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Animals make this world go round. No wonder so many people find shelter from this chaotic world in the furry company of their four-legged friend. Some of us even devote our entire lives to our beloved pets, giving them help, treatment, diagnosis and all the support they need.

So today, we are paying this tribute to people who have the power to end our tears, give hope back, and let us know that all is fine. Dear vets, we couldn’t do it without you! Scroll down through the wholesome collection of heart-melting pictures of vets and their adorable little patients.

And don’t tell me you wouldn’t like to swap places for at least one day. Even though we all know it’s not all fun and laughs when it comes to this challenging, yet very rewarding job!

#1

I'm A Horse Vet. This Adorable Little Guy Fell Asleep On My Feet While I Talked To His People

I'm A Horse Vet. This Adorable Little Guy Fell Asleep On My Feet While I Talked To His People

quantizedd Report

#2

A Moving “Thank You” To A Vet

A Moving “Thank You” To A Vet

8outof10cats Report

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SentimentAndBadJokes
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This takes wholesome to a new level. I went from smiling face to completely blown away. What a beautiful moment!

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To find out more about what it is like to devote yourself to animals and become a veterinarian, Bored Panda talked to Ivan Zak, a doctor of veterinary medicine and the CEO of Veterinary Integration Solutions. Ivan practiced veterinary medicine for 12 years, until experiencing a severe burnout. It led him to explore the psychological triggers of burnout and business methodologies that veterinary organizations can apply to work against them. Researching this topic, Ivan obtained an MBA degree in International Healthcare Management.

Today, Ivan is leading Veterinary Integration Solutions (VIS), a business consulting company helping veterinary groups implement an operating framework for sustainable integration of practices and ultimately empowering the healthcare team to live their passion.

“Being a veterinarian, no day is the same,” Ivan said when asked what it is like being a vet. It turns out, not everything is picture perfect and there are many challenges that come with the profession. “There is a lot of stress, unpredictability, and long hours. A less obvious and frustrating challenge is accepting that not every pet owner will be able (or willing) to do everything for their animal.”

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#4

9-Week Old Maine Coon Kittens, Waiting For Their Vet Check

9-Week Old Maine Coon Kittens, Waiting For Their Vet Check

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#5

German Shepherd With Golden Retriever Mix. Cuteness Overload

German Shepherd With Golden Retriever Mix. Cuteness Overload

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#6

I Work At A Vet Clinic And Haven’t Had A Pet In Quite Some Time. Someone Brought This Fella In To Be Neutered And Stated She’d Be Returning Him Back Outside

I Work At A Vet Clinic And Haven’t Had A Pet In Quite Some Time. Someone Brought This Fella In To Be Neutered And Stated She’d Be Returning Him Back Outside

I said “nope!” and now he’s mine!

thespy Report

Moreover, “Veterinary care can be expensive when you don’t have pet insurance, and veterinarians often find themselves in moral dilemmas when they can’t do what’s best for the animals because their clients can’t afford it,” he said and added that that’s probably one of the toughest aspects of the profession.

“The most rewarding part that makes up for all of it is being able to apply your skills and experience to get to the bottom of a problem and diagnose a patient. An animal can’t tell you where it hurts, so connecting and being able to help is one of the most fulfilling parts of being a veterinarian.”

#8

Benefits Of Being A Vet

Benefits Of Being A Vet

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For anyone considering becoming a veterinarian, Ivan reminds them that “it’s a long and challenging path with many milestones to work toward: a bachelor’s degree, veterinary school admission, a veterinary degree—perhaps specialty certification. These are clear objectives that help maintain focus, so don’t lose that North Star once you get your license and go into practice.”

Moreover, he suggests setting goals, writing them down and reviewing them regularly. “If you don’t set new goals, the motivation and passion that initially brought you into the profession will quickly fade away in the daily routines,” he explained.

Another tip from Ivan is “to develop soft skills: communication, problem-solving, positivity. A day as a veterinarian can be very stressful, and you will really need that dexterity dealing with clients when they are frustrated. Most veterinarians choose their profession because they want to help animals, but talking to pet parents is a big part of it, too.”

#10

My Friend Posted A Photo Of A Cat He Took Care Of While On His Vet Internship In Taiwan

My Friend Posted A Photo Of A Cat He Took Care Of While On His Vet Internship In Taiwan

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Jonathan Comly
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"TIGER..TIGER..TIGER.. *some fool approaches to grab the cat at it/they scratch/bop the fool's chin* TIGER UPPERCUT!"

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Phil Boswell
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I could swear that looks almost like a Pallas's Cat: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pallas%27s_cat

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Kanga9ine
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like his twin. What a great smile from both. I'll bet there's a big surprise waiting to be discovered these two concocted.

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RoseTheMad
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

(not trying to shade on this picture, its adorable, but out of genuine curiosity, do they use japanese characters in Taiwan, cos that is certainly Japanese characters on the label above the cats head x3 ) anyhow once again ADORABLE

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The CEO of VIS also warned that veterinary schools are extremely demanding, which means they “often leave no time for personal life. While it’s something you just need to get through, don’t take that mindset into your work life because it’s a straight road to burnout.” For this reason, “You must learn to set personal boundaries and say ‘No.’ Learn to take good care of yourself and your emotional wellbeing,” he added.

Turns out, burnout is something Ivan refers to as “a chronic illness of the veterinary profession.” He explained: “Veterinary schools do a great job teaching medicine, but they often overlook mindfulness coaching, as well as courses on self-care, self-motivation, and work-life balance.”

This lack of work-life balance is named the top reason that practicing vets say they might leave the field, said Ivan. “So, avoid institutions that do not understand the importance of work-life balance and dictate an unreasonable work situation,” he concluded.

#13

My Mom's A Vet And Today My Wife And I Got The Chance To Play With This Little Girl

My Mom's A Vet And Today My Wife And I Got The Chance To Play With This Little Girl

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#15

A Baby Fox Was Brought To Our Local Vet. Looks Almost Like CGI On This Pic

A Baby Fox Was Brought To Our Local Vet. Looks Almost Like CGI On This Pic

teo_sk Report

We also spoke to Jean Joaquim, a Brazil-based 45-year-old veterinarian with a long family history of veterinarians. “Maybe veterinary medicine was in my blood already,” he wondered. After co-creating the Bioethicus Institute that received international recognition, Jean now specializes in rehabilitation and complementary medicine.“Here we deal with complicated situations with the owner and animals, because most of them have disabilities. This situation led me to build very personal relationships with the owners,” he explained.

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When asked about the biggest challenges Jean has to face being a vet, he said it’s dealing with “death and cases of severe diseases where animals succumb despite every effort and treatment.” "Sometimes the pressure from owners because of safety procedures is also a heavy duty to deal with,” he added and noted that risks are an inherent part of medical treatment.

#16

Most People Keep Office Supplies In Their Desk. I Keep A Sleeping Pomeranian

Most People Keep Office Supplies In Their Desk. I Keep A Sleeping Pomeranian

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#17

My Coworker Brought In Her Baby Goat, Matilda. 2.3 Lbs

My Coworker Brought In Her Baby Goat, Matilda. 2.3 Lbs

I work part-time at a vet hospital. She brought her in to weigh her and show us.

Meggiemugs Report

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Rissie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Goats are the absolute best. When I was a kid and went to pick up my (sure "our family's", no mine) goat, he just sat on my lap and put his little head on my arms. Such a cuddle bug. Silly little dude followed me all around.

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#18

Girlfriend Is A Vet Tech, She Sends Me Photos Of Handsome Animals Like This All The Time

Girlfriend Is A Vet Tech, She Sends Me Photos Of Handsome Animals Like This All The Time

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On the other hand, Jean said it’s extremely rewarding seeing his furry patients defeat a disease, to be able to walk and live healthily again. Sometimes “even the owner doesn’t realize how tough the treatment was and how life was at risk,” Jean said. Besides treating animals, teaching others veterinary medicine is also something Jean enjoys a lot, as he says “it is very rewarding when you can teach something useful to a vet student.”

For all the young people considering studying veterinary medicine, Jean reminds them that this “journey is forever and you cannot stop studying all of a sudden. “But the pleasure of being so close to our furry little brothers and sisters of this planet is something hard to describe.”

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“Night shifts, pay, time, all these are problems that are also common in other jobs, but it's worth it when you get rewarded back in barks, meows, licks, and mooing, which are priceless,” Jean concluded.

#19

The Second Male Calico The Vet Has Seen In Over 54 Years Of Practice

The Second Male Calico The Vet Has Seen In Over 54 Years Of Practice

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Ml7500
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

THAT is super rare indeed ! For those of you wondering why : the gene combination leading to a calicot cat is normally lethal for male embryos. That's why you can be sure a calicot cat is, upon ultra rare exception as this lovely kitten, a female.

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#20

I Will Scratch You All, Once The Vet Is Done

I Will Scratch You All, Once The Vet Is Done

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#21

We Really Take Post-Op Care Seriously At My Job. Cuddles Is The Best Medicine

We Really Take Post-Op Care Seriously At My Job. Cuddles Is The Best Medicine

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#22

I'll Just Be Right Here Making Sure Anesthetic Recovery Goes Well, Don't Mind Me

I'll Just Be Right Here Making Sure Anesthetic Recovery Goes Well, Don't Mind Me

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#25

My Step-Dad Is A Vet And One Of His Patients Looked A Little Different Today

My Step-Dad Is A Vet And One Of His Patients Looked A Little Different Today

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K Witmer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My cousin has a pet skunk and she is the sweetest funniest little thing

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#26

Damascus Was A Bad Man At The Vet And Was Very Bitey So He Got Put In The Lizard Straight Jacket For His X-Rays

Damascus Was A Bad Man At The Vet And Was Very Bitey So He Got Put In The Lizard Straight Jacket For His X-Rays

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#27

Adorable Puppy Visits Vet

Adorable Puppy Visits Vet

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SentimentAndBadJokes
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do we have to do this, Mum? I didn't even get the chance to paint my nails!!!

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#28

Shocked Pupper Is So Shocked. My Equally Shocked Coworker Katie

Shocked Pupper Is So Shocked. My Equally Shocked Coworker Katie

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#29

Bone Went To The Vet And Passed All His Yearly Checkups

Bone Went To The Vet And Passed All His Yearly Checkups

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#31

My Vet Having Some Fun With A Litter Of Great Danes

My Vet Having Some Fun With A Litter Of Great Danes

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#32

My Vet Sister Laughing Along With A Female Pit Bull

My Vet Sister Laughing Along With A Female Pit Bull

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#33

My Baby Huxley Is Going Into Surgery Right Now, The Vet Techs Sent Me This

My Baby Huxley Is Going Into Surgery Right Now, The Vet Techs Sent Me This

Never-On-Reddit Report

#34

Dylan, 11 Month Old Norwegian Forest Cat. Our Vet Tech Carried Him Around The Office To See The Rest Of The Staff For Pets And Pictures. He Was Feeling Proud

Dylan, 11 Month Old Norwegian Forest Cat. Our Vet Tech Carried Him Around The Office To See The Rest Of The Staff For Pets And Pictures. He Was Feeling Proud

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#35

My Mom, A Veterinarian, Just Sent Me A Picture Of One Of Her New Patients

My Mom, A Veterinarian, Just Sent Me A Picture Of One Of Her New Patients

-CharethCutestory Report

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#37

This Handsome Special Needs Kitten Is Now In Foster Care

This Handsome Special Needs Kitten Is Now In Foster Care

Kern County Animal Services Report

#38

Working At A Vet Clinic Has Its Perks - Like This Pocket Full Of Cuteness

Working At A Vet Clinic Has Its Perks - Like This Pocket Full Of Cuteness

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#39

I'm A Vet. I Love My Profession

I'm A Vet. I Love My Profession

Siz6 Report

#40

Today Is The 8 Year Anniversary Of What Was Definitely My Most Interesting Shift As A Veterinary Receptionist

Today Is The 8 Year Anniversary Of What Was Definitely My Most Interesting Shift As A Veterinary Receptionist

zeddoh Report

#41

Our Australian Shepherd Puppy Slept Through His First Vet Visit, Even Shots And When Being Held Up For A Physical Exam

Our Australian Shepherd Puppy Slept Through His First Vet Visit, Even Shots And When Being Held Up For A Physical Exam

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#42

This Little One Rolled Into My Father-In-Law's Veterinary Clinic This Week

This Little One Rolled Into My Father-In-Law's Veterinary Clinic This Week

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#43

Created An Account To Share This, GF Had This Little Fella In The Vet Clinic She Works At Today

Created An Account To Share This, GF Had This Little Fella In The Vet Clinic She Works At Today

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#45

My Sister In Law Is A Vet Tech. This Is At Her House. This Kind Of Stuff Happens To Her All The Time. She's The Female Ace Ventura

My Sister In Law Is A Vet Tech. This Is At Her House. This Kind Of Stuff Happens To Her All The Time. She's The Female Ace Ventura

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#46

Golden Boye Has A Crush On His Vet. Can’t Wait For Her To Come Back

Golden Boye Has A Crush On His Vet. Can’t Wait For Her To Come Back

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#47

A Teeny Weeny Shoulder Kitten (Another Reason To Love My Job)

A Teeny Weeny Shoulder Kitten (Another Reason To Love My Job)

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#48

My Dog Kissing Her Vet While He's Taking Her Blood Pressure

My Dog Kissing Her Vet While He's Taking Her Blood Pressure

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#49

We Have To Hold Off The Jugular Vein After Drawing Blood, But This Sweet Old Girl Thought I Was Just There For The Hugs. This Is Why I Love My Job

We Have To Hold Off The Jugular Vein After Drawing Blood, But This Sweet Old Girl Thought I Was Just There For The Hugs. This Is Why I Love My Job

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#50

Reception Has Been Turned Into Reese-Eption Ever Since Our Doctors New Puppy Reese Came To Take Over

Reception Has Been Turned Into Reese-Eption Ever Since Our Doctors New Puppy Reese Came To Take Over

M1rlyn Report

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Nikki Sevven
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mi name iz dog...I check you in...and while you wait...please scratch mi chin.

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Note: this post originally had 124 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.