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Get ready to celebrate International Day of Veterinary Medicine on Dec. 9 and recognize the important role that veterinarians play in keeping people and animals healthy! This special day was created in 2010 to honor the millions of veterinarians around the world who dedicate their lives to providing quality care for animals. From small pet owners to large animal farmers, veterinary medicine plays a vital role in the health of both humans and animals alike. So let’s give thanks this December 9th by celebrating this important profession!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1761</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Veterinary Medicine Inception</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first veterinary school was founded in Lyon, France by Claude Bourgelat, marking the formal establishment of veterinary medicine.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1791</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Veterinary School in U.S.</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first veterinary college in United States, the Veterinary College of Philadelphia, was opened.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1943</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Specialization in Veterinary Medicine</div><div class='timeline-text'>The formation of the American Board of Veterinary Specialties led to advancement and specialization within the field.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1959</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>World Veterinary Association Formation</div><div class='timeline-text'>The World Veterinary Association was established to globally promote animal health and welfare.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>International Day of Veterinary Medicine</div><div class='timeline-text'>The International Day of Veterinary Medicine was created to honor the contributions and hard work of veterinarians around the world.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a Veterinary Clinic</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the time to visit a local veterinary clinic and learn about how they care for animals. It's an eye-opening experience to see first-hand how veterinarians work hard to keep our furry friends healthy and happy.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate to a Veterinary Charity</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>There are many animal charities that need donations to help them provide medical care for animals in need. Consider donating to one of these organizations in honor of International Day of Veterinary Medicine.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at an Animal Shelter</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>On International Day of Veterinary Medicine, offer your time and talents to help out at an animal shelter. Not only will you be helping the animals, but you'll also get the chance to meet some of the amazing veterinarians who work in animal shelters.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Make Pet Toys</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to make pet toys out of old t-shirts or socks, or buy some pet toys from your local pet store and donate them to a shelter or rescue organization. You'll be giving back, plus making sure that animals in need have something fun and special just for them.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share Pet Health Information</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Share pet health information on social media or with family and friends. Let people know the importance of proper veterinary care and how it can help keep their pets healthy and happy.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Veterinarians help promote animal welfare</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Veterinarians are essential in promoting the wellbeing of animals. They are responsible for the examination and treatment of all types of animals, from household pets to large livestock. Their expertise not only helps keep individual animals healthy, but also plays a vital role in addressing overcrowding and disease epidemics among herds.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Veterinary Medicine advances science</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Veterinary Medicine is rooted in scientific research and has greatly expanded our understanding of diseases, genetics, nutrition and husbandry techniques. As our knowledge of the animal kingdom grows, so does the potential for breakthroughs that can apply across species - humans included!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Veterinarians provide important public health services</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By protecting our food supply systems through veterinary medical care, veterinarians play an invaluable role in public health by minimizing the spread of potentially serious infectious diseases. Additionally, many vets serve as the first line of defense when it comes to diagnosing and treating zoonotic diseases such as rabies or West Nile virus.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Veterinary Medicine Extends Beyond Pets</h3><p class='facts-content'>Veterinary medicine encompasses not only pet care but also other areas such as wildlife conservation, food production, and public health with veterinarians at the forefront of biosecurity measures and disease control.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Veterinary Medicine Contributed to Human Medicine Advancements</h3><p class='facts-content'>Many crucial medical advancements were first developed in animals and later applied to humans. For example, the concept of vaccinations was first proven by a veterinarian in cattle before being used in humans.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>It’s Not All About Science and Medicine</h3><p class='facts-content'>Veterinarians often act as animal welfare advocates, promoting responsible pet ownership, nutrition, exercise, and mental well-being for animals, providing a holistic approach to animal care.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Veterinarians Work in a Variety of Spaces</h3><p class='facts-content'>Aside from private practices, veterinarians work in many other places such as zoos, farms, laboratories, government agencies, academe, and even in the military. Their work variety showcases the extensive reach and importance of this noble profession.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Veterinary Medicine is an Internationally Recognized Field</h3><p class='facts-content'>With advancements in veterinary medicine, qualifications, certifications, and expertise are now recognized internationally. Many veterinarians work across borders, contributing to the betterment of animal health worldwide.</p></div></div>
The International Day of Veterinary Medicine is celebrated on December 9 every year. In 2024, it will fall on a Monday.
2023
Dec 9
Saturday
2024
Dec 9
Monday
2025
Dec 9
Tuesday
2026
Dec 9
Wednesday
2027
Dec 9
Thursday
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