The main job of a laboratory animal veterinarian is to ensure that animals used in research are treated humanely. They usually work in a research environment for biomedical research firms or pharmaceutical development companies. They provide medical care for the animals involved in research. Laboratory animal medicine is considered a specialty, which means a residency or subsequent years of training must take place after veterinary school. This is usually three to four years and many people opt to obtain an additional degree during this process. The payoff for the extra years is large and vets can make beyond six figures in this career! To learn more about this field of veterinary medicine visit: http://speakingofresearch.com/2013/01/21/why-i-am-a-laboratory-animal-veterinarian/