farm animals, you should spend some time around a farm or on a ranch. Volunteer or see if you can find part-time work. Most of the work for volunteers will be grunt work — cleaning out stables and feeding and grooming animals.

If your high school offers elective programs in animal science, animal husbandry, or livestock management, take as many electives as possible. You should major in these courses at college, and try to get an internship or part-time job on a farm or ranch. You will have to apply to veterinary medical school and specialize in large animal veterinary medicine. Students must graduate with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Veterinary Medical Doctor (VMD) degree from a four-year program at an accredited college of veterinary medicine. Upon graduating from veterinary medical school, you must pass a state examination to obtain a license to practice.