Veterinarians treat animal diseases, conditions, and injuries, in addition to immunizing animals against disease and certifying animals for slaughter. Veterinarians also perform surgeries, repair broken bones, recommend diets and exercise routines, and prescribe medications for animals to ensure their well-being and health. The inspection of meat products that will be used as food is also part of their job function.

Education and training requirements

Students wishing to pursue a veterinary career must have at least two years of college education at a college or university in order to apply for admission to a veterinary college. The pre-veterinary study should include physical and biological sciences.

There are twenty-eight schools of veterinary medicine in the United States, from where students can earn the degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD). Before starting the practice, candidates must also pass their state’s written and oral licensing exams.

Labor sphere

Veterinarians are employed in large numbers by farms, ranches, animal shelters, and zoos. They are responsible for the immunization and treatment of animal diseases. They also make home visits to treat domestic animals such as cats, dogs, birds, fish or horses and can be self-employed. In addition to the treatment of diseases, its services are also used to perform the sterilization and euthanasia of terminal animals.

The federal and state governments employ veterinarians as meat and livestock inspectors who inspect meat to be supplied to the military and the public for freshness and purity.

Working conditions

Prospective vets must work at night; weekends or holidays and work can be monotonous or exhausting in many cases, including long hours at the operating table. Private physicians often work more than forty a week, and their hours involve traveling to far-flung farms and cattle ranches.

Salary and other benefits

The average vet salary is around $ 66,590 per year and the future prospects are bright with many new opportunities each year. Other benefits for salaried veterinarians include paid vacations and vacations, health insurance, and pension plans.

Other job options

Veterinarians are also hired by pharmaceutical companies to develop drugs and vaccines for animals and for federal government space programs. Universities employ veterinarians and teaching professors or research fellows that involve studies such as the transmission of diseases from man to animals, among others.