Glossary

Veterinary specialist

A veterinarian who completed extra years of training and exams in one field, such as cardiology or oncology, and sees dogs on referral.

Also called: board-certified specialist, veterinary cardiologist, veterinary dermatologist, veterinary oncologist, referral, ophthalmologist, veterinary neurologist

A veterinary specialist is a veterinarian who has gone beyond the general degree, finishing a residency and passing exams to become board certified in a field. Common fields are internal medicine, surgery, cardiology, dermatology, oncology, neurology, ophthalmology, dentistry and emergency and critical care.

Your regular vet, sometimes called a general practitioner, usually refers a dog to a specialist when a case is complex, advanced equipment is needed or a problem is not improving. Specialists often work at referral hospitals or university teaching hospitals and may charge more, but they also have scanners and surgical tools that clinics lack.

You can also ask for a referral if you want a second opinion. Titles such as board-certified or diplomate show recognized credentials, so ask which board. Your general vet normally gets a report to keep care joined up.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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