ABSTRACT
To set the foundation for the conversation ahead, Chapter 1 seeks to provide a historical context to the creation and evolution of the veterinary profession. The human–animal bond has evolved over the hundreds of years that humans have been in relationship with domesticated and wild animals. The concept is defined and the modern perspective on this important component to today’s veterinary medicine is assessed through the lens of the American Veterinary Medical Association as well as through the voices of veterinary professionals in varying veterinary segments. Additional individual experiences and reflections are shared upon how veterinary training, practice, and medicine has changed for the better or worse over the last 40 years.
