Graduates pursuing a doctor of veterinary medicine degree in Philadelphia are fortunate to live near the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine with academic departments that include animal biology, clinical studies and pathobiology. Pre-veterinary undergraduate degrees such as biology can be earned at a number of institutions in Philadelphia, including the University of Pennsylvania, LaSalle University, and St. Joseph's University. Pre-veterinary students who want to major in biochemistry can consider the programs at University of the Sciences, Philadelphia University, Holy Family University, and Chestnut Hill College. The bioscience and biotechnology program at Drexel University and the bioscience technologies program at Thomas Jefferson University may also appeal to undergraduates planning careers in animal health sciences. Interested in becoming a veterinary technician? Philadelphia is within 15 miles of two American Veterinary Medical Association accredited veterinary technology programs. One is at Harcum College in Bryn Mawr, and the other is at Manor College in Jenkintown.

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry projections for animal health careers in Philadelphia County for 2002-2012 predict annual job growth in the field, at 0.1% for veterinarians, 1.7% for veterinary technologists and technicians, and a slight decrease of -0.2% for veterinary assistants and animal caretakers.