An author team combining the technical experiences of a veterinarian working in clinical practice and a 20-year veteran teacher who knows what works in material delivery created this accurate, easy-to-use text, unlike any other of its kind. Starting with an overview of career opportunities available in the veterinary science, the chapters detail topics on cells, tissues, systems, nutrition, species comparison, principles of disease, disease prevention and diagnosis, zoonotic disease, surgery, and economic decision-making in veterinary practice. Each chapter features "A Day in the Life of a Veterinarian" vignette that relays James Herriot-type stories with relevance to clinical practice, and makes the text interesting and informative to students. Accompanying the text are numerous ancillary materials. Detailed lesson plans are available, and a master materials list will allow instructors to refer to one source when ordering annual supplies, with both of these elements saving valuable instruction time. A coordinating lab manual and end-of-chapter activities allow students to put technical know-how to practice, as labs and activities have all been piloted in classrooms. A test bank supplements end-of-chapter questions and tests, and these tests are available on disk and hard copy so instructors can create exams, or use the copy ready variety. This introductory text is geared toward high school and junior colleges, yet appropriate for any entry-level veterinary science course.