Who's a Veterinarian?
Do you find yourself petting and caring for stray cats and dogs you come across? Do you have a special connection with animals that makes you feel protective of them? Would you be interested in looking after their health? If you do, consider becoming a veterinarian!
More commonly known as vets, a veterinarian is a professional who serves as a doctor for animals. They are the ones you go to when your pets are feeling unwell. Vets provide medical care to animals through surgeries, physiotherapy and medicine. Most vets work with small clinics, emergency and speciality hospitals, universities, research facilities, NGOs, etc.
What will you do?
Where will you work?
How do you get there?
How do you make it to the top ranks?
Intern
As an intern, you will be taught to use different equipment, conduct surgeries, use vaccines, check animals, etc. You would also be a part of various animal-handlingworkshops that will guide you on how to handle sick animals with love and care.
Junior veterinarian
At this stage, you are officially a vet! Your job will be to assist senior vets with their work. You would perform small tasks such as explaining the tests and medical treatment procedures to the pet owners and you would advise clients on general animal health care and maintenance.
Senior Veterinarian
You will treat animals and provide them with healthcare. And will ensure that the treatment provided is in keeping with the animal welfare regulations. Depending on your specialisation, you will conduct surgeries and other medical treatment.
Veterinary Assistant
Alternatively, you could also work as a support to vets. Your job would involve helping veterinarians provide medical and health care for animals. You would take blood samples, administer medicines given to animals and also assist the veterinary manager when conducting examinations and surgical procedures.
Veterinary Manager
You would oversee the daily operations of the clinic/hospital and the work environment. Your job would include staff management, overseeing client relations, budget planning, ensuring medical procedures are conducted as per the law, etc.
Chief Veterinary Office
You’re the chief of the clinic/hospital, and you will work towards animal welfare and protection. You would supervise the veterinarians in your institution and oversee the implementation of various animal health and welfare measures.
Pursuing your career locally VS abroad
Studying veterinary sciences in India is beneficial right now because there’s a huge demand for vets owing to a lot of NGOs, hospitals and clinics set up in villages as well as in cities.
The duration for a veterinary course in India is five years and involves nine semesters. It is compulsory for you to undergo a six-month internship course. A graduation course in veterinary science would cost you anywhere between INR 30,000- INR 1,00,00 per year depending on the university you opt for. Top colleges from where you can pursue veterinary science in India are: Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Birsa Agricultural University, Veterinary College and Research Institute, etc.
If you are pursuing veterinary sciences abroad, you can always look for job opportunities in the country that you are residing in. Studying abroad will give you a broader understanding of the field and also introduce you to newer treatments and animals indigenous to those areas.
Veterinary courses abroad could cost you anywhere between INR 5,00,000- INR 25,00,000 depending on the course and university you study in. Top colleges from where you can pursue a degree in veterinary science abroad are: Cornell University, University of Guelph, University of Edinburgh, etc. Many universities abroad consider fee payment per semester basis and not on a yearly basis. To practice abroad it is important that you acquire a license from the medical board of the country where you plan to work.
How much would you get paid?
The exact number will depend on where you’re working, your education, skill-set and internship experience. But we can give you a general idea.
What are your career options?
Companion Animal
Companion animal vets generally work in private clinics and hospitals. You would work with companion animals (pets). You would carry out usual procedures like medicine and surgery, vaccinations, etc., and brief their owners about the health issues their pets/companions face.
Food-Animal Healthcare
Food animal vets usually work with animals such as cattle, pigs, sheep and others since they are raised to be food sources. You would have to ensure that the animals at the farms are not infected with any health problems or injuries. You would also vaccinate and conduct regular check-ups for them.
Diagnostics
Here, vets are involved in developing state-of-the-art equipment and techniques. These equipment make it easier to test animal tissues and blood samples. It would be your job to ensure that these equipment deliver accurate, innovative, and timely services to the veterinary and animal health community.
Dentistry
As a dentist for animals, you would focus on providing healthy dental and oral care to a variety of animals. This involves conducting routine oral checkups and surgery procedures for animals. You will have to choose Dental studies as your specialisation when pursuing an MSc in Veterinary Sciences.
Dermatology
Veterinary dermatologists specialise in the diagnosis of skin, hair and nails problems among animals. You would have to identify external parasites, hormonal conditions, allergies, etc., that may impact the well-being of the animal.
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