Veterinary Surgeon

Veterinary surgeons, or vets, treat sick and injured animals. They also advise owners on how to care for animals and work to control animal diseases.

Most vets work in private practice. They may deal with one, or a combination of, the following:

• small pets such as dogs, cats and rabbits
• exotic animals, including reptiles
• farm animals, including cattle, sheep and pigs
• horses, ponies and donkeys.

The work involves:

• diagnosing conditions in animals
• emergency lifesaving measures
• vaccinations
• prescribing drugs
• setting fractures
• delivering newborn animals
• performing surgery
• humane killing, in some circumstances.

A full-time vet in practice usually works over 40 hours a week, and also takes a share in on-call emergency work. Vets in practice are expected to deal with emergencies in any species.

Most vets work in surgeries or clinics or visit owners' premises. For farm vets, much of the work is outdoors.

Salary packages start from around £31,000, which may include accommodation and other allowances, while senior partners in a practice may earn up to £100,000.

Vets must be:

• interested and skilled in science
• committed to animal welfare
• good observers and communicators
• caring and approachable
• able to explain issues in a simple way
• able to handle emotional distress in owners
• physically fit
• well organised.

Most vets work in private practice. Others are employed by universities and research institutes, government bodies, pharmaceutical and pet food companies, charities and zoos.

Vets must complete a degree approved by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). UK veterinary schools are in Bristol, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London and Liverpool. The courses are listed on the RCVS website.

Entry requirements are three A levels at high grades, or equivalent, including biology and chemistry and physics or maths. Good GCSE passes in English, maths and science are also required. Some universities offer a six-year course for students who do not have the required grades or subjects.

Candidates also need to have practical experience of working with animals.

The degree has a strong focus on sciences, including anatomy, physiology and biochemistry. Students also do practical work, including 26 weeks of holiday placements. This includes work in veterinary practices, an abattoir and a veterinary laboratory.

Experienced vets may buy into a practice, or set up their own business. They may be able to move into teaching, public health or research.

Further details