From Vets to Bloggers: The Many Types of Pet Writer

There are so many types of pet writer that it can be difficult to know who to pick when working out your project needs. With this easy guide to help you understand what they’re all about, you needn’t worry.

Pet writing is a unique and interesting niche, with lots of animal lovers out there wanting to share information about the latest training trends, nutrition advice, or health concerns. But how do you know if the information available is reliable, and who is the right pet writer for your project?

Who can produce pet care information?

Anyone! From animal lovers to skilled veterinary surgeons and everyone in between, if you have an interest, a little bit of knowledge, and a passion for writing, you can give it a go. What this means for you as a reader is that there is a vast pool of resources available on pet topics BUT some are less reliable than others. Depending on your project needs, you should consider the qualifications/ expertise of the writer and their writing skills (ability to create clear, compelling, and engaging writing).  

Some Questions to Ask Yourself in the Planning Phase

Who is your target audience?

If you are writing for the general public on topics relating to pet health and wellness, you’d want a trusted, reliable, qualified expert such as a veterinary surgeon. On the other hand, if you were writing for a pet owner on a specific breed of dog, you might want a breeder of that type of dog with experience related to day-to-day life with them. And if you were looking to explain the latest findings of a clinical trial about a new drug treatment for a specific illness in a journal, you’d want a suitably qualified veterinary medical writer. Thinking about who you are writing for and what platform you intend on publishing on is important for what type of pet writer you need.

What is the purpose of the writing you aim to produce?

If you are looking to educate owners on health care, a health care professional such as a vet or RVN would be most appropriate. If you are writing for fun in a casual format about funny things cats do, a pet enthusiast with experience in that species may be for you. Thinking about what you’re trying to say is important and dictates the level of expertise needed from your writer.

What style of writing do you intend to create? Is it professional, casual, fun?

These questions will lead you to the type of pet writer that is right for you. Professional writing can only be created by a professional in that industry –a vet or nurse, veterinary behaviourist, or nutritionist for example. Those with less qualifications but some life experience with pets can write engaging pieces but they will be limited by the boundaries of that person’s knowledge base or personal experiences with pets. Journalists and non-veterinary authors are also examples of less qualified people who may write for you. With excellent research skills, they can often produce greatly engaging articles, but the content may not be accurate as they are relying on their interpretation of online resources or information without their own expertise. Journalists often work with vets/industry experts to copyedit their work for accuracy for this very reason.

Professionally qualified writers can create content for all types of pet writing, but less qualified writers can’t write professionally or with the depth of knowledge in the same way as an expert can – with reliable, accurate, up-to-date content. This is particularly important to note in an industry like the pet industry which is constantly evolving and changing.

FAQs about the types of pet writers

What’s the difference between pet copywriters and pet content writers?

A common source of confusion is the difference between content writers and copywriters. Pet content writers set out to create engaging and interesting content, while pet copywriters try to encourage a particular action with their words – usually a purchase.

What’s the difference between medical writing and health writing?

Medical writing is a broad term that includes writing pamphlets, summaries for doctors/vets, and even journal articles. It may encourage an action, such as a purchase of a product, but it can also be informational. It’s usually quite scientific, with the end audience usually being people in medical professions. Health writing is a similarly broad term, but it is generally less scientific and more likely to be content writing than copywriting. Pet health writers include content writers and journalists in the pet health niche.

Who is right for your project?

There are many types of pet writer, depending on the level of expertise/qualifications needed for your content.  Considering who you’re creating content for, its purpose, and style will help you choose a suitably qualified writer for that goal. Hopefully, our guide has made it easier to know who to choose and why.