Veterinary medicine is an important job that carries a lot of responsibility. It's also a terrific career choice for anyone who loves animals. Many people probably think of veterinarians as only taking care of domestic pets, such as cats and dogs, but you actually have a variety of job options if you decide to become a vet. Let's look at four different jobs for veterinarians.
Livestock
Ranchers and farmers that keep livestock need to ensure that their animals stay healthy and productive. Livestock vets, also known as large animal vets, work with local farmers and ranchers to maintain the health of a wide range of animals, including pigs, horses, sheep, goats, and cattle.
As a livestock vet, you must be willing to travel, because you will need to visit the farm or ranch where the animals are kept. The duties of a large animal vet are various, including herd checks, giving medications, and, if necessary, performing surgeries.
Lab
Some laboratory facilities keep animals onsite for research purposes. These animals all require the services of a veterinarian to monitor their health. Lab vets have a variety of duties, such as making sure that the animal care technicians are performing their jobs at a high standard, focusing on preventative care, and consulting with the facility's researchers.
Vets who choose this career path will generally need to successfully complete a residency program in a laboratory animal medicine discipline after obtaining their license to practice veterinary medicine in their state.
Exotic
Are you fascinated by unusual or exotic animals, like ferrets, snakes, reptiles, and birds? These animals are growing in popularity so should have no problem finding a job in this field. In addition to working with people who keep exotic animals as pets, you also have the option of treating these animals in the wild, whether in the wilderness or at a wildlife sanctuary or park.
If you wish to become an exotic animal vet, look for veterinary schools that have programs focusing on this area of veterinary medicine.
Specialty
Some vets do not practice general veterinary medicine but focus on a specific specialty. For example, you might decide that you want to concentrate on animal anesthesia or animal dentistry. Other specialties include emergency care, dermatology, and animal nutrition.
Becoming a vet does not mean you must take a job that only involves caring for the most common domestic pets. As this article shows, there are many interesting options available.
Share17 August 2022
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