What do Vets Wear: Workwear Overview

In the vast world of medical care, veterinarians have many unique challenges. For starters, their patients can’t speak, so figuring out what’s wrong takes a special level of skill. Finding the proper attire that can get you safely and comfortably through the day should be the least of your worries.

Much like healthcare professionals who treat humans, veterinary medicine professionals need a versatile work uniform that is easy to clean, protective, and comfortable. In some areas, vets have to meet certain regulatory requirements with their workwear. In an average day, veterinarians wear any or all of the following:

• Vet scrubs
• Lab coat
• Undershirts with long sleeves
• Closed-toed shoes or boots
• Khakis
• Coveralls
• Personal protective equipment(PPE) like masks, safety glasses, and gloves
• Gloves and sleeves that protect against bites

While figuring out exactly what vets wear and how to choose from all your options may be overwhelming, we’re here to help. Below, we’re going to discuss the different elements of veterinarian uniforms, the features that make certain scrubs ideal for vets, and some of the most important criteria to consider when choosing your attire.

What Do Veterinarians Wear?

Depending on the day, the veterinary clinic’s dress code, and the tasks a DVM (doctor of veterinary medicine) or veterinary technician might perform, there can be a lot of variance in the standard veterinary uniform. While it’s generally expected for vets and vet techs to have a professional appearance, that can look different for everyone.

For example, if a veterinary professional expects to spend their day meeting with pet owners to do consultatilons, but they won’t be coming into contact with hazards like body fluids or other messes, they may opt for a business casual outfit. This means a dress shirt, a pair of khakis, and a white coat is all they need.

Large animal veterinarians who work out in the field need more practical clothing. If you know you’ll be in a situation where you could get messy, a scrub top, scrub pants, and a well-stocked supply of PPE is probably in order. You’ll probably also need sturdy boots, long sleeved undershirts, and a coat for warmth.

Small animal vets in a clinical setting are likely going to wear scrubs, too, as well as PPE. PPE in veterinary practice is a little different than other medical fields. If you’re performing surgery, taking X-rays, or procedures, your PPE and the right pair of scrubs are going to be extremely important. Masks, eye protection, gloves, and scrubs made from materials that wick moisture and keep fluids away from the skin are all great options.

What Type of Scrubs Do Vets Wear?

Like they are for most medical professionals, scrubs are the gold standard in professional clothing. Functionality is the most important element for vets’ scrubs, but that doesn’t mean fashion isn’t a consideration!

Vets have special needs to think about with their scrubs. No one wants to be covered in animal hair all day long, so fabrics that are resistant to long hair are highly popular with vets. Cherokee Workwear scrubs are a great choice for veterinary professionals because of their comfortable polyester and cotton blend, versatile pockets, and durability. They’re also easy to clean, which is a huge plus for anyone working with animals all day.

Important Things to Consider when Selecting Veterinarians Attire

All medical professionals put a lot of thought into their workwear, but veterinarians have unique concerns to keep in mind. Some of those include:

Safety

When your job is to interact with creatures that have the ability to scratch and bite you, your safety is a priority! That’s why protective equipment is so important for veterinary professionals.

Hygiene

All healthcare workers have to worry about hygiene. Coming into contact with body fluids on a regular basis increases the risk of contracting and spreading infection. Wearing clothing like scrubs that protect the skin, as well as masks, gowns, goggles, and gloves, can keep you clean and free from infection.

Safety and Protection

The importance of PPE cannot be overstated. Veterinary medicine is unpredictable and often messy. We recommend keeping a quality pair of safety glasses nearby to protect your eyes, as well as plenty of disposable gloves and masks!

Comfort and Climate Suitability

Whether you work outside in the field under extreme temperatures or in an air-conditioned clinic, you want to make sure your scrubs can keep you comfortable all day. Don’t be afraid to layer your uniform to enhance your comfort, and consider scrubs like the Cherokee Inifinity collection, which is widely praised for its cool and comfortable fit.

Conclusion

You may still be a student in vet school, a vet tech working in a clinic, or a tenured veterinary oncology specialist. No matter where you fall on the spectrum, you know that your uniform plays a big part in your comfort and success at work. Luckily, there are plenty of options that will serve you well throughout your entire career, ensuring you and your furry patients are well taken care of.

 

Author: Carolyn Cumper's career spans from being a Patrol Officer in Rhodesia to a Paediatric Nurse in the UK, and later a Deputy Hospice Manager in Australia. Her diverse journey includes roles in law enforcement, healthcare, and business, culminating in her significant contributions to Medshop.