What does a Veterinarian do?
Veterinarians typically work at animal hospitals and clinics but may also work as a staff Veterinarian at a zoo, ranch, farm, stable, aquarium or laboratory to provide routine animal care. They are experts in diseases that impact animals and use their knowledge of animal anatomy to identify and correct health issues. Veterinarians develop care plans for animals and teach pet owners how to help their animal recover. They order lab tests, assist in births, perform dental cleanings and tooth extractions, stitch up wounds and cure infections among other procedures. Veterinarians may also perform humane euthanizations and comfort grieving pet owners.
Veterinarian skills and qualifications
A competent Veterinarian will have certain skills and qualifications. Having this section in your job description helps you attract skilled and qualified applicants to your practice. Here are some skills and qualifications to look out for in your candidate:
- Ability to show compassion to both pets and their owners
- Outstanding dexterity in handling both large and small animals while performing precise tasks
- Ability to react quickly and make decisions under pressure about the wellbeing of an animal
- Strong fondness and understanding of animals
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Knowledge of animal behavior
- Ability to work extended hours and on-demand
- Ability to use medical technologies during diagnosis, research and surgery of animals
Veterinarian salary expectations
A Veterinarian makes an average of $96,199 per year. Salary may depend on level of experience, education and the geographical location.
Veterinarian salary expectations
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Common salary:
134958.08 YEARLY -
Typical salaries range from
40000.00 -285000.00 YEARLY - Find more information on Indeed Salaries
*Indeed data –
Veterinarian education and training requirements
A successful Veterinarian should have attained certain education and training requirements. Looking out for these requirements will help you attract a knowledgeable and trained Veterinarian. Before joining veterinary school, an individual may have a pre-veterinary degree such as a bachelor’s degree in biology, physiology, statistics, chemistry, genetics or physics. Veterinarians must complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at an accredited college of veterinary medicine. A Veterinarian should obtain a state license after successfully passing the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination.
Veterinarian experience requirements
A Veterinarian should have experience working with Veterinarians, research, agribusiness, scientists in clinics and some fields of health science. They should also have previous work with animals in animal clinics. For freshly graduated Veterinarians, an internship may be useful for those looking to specialize. Less formal experience such as working with animals on a farm, at a stable or in an animal shelter can also be helpful prior to veterinary school.
Job description samples for similar positions
If the Veterinarian job description doesn’t meet your needs, see job descriptions for related positions:
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