Simulation games have always been popular, and some genres such as military simulators are among the most popular of all. But there are some types of simulators that seem to be underrepresented, and vet simulation games are one of these.
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There are some great vet simulation games available. However, most of these are casual games, with a couple of notable exceptions. That being said, this doesn’t mean there are not any great vet simulators, there are quite a few. However, being quite niche in nature means it can take quite a bit of effort to find the best vet simulation games that are available.
7 My Life: Farm Vet
A New Addition To The My Life Franchise
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows
- Released: December 23, 2023
- Developer: Raylight Games Srls, Raylight Games S.r.l.s.
My Life: Farm Vet is, as the name suggests, a vert simulator that focuses on farm animals and their care. It is a follow-up to another game on this list, My Life: Pet Vet. The gameplay is pretty simple, but it is well done. The player needs to tend to a whole range of farm animals from chickens to horses.
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One of the more charming aspects of this game is that the player needs to deliver and then help raise baby animals, such as piglets. There are 3 farms included in the base game, and there are over 90 animal illnesses that the player may encounter and need to cure.
6 Pet Vet 3D: Animal Hospital
Animal Hospital Management Sim
- Platforms: Microsoft Windows
- Released: 8 Apr, 2022
- Developer: BrainGame
This is a game aimed at younger players, and it is said to be suited for any child 8 years or older. Pet Vet 3D: Animal Hospital has three difficulty levels, so older children can opt for more challenging gameplay. As a vet, the player needs to care for sick animals, but there is more to the gameplay than this.
The player can enjoy dog training, or take a horse for a ride. And being an educational game, plenty of facts are given about each of the different animals and the activities the player is performing. Overall, this is a great little game for children, and may even be fun for some adults.
5 Pups & Purrs Animal Hospital
Console Only Animal Hospital Simulator
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4
- Released: July 2, 2020
- Developer: Nippon Columbia
Pups & Purrs Animal Hospital is a fun-to-play game that originally started out on the Nintendo Switch but has not also been ported across to the PlayStation 4. The range of animals that the player must care for is limited, being restricted to only puppies, kittens, and adult cats and dogs. However, that being said, this doesn’t detract from gameplay at all.
The player will first put each animal through a checkup, trying to diagnose any health conditions that may be troubling them. This involves various tests and diagnostic tests. If the animal is found to be sick, the player has to choose the correct treatment to administer. This is a simple hospital management game, but a fun one, and well worth a place on this list.
4 The Sims: 4 Cats & Dogs (DLC)
An Expansion For The Sims
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Mac operating systems
- Released: November 9, 2017
- Developer: Maxis, The Sims Studio, Blind Squirrel Games
This isn’t exactly a vet simulation game. It is an expansion for the popular The Sims game. But it gets a place on this list for its active career, veterinarian, being so well done. Players can create and befriend pets, and try and bond with them by naturally interacting with them.
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The player can choose to operate a veterinary clinic. This means finding suitable staff to run the clinic, and then offering vet services to other NPCs in the town, to care for their animals. The vet gameplay isn’t particularly deep, but it is well done and a nice addition to other active careers in the game. Anyone who already owns The Sims and likes pets might wish to give this expansion a try.
3 My Universe: Pet Clinic - Cats & Dogs
Dozens Of Different Treatments To Learn
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Mac operating systems
- Released: December 3, 2020
- Developer: It Matters Games, It Matters Games UG
My Universe: Pet Clinic - Cats & Dogs is a cute animated game that is more complex than a first glance would indicate. The player takes on the role of a head veterinarian running their own clinic. As they progress through the game, they will unlock more advanced diagnostic tests and animal treatments.
The player is free to entirely customize their clinic and medical facility in this game, by extending it, adding rooms, and decorating existing rooms. And of course, they must make sure they have all of the equipment required to treat animals properly. Overall, this game is well thought out and will no doubt be fun for pet lovers to play.
2 My Life: Pet Vet
Superbly Rendered Pet Models And Animations
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows
- Released: October 6, 2022
- Developer: Markt+Technik
This is the most graphically advanced game on this list so far. Where many of the previous entries were intended as casual or even for kids, My Life: Pet Vet is different. The pet models are well made, and the animations are excellent, giving this game more realism than any mentioned so far.
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The player runs a small vet practice and has to treat small pets as well as larger ones, from hamsters to dogs. There are over 50 illnesses each pet can catch, each with an associated treatment. The clinic has a proper animal enclosure, with individual pens, and management of this facility makes up part of the gameplay loop. Overall, well with a high place on this list for its realism.
1 Animal Shelter Simulator
Very Positive Reviews
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Android, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
- Released: March 23, 2022
- Developer: Games Incubator
No other vet simulation game could take the top place on this list. Animal Shelter Simulator is by far the best of the bunch. The base game did so well that there have now been two additional DLCs released, which cover horses and family pets specifically.
The player takes on the role of managing the animal shelter, and this includes vet duties. The animals are predominantly rescue animals, that have been brought to the shelter to be treated and cared for. The main goal is to get them well again, and then find them their forever home. This is a great game and fun to play, although it must be said this is quite a casual game though.
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