A career with animal attraction
Becoming a vet can be challenging and rewarding
Just like the famous slogan that told us ‘A Dog Is For Life, Not Just For Christmas’, becoming a vet is a life decision, too.
Still very much a vocation, a lot of vets make the career decision when they are very young, with many feeling that they were“born to do it”.
Vets working in general practice are responsible for the medical and surgical treatment of a wide range of animals, and are also involved in managing disease outbreaks to protect both animals and humans.
Some veterinary practices are more specialised – for instance in small animals, foodproducing animals or equine work and that specialism often depends on the practice’s location, be it rural or urban.
Vets combine a knowledge of animal physiology, nutrition and medicine with practical skills to diagnose illnesses, prescribe medicines and perform surgery.
They also manage anaesthesia during procedures.
Vets are employed in a range of other sectors, too – including animal charities, education and research, government agencies, the army and pharmaceutical firms.
To practice as a vet, a degree in veterinary science/ medicine and registration as a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) is required.
While at university, vet students are also expected to carry out 38 weeks of extra-mural studies – which could involve working in private veterinary practices, on farms or in the field of food hygiene.
“It is important that people who are considering becoming a vet understand all of the challenges the job can bring, as well as all the wonderful joy that comes with the care for animals,” explains Dr Ashley Gray, a qualified vet and founder of Vetsure Pet Insurance.
“In particular, veterinary medicine is not an exact science. Veterinary students often start out by believing that, if they follow the textbook precisely, outcomes for the patient and the client will usually be good.
“However, the real world is sadly often not like that. Emotions can, and usually do play an enormous role.
“For a lot of newly-graduated vets, having to regularly deal with these aspects of the role can come as a surprise – and a considerable challenge.
“There is no doubt in my mind, however, that the veterinary profession offers one of the most rewarding careers for talented and caring people – and a unique opportunity to combine the application of science with a role which genuinely allows you to care for animals and their owners alike.”