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A Career as a Veterinary Surgeon

The job role

The role of a Veterinary Surgeon involves the treatment of animals as well as helping pet and livestock owners to care for their animals properly by providing advice and ensuring that appropriate vaccinations are given when required.  Vets can be based in rural or urban practices, and can also be employed by the Veterinary Field Service (VFS) or Veterinary Investigation Centres (VIC) where they are involved in reducing the risk and prevalence of diseases in zoos, stables, kennels and pet shops.

General practice Vets are normally based in a surgery although those in rural areas may have to travel to remote farms and other locations; they are all required to provide an out-of-hours emergency service when required.

Relevant qualifications

All Vets must complete a five- or six-year veterinary degree at one of the UK Veterinary Schools – Bristol, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool or London – and obtain work experience in veterinary practice and animal health management before they can qualify for membership of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).  Additional training courses and postgraduate qualifications are also available to those wishing to specialise in working with one particular animal.

Skills requirements

Arguably the most important attributes a Vet must be able to demonstrate are a commitment to animal welfare and public health and the ability to make sometimes difficult decisions regarding the most appropriate course of action when treating sick or injured animals.  They should also be able to interact well with animal owners and fellow professionals.

Career development

Vets in general practice can work towards running their own surgery while others may wish to work in zoos, animal welfare or research organisations.  There is also the option of working anywhere in the EU once RCVS accreditation has been obtained.