Veterinarian, as we know treat the diseases, conditions and injuries of animals apart from immunizing animals against diseases and certifying animals to be slaughtered. Veterinary Works also include surgery, fix broken bones, recommend diet and exercise routines, and prescribe medicines for animals to ensure their well being and health. Inspection of meat products to be used as food also form part of their job function.

Education and Training Requirements

Students who wish to pursue the career of veterinarians must have at least two years of undergraduate training at a college or university for eligibility to apply admission to a veterinary college. Pre-veterinary study should include physical and biological sciences.

There are twenty-eight schools of veterinary medicine in the United States, from where the students can earn the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Before starting practice, the candidates must also pass the oral and written licensing examinations of their states.

Job Scope

Veterinarians are employed in large numbers by farms, ranches, animal shelters and zoos. They handle the immunization and treatment of diseases of the animals. They also do home calls to treat domestic animals like cats, dogs, birds, fishes or horses and can be self employed. Apart from treating the diseases their services are also made use of in carrying out spaying and euthanasia of terminally ill animals.

Veterinarians are employed by federal and state governments as meat and livestock inspectors who inspect the meat to be supplied to the armed forces and public to ensure its freshness and purity.

Working Conditions

Veterinary Works maybe needed at night; weekend or holidays and the work could be monotonous or strenuous in many cases including long hours at the surgery table. Private practitioners often work for over forty hours a week and their schedule involves travelling to far remote cattle farms and ranches.

Salary and Other Benefits

The median veterinary salary is around $66,590 per year and the future prospects are bright with lots of fresh opportunities coming up every year. Other benefits for salaried veterinarians include paid holidays and vacations, health insurance, and pension plans.

Other Job Options

Veterinarians are also hired by pharmaceutical companies for developing drugs and vaccines for animals, and for the federal government’s space programs. Universities employ veterinarians in and teaching faculty or research fellows involving studies like man animals disease transmission among others.