Like all jobs, there are two sides to a career as a veterinarian. There are the things about your job that get you out of bed in the morning and then there are the things that make you sigh when you see them on your schedule. However, when asked, the vast majority of vets have far more positive things to say about their career than negative!
It’s rewarding
Most start on a career path into the veterinary industry because they love animals and this is one huge benefit of being a vet – you’ll be surrounded by your passion every day. When you love animals, a full recovery – thanks to a successful diagnosis and treatment plan – feels so rewarding. It’s easy to see why so many vets are so wholly committed to what they do.
It’s versatile
A career as a veterinarian will see you perform one of the most versatile jobs out there. No two days are ever likely to be the same! Depending on a day’s particular clients, you could be required to be a surgeon, an anaesthetist or an obstetrician, to name just a few. As each animal you inspect differs,so will the role you need to play to treat them. A veterinary degree is an immensely versatile qualification and, if you enjoy new challenges, a career as a veterinarian is sure to keep you on your toes. It’s not always 9-5. The hours of vet may work vary greatly; depending on the location and specialism of your practice, the working hours could be longer than a standard nine-to-five Monday to Friday. A lot of practices remain open until 6pm on weeknights and vets can expect to give up some weekends if they’re on call, or evenings if there’s an after-hours emergency.
The salary
The average salary for a newly qualified vet is just over £30,000 p.a. With more training and experience, this will grow to between £40-45,000 p.a. and a greater salary can be earned in larger practices. If your career as a veterinarian takes you to the very top, you could earn upwards of £68,000 a year. Senior vets, with over twenty years of experience, can earn beyond £70,000 depending on their specialism. Pursuing a career as a vet is a big decision and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you’re passionate about animal welfare and you’d love a job that presents you with different challenges from one day to the next then it’s the perfect choice for you. Don’t forget that an adept vet must also be physically fit and strong enough to handle distressed or sedated animals safely.
It’s certainly a career path that will test you, but when your sick or wounded patients are back on their feet the emotional reward is second to none.