Options for pre-veterinary students in Orange County include biological sciences studies at Chapman University, Concordia University Irvine, University of California-Irvine, Vanguard University, and California State University-Fullerton, which also offers a biochemistry degree. Doctoral degrees in veterinary medicine can be earned at the Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine.

California's Employment Development Department's long-term projections for animal health occupations in Orange County from 2002 to 2012 predict 13.5% job growth for veterinarians, 10% job growth for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers, and 24.4% job growth for veterinary technologists and technicians.