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Veterinarian

Veterinarians treat sick and injured animals, provide general animal care, and advise clients about health care and disease prevention for pets and farm (production) animals. They also set standards for the import and export of animals and animal products and work in other related areas.

Tasks & duties

Veterinarians working in clinical practice may do some or all of the following:

work with the client to prevent and treat animal problems and diseases
advise on animal nutrition and the care and welfare of animals
examine dead animals to find out the cause of death
work closely with herd and flock owners to help them achieve their breeding and production goals

Veterinarians working in other fields may do some or all of the following:

set standards for the importation of animals or animal products into New Zealand
negotiate with other countries to establish health requirements for animals or animal products exported from New Zealand
be involved with disease investigation and research and/or co-ordinate national disease control programmes
teach in tertiary institutes
research and advise on animal welfare
research and advise on animal breeding and production programmes
help pharmaceutical companies develop and market products used on animals

Specialisations

Veterinarians often specialise in treating either large or small animals. Some veterinarians may specialise further, for example in treating wildlife, poultry, horses, farm (production), zoo or companion animals.

Skills & knowledge

Veterinarians need to have:

knowledge of animals and animal diseases
animal-handling skills
knowledge of animal anatomy, physiology and biology
knowledge of biochemistry, microbiology and parasitology
skill in treating animals with medicines and performing surgery
knowledge of radiography, dentistry and laboratory methods
up-to-date knowledge of recent developments in veterinary science
communication skills
organisational skills
problem-solving and decision making skills

Business management knowledge may also be useful.

Entry requirements

To become a veterinarian you usually have to complete an accredited veterinary science degree at university. Alternatively, you can complete a relevant degree such as science, animal science or veterinary bioscience, followed by a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

Secondary education

To get into these courses you usually need to gain your HSC Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics, biology, chemistry and physics are normally required. A number of universities in Australia offer degrees in veterinary science. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements. Contact the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Training on the job

Many skills are gained on the job.

Registration

Veterinarians need to be registered with the Veterinary Council of Australia and they must obtain annual practising certificates.

Useful experience

Practical experience with farm animals such as work on a dairy, sheep or cattle farm, or work with domestic animals is an advantage. Other useful experience includes work as an animal technician in a research laboratory, animal training or any other work relating to the care of animals. Experience with other animal owners is also helpful.