A vet, usually referred to as a veterinary surgeon or veterinarian, is a doctor who specializes in animal care. They treat a variety of illnesses and wounds in non-human animals. Veterinarians are also involved in zoonotic disease surveillance and prevention, biosecurity, animal nutrition, vaccination, and disease control, as well as animal health management, animal reproduction , conservation, husbandry, and breeding.

The local nomenclature for a veterinarian is usually a regulated and protected term, which prevents members of the general public from using it unless they meet the necessary requirements. In order to generate the most knowledgeable veterinarians who meet these requirements, this title is selective.