What Are Veterinary Specialties at an Animal Hospital?
Last reviewed 2026-07-07
A guide explaining what veterinary specialties mean and why the specialties offered can vary from hospital to hospital, so it's worth confirming in advance.
What Are Veterinary Specialties at an Animal Hospital?
Veterinary specialties refer to the different fields of practice in which vets have specific expertise. Since the specialties offered vary from hospital to hospital, it's a good idea to call ahead and confirm whether a hospital provides the specific care your pet needs.
What Are the Main Veterinary Specialties?
Much like human medical facilities, animal hospitals divide their care into several specialties. For example, internal medicine covers conditions such as digestive or respiratory issues, surgery handles conditions requiring an operation, and diagnostic imaging includes tests such as X-rays and ultrasounds. Other specialties include dentistry, ophthalmology, dermatology, and orthopedics, though which ones are actually available differs by hospital.
- Internal medicine: conditions affecting internal organs, such as the digestive or respiratory system
- Surgery: surgical treatments such as tumor removal, spay/neuter procedures, and trauma care
- Diagnostic imaging: tests using X-rays, ultrasound, and similar equipment
- Dentistry: oral care such as scaling and tooth extraction
- Ophthalmology: eye conditions such as conjunctivitis or cataracts
- Dermatology: skin conditions such as allergies or dermatitis
- Orthopedics: musculoskeletal conditions such as fractures or joint issues
Do All Animal Hospitals Offer the Same Specialties?
No, they don't. The specialties a hospital offers depend on its size, equipment, and the areas of expertise of its veterinarians. If your pet needs a specific test or procedure, the most reliable approach is to call a nearby animal hospital ahead of time and ask whether they offer that specialty and have a vet who handles it.
Should I Check for Specialties Even in an Emergency?
No. In an emergency, the priority is to get to the nearest animal hospital or emergency clinic right away to stabilize your pet, rather than checking which specialties are available. If further tests or treatment are needed afterward, your vet can guide you on transferring to another hospital that offers the required specialty.
This is general information. Please confirm the exact diagnosis, costs, and schedule directly with an animal hospital or veterinarian.
Frequently asked questions
- I need a specific type of veterinary care - where can I find it?
- Calling a nearby animal hospital directly to ask whether they offer the specialty you need and have a vet who handles it is a reliable approach. It can also help to check a directory of animal hospitals based on public data for a hospital's location and phone number, then contact them directly.
- What if my current animal hospital can't provide the care my pet needs?
- Talk with your current vet about whether additional tests or specialized treatment are needed, and if so, you can move to or be referred to another hospital that offers that specialty. Requesting your pet's medical records to bring to the new hospital can help maintain continuity of care.
- How can I tell which hospital is good at a particular type of care?
- You can ask about a hospital's equipment, experience, and veterinarians' areas of expertise by phone or in person. Rather than trying to rank hospitals, it's better to discuss your pet's specific condition and needs with a vet to decide what fits best.