Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Veterinarian in Spanish
Veterinario · noun · beh-teh-ree-NAH-ryoh
The Spanish word for veterinarian is 'veterinario' (masculine) or 'veterinaria' (feminine). Interestingly, 'veterinaria' can also refer to the vet clinic itself, so context determines the meaning.
Pronounce 'veterinario' as beh-teh-ree-NAH-ryoh. In Spanish, the 'v' sounds like a soft 'b,' and the stress falls on the fourth syllable.
Llevé a mi perro al veterinario esta mañana.
I took my dog to the veterinarian this morning.
veterinarian in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for veterinarian, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| veterinario | veterinarian | beh-teh-ree-NAH-ryoh | Default, widely understood |
| veterinaria | veterinarian | feminine form or vet clinic |
How Native Speakers Use Veterinario
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Pet checkup
El veterinario dijo que mi gato está sano.
The veterinarian said my cat is healthy.
After a routine vet visit.
Going to the clinic
Necesito llevar al perro a la veterinaria.
I need to take the dog to the vet.
Referring to the vet clinic.
Career choice
Mi hija quiere ser veterinaria cuando sea grande.
My daughter wants to be a veterinarian when she grows up.
Talking about future career plans.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Veterinario
Shortening to 'vet' in Spanish
Incorrect: Lleva al gato al vet.
Correct: Lleva al gato al veterinario.
The English abbreviation 'vet' does not exist in Spanish. The full word 'veterinario' or its shortened form 'vete' (very informal in some countries) must be used.
Confusing the clinic with the person
Incorrect: La veterinaria me revisó al perro (if male vet).
Correct: El veterinario me revisó al perro.
'Veterinaria' can mean a female vet or the vet clinic. If the vet is male, use 'veterinario' to avoid confusion.
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Why word lists alone don't stick
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See Veterinario used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using veterinario in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Llevé a mi perro al veterinario esta mañana. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
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Common Questions About veterinarian in Spanish
- Does 'veterinaria' mean both the vet and the clinic?
- In Spanish, 'veterinaria' serves double duty — it can refer to a female veterinarian or to the veterinary clinic itself, with context making the meaning clear.
- How do you say 'vet appointment' in Spanish?
- A vet appointment is 'cita con el veterinario' or simply 'cita veterinaria,' following the same pattern as medical appointments.
- Is there a casual way to say 'vet' in Spanish?
- While there is no universal abbreviation like the English 'vet,' some speakers informally say 'el vete' — however, using the full word 'veterinario' is always correct and understood everywhere.