Veterinary programs

Studying at UT

State-of-the-art veterinary hospitals

UT’s College of Veterinary Medicine serves thousands of pet owners and farmers locally and internationally through four hospitals: the John and Ann Tickle Small Animal Hospital; Equine Hospital; Farm Animal Hospital; and Avian, Exotics, and Zoological Hospital. 

The small animal hospital sees over 15,000 dogs and cats on a yearly basis—some even traveling from as far as Canada and Hawaii. Our veterinarians have access to specialized equipment and facilities for in-depth diagnostics and therapy ranging from aquatic therapy to a hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber to color-flow Doppler ultrasonography. 

Veterinarians in our Equine Hospital and Farm Animal Hospital provide both hospital-based and on-farm care. UT’s Equine Hospital is the most robust, state-of-the-art rehabilitation facility in the nation and patients have access to dedicated foal ICUs, surgery, and physical rehabilitation. 

The Avian, Exotics and Zoological Hospital has an international reputation for excellence and expertise in avian and exotic species laboratory testing. Faculty assist with the healthcare of animals across the state. To name a few: Appalachian Bear Rescue, Knoxville Zoo, Ripley’s Aquarium, and Tiger Haven.

Internships and residencies

When you graduate from a veterinary program at UT, you’ll be prepared for the future. Our students have opportunities to participate in internships and residencies here at the University of Tennessee where they’ll work under the supervision of board-certified clinicians who are leaders in their specialties. Perhaps when you’re a student, you’ll participate in a rotating internship or theriogenology residency. Or maybe you’ll assist local animal shelters and humane societies by traveling with UT’s mobile clinic to learn about safe and effective anesthetic and spay-neuter surgical techniques.

Study around the globe 

We believe that studying abroad provides invaluable learning opportunities for our students; not only through their courses, but through experiencing different cultures and landscapes. Clinical veterinary students have the chance to participate in a two-week rotation at the Belize Zoo where they are involved in case management, record keeping, prescribing, and house laboratory work. In rural Argentina, students are first-hand witnesses to the challenges of practicing veterinary medicine in under-served, rural communities. Students might also travel to Ecuador to collaborate with World Veterinary Services and Mission Rabies on domestic animal medicine and public health outreach.