World Veterinary Day is a holiday that’s observed annually on the last Saturday of April. This holiday is a celebration of the veterinary profession and a way to recognize the achievements of the professionals who dedicate their lives to protecting the health of animals.

It also strives to raise the public’s awareness about this profession and its importance to pet owners, farmers, and just about anyone else who depends on their animals remaining healthy and happy. Even though this holiday hasn’t been around as long as some of the other holidays we’ve reviewed, it’s become one that’s celebrated by people all over the world.

The History Of World Veterinary Day

Veterinary medicine has been around 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 so closely with these animals to keep them healthy. Over the years, generation after generation of sheepherders, and farmers developed veterinary medicine from an art into a science.

Even with all of the extensive knowledge passed down through the millennia, it wouldn’t be until the mid-18th century that a school of veterinary medicine was officially started. In the 1760s, Claude Bourgelat started the first school dedicated to this science in Lyon, France. In 1863, the first American Veterinary Medical Association came into being as a way to promote this field.

Some Quick Facts About Veterinarians

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

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

Observing World Veterinary Day

On this day, everyone can do their part to celebrate the professionals who work in veterinary medicine. This can be done by giving them thanks 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. Perhaps they’re curious about what it takes to be a veterinarian or vet tech, or maybe they want to pursue a career in this field. Either way is a good reason for people to learn more about it. And finally, people can take the time to donate to an animal charity such as the ASPCA, or the Animal Welfare Institute.

These organizations help to prevent animal cruelty, and they reduce the amount of suffering that animals have to face. Sure, they can’t save every single animal, but they sure can help a whole lot of them on a regular basis.