The job outlook for most areas of veterinary medicine is expected to be fairly good. Experts predict that veterinary employment will grow faster than the average of all other occupations through the year 2006 (two thousand six). About half of the openings will arise as current veterinarians retire or leave the field and need to be replaced. Other opportunities may be created as advances in animal care lead people to seek more intensive treatments for their pets. Thus, while the number of pets is expected to grow more slowly in the next decade, owners may spend more money per pet on specialized medical care and services like grooming, boarding, and preventive dental care. Veterinarians who have specialty training in fields like oncology(awn-CAWL-oh-gee), toxicology, and pathology may be in particular demand. There may be increased competition among veterinarians who operate small animal practices. This doesn't mean a veterinarian can't have a thriving practice, but in some cases, he or she may have to work evening or weekend shifts or put in longer hours to gain clients. The prospects for those who treat farm animals may be better, as fewer new veterinarians wish to live in the rural areas where such services are most often required.
