World Veterinary Day is a holiday that’s observed annually on the last Saturday of April. This holiday celebrates the veterinary profession and recognizes the achievements of professionals dedicated to protecting animal health.

It also strives to raise public awareness about this profession and its importance to pet owners, farmers, and anyone else who depends on their animals remaining healthy and happy. Although this holiday hasn’t been around as long as some other holidays we’ve reviewed, it has become one celebrated by people worldwide.

The History of World Veterinary Day

Veterinary medicine has existed for over 9,000 years. This is when sheepherders in the Middle East used their collective knowledge of animals and the skills they learned from working closely with these animals to keep them healthy. Over the years, generations of sheepherders and farmers developed veterinary medicine from an art into a science.

Despite the extensive knowledge passed down through the millennia, it wasn’t until the mid-18th century that a school of veterinary medicine was officially started. In the 1760s, Claude Bourgelat founded the first school dedicated to this science in Lyon, France. In 1863, the first American Veterinary Medical Association was established to promote this field.

Some Quick Facts About Veterinarians

Below are some quick facts about veterinarians that we think everyone should know. Anyone who has ever wondered about this field or what it takes to be a vet will probably want to read the following facts. They’re certainly a good starting point for additional research.

• Vets are required to have a Bachelor’s Degree.
• Vets must attend Veterinary College.
• Veterinarians can earn over $90,000 per year.

Observing World Veterinary Day

On this day, everyone can do their part to celebrate the professionals working in veterinary medicine. This can be done by thanking them in person, sending them a nice card, or giving them a shoutout on social media using the hashtag #WorldVeterinaryDay.

People can also take the time to learn about veterinary medicine. Whether they’re curious about what it takes to be a veterinarian or vet tech, or they want to pursue a career in this field, it’s a good reason for people to learn more about it. And finally, people can donate to an animal charity such as the ASPCA or the Animal Welfare Institute.

These organizations help prevent animal cruelty and reduce the amount of suffering animals face. They can’t save every single animal, but they certainly help a great many on a regular basis.