Equine vets are often in demand in the industry. We’ve put together some key things to consider if you’re thinking about becoming an equine vet.
There are a number of different paths you can choose once you’ve qualified as a veterinarian, and one of these includes an equine veterinarian career. Horses are large animals which commonly require specialist medical attention so equine vets are often in demand in the industry. We’ve put together some key things to consider if you’re thinking about becoming an equine vet.
Make sure you love horses
This may seem obvious, but if you are planning to dedicate your career to one specific animal you need to make sure that you love working with them. Before making a decision, undertake an internship at a practice which involves equine work and discover if you actually enjoy that area.
Create a long-term plan
Although you might decide on becoming an equine vet in a moment of inspiration, you need to create a long-term strategy to achieve your goal. You probably won’t get the opportunity to specialise prior to graduation, but you can develop your knowledge on the subject.
Once you are qualified, specialise as early as you can in your veterinary career and make sure to gain specific experience working with horses. Some areas of practice will require further specialisation, such as working with racing horses, so make sure to do your research.
Be prepared
Horses are large animals and can cause injury so you must be aware and fully prepared for unpredictable, so it is important that you are resilient enough to deal with this.
Ironically, horses are also incredibly fragile animals and will frequently become ill or hurt, with many affected by lameness or back problems. This means that you may develop relationships with certain horses over the course of your career but it is important not to become too emotionally attached as you may witness some upsetting instances.
Get advice from experts in the field
The easiest way to become prepared for your career as an equine vet is to speak to people already working in the industry. Most people will be more than happy to pass on any advice or information about the field. Plus, the more contacts you develop early on, the easier it will be to find a job as an equine vet once you are qualified.
Find your available options
Once you have your veterinary license, you will likely start looking for jobs in practice. Equine vets operate in both mixed practices and established equine practices and it is possible for new graduates to get a position in either. There are also employment opportunities in other areas, such as consultancy, competition events, charity work, pharmaceuticals and within government departments.
If you are currently looking for a new job as an equine vet, you can browse our listings to see what is available.