OBJECTIVE To examine the development of attitudes and opinions relating to the veterinary profession. METHODS Longitudinal study. METHODS Students, 154 in all, who began studying veterinary science at The University of Queensland in 1985 and 1986. METHODS Questionnaires were completed in the first and fifth year of the course and in the second year after graduation. The data were analysed using the SAS System for Windows. RESULTS Few changes in opinion over time were found on the role of the profession, or on the status and prestige of veterinarians. Changes did occur in views on the characteristics of a successful veterinarian, with increases in the perceived importance of interpersonal skills, and of the capacity to work hard, and decreases in the perceived importance of honesty and integrity, dedication and the prevention of cruelty. Attitudes hardened over time in relation to costs of treatment, non-payment of fees and availability out of hours. Individuals changed their opinion on whether to counsel or report an incompetent colleague, but the changes in one direction were approximately equal to those in the opposite direction. CONCLUSIONS The attitudes and opinions of veterinary graduates result from experiences before and during their veterinary course. In general the perceived importance of interpersonal skills increases during the course, and the level of altruism decreases.