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Horse Racing Veterinarian Jobs (NOW HIRING)

State of Oklahoma

Veterinarian

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

Supervises all Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission (OHRC) licensed practicing veterinarians at an authorized race meeting * Performs all duties required of the Official Veterinarian to include, but not ...

The KY Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation

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Veterinary Technician

Lexington, KY · On-site

$31.42/hr

Under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian, performs duties associated with the collection, processing, documentation, and transport of biologic samples from horses racing in meets across the ...

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Horse Racing Veterinarian information

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$165.5K

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How much do horse racing veterinarian jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for horse racing veterinarian in the United States is $165,527.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,000.00 and $218,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a horse racing veterinarian?

A Horse Racing Veterinarian is a specialized veterinarian who focuses on the health and well-being of racehorses. They perform routine check-ups, diagnose and treat injuries, and ensure that horses are in peak condition for competition. They also work closely with trainers, owners, and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with racing regulations. Their job may involve on-track emergency care, pre-race examinations, and post-race assessments to ensure horse welfare and integrity in the sport.

What does a horse racing veterinarian do?

A typical day for a Horse Racing Veterinarian often involves conducting pre-race and post-race exams, monitoring horses’ fitness and health, diagnosing and treating injuries, and consulting with trainers and owners about care strategies. You may also be responsible for administering medications, overseeing rehabilitation protocols, and ensuring compliance with all racing regulations. Collaboration with farriers, vet techs, and other equine specialists is common, especially when preparing horses for competition or assessing injury risk. The fast-paced nature of racetrack environments means veterinarians must be adaptable and ready to respond quickly to emergencies or changing schedules.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a horse racing veterinarian?

To thrive as a Horse Racing Veterinarian, you need a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, state licensure, and specialized experience in equine medicine, particularly with performance horses. Expertise with digital radiography, endoscopy, ultrasound, and familiarity with racehorse-specific health regulations and drug testing protocols is essential. Strong observational skills, clear communication, quick decision-making, and the ability to work calmly under pressure are important soft skills. These qualities are crucial for ensuring the health and safety of racehorses, maintaining regulatory compliance, and working effectively in high-stakes, fast-paced racing environments.

How much do horse racing veterinarians make?

Horse racing veterinarians typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the level of racing involved. Salaries can increase with specialization, reputation, and additional certifications, and they often work irregular hours to accommodate race schedules.

How to become a horse racing veterinarian?

To become a horse racing veterinarian, one must earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited veterinary college, complete a state licensing exam, and gain experience in equine medicine. Additional specialization in sports medicine or equine surgery can enhance qualifications for working in the racing industry.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Horse Racing Veterinarian jobs?

The most popular types of Horse Racing Veterinarian jobs are:

What job categories do people searching Horse Racing Veterinarian jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Horse Racing Veterinarian jobs are:

Horse Racing Veterinarian jobs near you
Infographic showing various Horse Racing Veterinarian job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $165,527 per year, or $79.6 per hour.

Veterinarian

State of Oklahoma

Oklahoma City, OK • On-site

Other

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Veterinarian

Positions in this job family serve as the Official Veterinarian for the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission at commission-licensed race meeting.

The functions performed in this job family will vary by level, unit and organization, but may include the following:

  • Serves as the Official Veterinarian at all Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission (OHRC) licensed race meetings
  • Supervises all Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission (OHRC) licensed practicing veterinarians at an authorized race meeting
  • Performs all duties required of the Official Veterinarian to include, but not limited to, collecting medication and treatment reports from commission-licensed practicing veterinarians, maintains a file on required reports, reports reflecting treatment of horses outside and inside of the enclosure entered into the race, treats or prescribes treatment for any horse scheduled to participate in a race within the term of the appointment; and other duties as identified in the OHRC Rules of Racing
  • Supervises the Racing Veterinarian in accordance with the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission (OHRC) Rules of Racing. Interacts with the Racing Veterinarian regarding horses that are incapable of safely performing in the race, placing horses on the Bleeders and Veterinarian's lists, or other issues as outlined in the OHRC Rules of Racing.
  • Interacts with Stewards in accordance with the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission (OHRC) to include collection sample, horse(s) deemed unfit/unsafe to race, and/or other matters as outlined in the OHRC Rules of Racing.

Levels are distinguished based on the complexity of assigned duties, the level of expertise required for completion of work assignments, and the responsibility assigned for the supervision of others. This is the career level of the job family, where employees are responsible for performing all assigned tasks and duties at the full performance level.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities required at this level include knowledge of veterinary regulatory and animal diseases, working safely around animals; requirements of state and federal regulations; and the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission Rules of Racing and the Oklahoma Horse Racing Act.

Abilities required at this level include the ability to meet the physical demands of working on a continuous basis with livestock and effectively; use a personal computer; communicate both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; speak effectively before groups; and maintain composure and professionalism during stressful situations.

Education and experience required at this level consists of a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, or the equivalent, from an accredited College of Veterinary Medicine; licensure to practice veterinary medicine in Oklahoma.

Applicants may be required to submit to a standard background investigation and includes fingerprinting through the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Employment is contingent on a satisfactory outcome to the background check.

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.

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