Most veterinarians tend to retire between the ages of 65 and 70, though the exact timeline varies significantly based on individual financial preparedness, physical health, and ownership status of their veterinary practices. Vets who own independent clinics often continue working well into their seventies due to the deep personal investment they have in their businesses and patient communities. Conversely, corporate-employed veterinarians or emergency clinicians working grueling overnight shifts sometimes choose earlier retirement around their late fifties due to cumulative physical fatigue and high burnout rates.