Veterinary medicine has changed dramatically over the past few decades, not only in how care is delivered, but also in how veterinary teams support patients, clients and one another.

During a recent LinkedIn Live event, we spoke with three veterinary professionals, Marine Josso, DVM, Patricia Dettlinger, DVM, and Katherine Carman, VTS, about how the profession has evolved, the challenges veterinary teams face today and what the future of pet care may look like.

How Has Veterinary Medicine Changed Over Time?

The veterinary profession has shifted from independent practices to highly collaborative, technology-supported care environments.

Dr. Patricia Dettlinger, Vice President of Medical Operations at VCA, has witnessed that evolution firsthand. After spending 30 years owning a family veterinary hospital before joining VCA more than a decade ago, she has seen how access to knowledge, mentorship and technology has transformed veterinary care.

“In the past, practices operated much more independently,” Dr. Dettlinger explained. “Today, collaboration and shared learning are central to how we practice medicine.”

That collaboration has also changed how veterinary teams approach patient handling and client care.

Katherine Carman, VTS, remembers when stressful restraint techniques were considered standard practice. Today, approaches focused on patient comfort and fear reduction, including programs like Fear Free, are far more common.

“Now that we know better, we’re able to do better,” Carman said.

Modern veterinary medicine increasingly prioritizes both patient well-being and team safety through improved handling techniques, advanced equipment and better workflows.

What Challenges Are Veterinary Professionals Facing Today?

One of the biggest challenges in veterinary medicine today is balancing high-quality care with accessibility and affordability for pet owners.

Dr. Marine Josso describes this as the shift from “standard of care” to “spectrum of care.” Instead of offering only one treatment path, veterinary teams work with clients to find realistic, individualized options that still provide meaningful care.

“That flexibility helps us support more pets and families,” Dr. Josso said.

This collaborative approach also highlights the growing importance of veterinary technicians and assistants. Veterinary medicine has become increasingly team-oriented, with technicians playing critical roles in patient care, client communication and hospital operations.

“Veterinary medicine is a team sport,” Carman explained. “The doctor, the client and the technician all work together.”

Supporting veterinary teams is equally important. Dr. Dettlinger emphasized that giving caregivers the tools, training and confidence they need directly impacts patient outcomes and workplace satisfaction.

To help make veterinary care more accessible, practices are also exploring flexible care options and wellness programs such as CareClub®.

Why Communication Matters in Veterinary Medicine

While technology and medical capabilities continue to evolve, one thing has remained constant: relationships matter.

Strong communication and trust-building are still at the center of exceptional veterinary care. Dr. Josso shared advice she received early in her career:

“They don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

Veterinary professionals today spend more time helping clients understand diagnoses, treatment plans and care options. That additional communication often leads to stronger client relationships and better patient outcomes.

“Building that connection and taking extra time to answer questions is how you build trust,” Dr. Josso said.

How Technology Is Shaping the Future of Veterinary Care

Technology continues to improve efficiency, safety and patient care across veterinary medicine.

Tools like AI-assisted medical documentation, hands-free radiography and simulation-based training are helping veterinary professionals spend less time on administrative tasks and more time focusing on patients and clients.

Dr. Josso hopes continued innovation will create even more opportunities for meaningful connections.

“If I spend less time typing notes and documenting, then I can spend more time creating human bonds with my clients and my team,” she said.

Dr. Dettlinger believes future advancements will support learning and clinical confidence while preserving the compassion at the heart of veterinary medicine.

“We embrace technology, but still keep the human interaction and compassion that define this profession,” she explained.

What Career Opportunities Exist in Veterinary Medicine Today?

Career growth within veterinary medicine has expanded significantly, especially for veterinary technicians.

Carman noted that technicians now have opportunities to specialize, pursue leadership roles or explore careers with pharmaceutical companies, pet nutrition organizations and other industry partners.

“These opportunities didn’t exist 20 years ago,” Carman said.

The profession is also placing greater emphasis on mentorship and structured development programs for early-career veterinarians and technicians. Many organizations now offer onboarding, coaching and learning pathways designed to help new professionals transition into practice with confidence.

Advice for the Next Generation of Veterinary Professionals

All three professionals emphasized the importance of adaptability, collaboration and continuous learning.

Dr. Dettlinger encouraged new veterinary professionals to stay curious and ask for support when needed.

“There’s no way any of us will know all the answers all the time,” she said. “What matters is knowing how to find them and how to work together.”

Carman emphasized the importance of setting boundaries and maintaining work-life balance to build a sustainable career.

“If you’re not recharged, then you’re not taking the best care of your patients,” she said.

The Future of Veterinary Medicine

Veterinary medicine continues to evolve through innovation, collaboration and compassion.

Today’s veterinary professionals are building a future where technology enhances patient care, teams work more collaboratively and clients have more personalized care options for their pets.

Despite the changes, the profession’s mission remains the same: delivering exceptional care for pets and the people who love them.

As Dr. Dettlinger explained, the goal is always to ensure that every patient and client receives the best possible experience and outcome.

Watch the full video conversation.