Veterinary Surgeon

Also known as:

Surgeon, Veterinary
Vet

Introduction

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.

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Work Activities

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
• equines - 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.

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.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

Vets must be:

• Interested and skilled in science.
• Committed to animal welfare.
• Inquisitive.
• 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.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Veterinary surgeons with two years' experience can earn around £24,000 - £26,000 a year. This can include allowances for accommodation, fuel, continued training, and professional membership fees.

Vets with three years' experience can earn around £29,000 - £41,000 a year, and those with four years' experience and more can earn around £50,000 a year.

More experienced veterinary surgeons can 'buy in' to a practice, as a partner. Earnings then depend on the success of the practice, but can exceed £70,000 a year, and higher earnings are possible.

Locum vets earn around £170 - £190 a day.

A vet in practice usually works around 43 hours a week, and also takes a share in on-call emergency work.

Most of the UK's 16,000-plus practising vets work in private practice. Others are employed by universities and research institutes, government bodies, pharmaceutical and pet food companies,charities and zoos.

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.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Universities usually expect candidates to show evidence of their commitment to this career by having relevant work experience. This experience may include working alongside a vet in practice, dealing with animals on a farm, working in kennels, catteries or stables or working in a research or medical laboratory, for example.

Four-year accelerated degree courses are available at some universities for graduates holding at least a 2:1 degree in a relevant biological science.

• 32% of veterinary surgeons are self-employed.
• 11% work part-time.

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