Pure Potential

All About Careers - Veterinary Doctor

It’s true; Britain is a nation of animal lovers. Almost one in two UK households own a pet and many of us can’t help but go a little gooey at a picture of cute hamster. People’s livelihoods depend on animals too: farmers need healthy herds or flocks and the equine industry thrives on healthy horses. Veterinary doctors have a vital role to play looking after our nation’s pets and working animals.

So what do vets really do? Vets safeguard the health and welfare of animals; diagnosing common ailments, infections, diseases and defects, and performing medical and surgical treatment on animals. They also advise pet owners and farmers on the fitness, health, nutrition and general care of animals. Most vets work in practices, not unlike GP’s surgeries although, of course, the patients tend to be of a furrier nature. Practice partners don’t just care for animals; they also market the practice, manage finances and train staff. Other vet specialisms include working with farm animals or with exotic zoo animals. Vets can also be found working for other organisations, such as pharmaceutical companies and animal charities. Even the Government employs a crack team of vets to research animal diseases and manage infection outbreaks.

Aspiring vets need great communication skills, a caring nature, and to be passionate about animal welfare. The ability to maintain a practical and professional demeanour when working with animals is a must and, of course, you’ll need a veterinary degree. Veterinary courses are very competitive; there are currently only seven universities offering veterinary courses in the UK. Most courses require three good A-Levels in scientific subjects (biology, maths, chemistry and physics) and evidence of work experience in a veterinary practice or with animals. It’s a pretty intensive five or six year course with a lot of time spent with your head in books or doing practical work. Getting onto a veterinary course without science A-levels is possible; however the course is likely to last a year longer.

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