Skip to main content

Is the veterinary profession for you?

Written by: vetsonlinejobs
Published on: 23 Feb 2015

Veterinary staff in practice

Image ©iStock.com/andresr

So, you've decided that you want to work in the veterinary profession. That’s great for us to hear (being a website dedicated to finding people jobs in that field), but knowing how difficult it is to make lifelong decisions, and also knowing the tough scenarios that being a vet can put you in, we want to make sure you know what you're in for.

This is a chance to be absolutely certain this is the path for you.

Now we certainly don’t set out to discourage, but this is an all-encompassing career that will make great demands of you, and it is only right that we help make sure you go in with your eyes wide open and in full possession of the facts.

We all love animals, and spending time playing around with domestic pets or enjoying the company of animals out in the countryside or on a farm is a wonderful experience, which is why we would all like to do our bit to ensure their ongoing safety and health.

The truth is, however, that during your time in the veterinary industry you will be witness to a number of animals in great distress and – at times – in genuine pain. There will also come a time when, as part your job, you are required to euthanise an unwell animal. Instances like this can take their toll over time, and upset even the most experienced of veterinary professionals.

Make no mistake, working as a veterinary professional is a highly rewarding career – anyone working in the industry will happily tell you of the heart-warming stories they have been a part of, and they will most likely be beaming at you when they do so – but there is also a tough side you must be ready to face when the time comes, because that is when the animals will need you more than ever. They will need your strength and professionalism, your kindness and your caring – and their owners will need it too.

Think you can handle all that? Then welcome aboard.