veterinary careers

A veterinary career invariably requires candidates to undergo tough training and have good qualifications. Therefore, before you pursue this type of career, it’s important to be thoroughly committed to the hands-on care of animals and to enjoy the challenge of hard work.

If you haven’t spent time working with or caring for companion animals, it is worth considering working as a volunteer at a veterinary practice or animal rescue centre before embarking on a veterinary career.

Veterinary careers may involve making difficult decisions when dealing with distressing situations; it is important to be caring, sympathetic and genuinely interested in the welfare of animals. In addition, veterinary staff must be able to communicate effectively with people and to keep a level head in emergency situations.

Livestock and wildlife veterinary work may require some tough physical outdoor work and it is advantageous to be physically fit and have plenty of stamina.

Veterinary Careers

Veterinary Surgeon: Becoming a vet is a highly popular career choice for those wishing to work with animals. A vet is responsible for the prevention of disease and for the medical and surgical treatment of animals including, domestic pets, zoo animals, wildlife, farm animals and horses. There are various veterinary surgeon career options including the state veterinary service, army, teaching/research posts, animal charities, and overseas opportunities.

Veterinary Nurse: This popular career broadly involves the hands on nursing care for sick or injured animals, educating owners about pet health and welfare and the carrying out of medical treatments and minor procedures. A veterinary nursing qualification can lead to many different job opportunities in animal welfare.

Animal Nursing Assistant: The role of an Animal Nursing Assistant is crucial in ensuring the smooth running of a veterinary practice and the well being of patients. An Animal Nursing Assistant works closely with the animals in veterinary practices or veterinary hospitals, playing the vital role of assisting Veterinary Nurses, Veterinary Surgeons and practice staff.

Veterinary Receptionist: Veterinary receptionists are responsible for the first impression received by a client (by phone or visit), and they are the interface between the veterinary surgeon, nurses, clients and other veterinary practices or organisations and a good receptionist who has caring and compassionate manner will play an invaluable part in the smooth running of a veterinary clinic or hospital . This is a highly popular career as the work can also involve hands on contact with animals, is usually varied and interesting and can be a stepping stone into other animal related careers or veterinary careers.

Veterinary Physiotherapist: The work of a Veterinary Physiotherapist involves treating animals with injuries, investigating mobility problems, preventing recurring injuries and helping to reduce pain.

Veterinary Chiropractor: The purpose of chiropractic treatments is to diagnose and treat mechanical disorders of the spine and musculoskeletal system without the use of drugs or surgery. Veterinary Chiropractors work hands-on with animals, combining traditional human chiropractic with veterinary science, to provide additional treatment options for animals.

Veterinary Osteopath: Veterinary osteopathy works on the same principles and theory as human osteopathy, but with specific manipulative procedures for animals. The treatment involves various techniques that work to increase mobility and improve muscle tone and circulation - this can be beneficial for a wide variety of conditions and problems such as lameness, stiffness and various types of injury.

Veterinary Homeopath: Homoeopathic vets are fully qualified veterinary surgeons who have chosen to take further training and qualification in the use of homoeopathic medicines. Veterinary homeopathy involves the treatment of an animal as a whole rather than just of a specific complaint.

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