Veterinarian
Veterinarians work with animals. They diagnose animals and work to treat and prevent their diseases. They also patch up animals after injuries and offer advice for preventative care to animals owners.
Duties and tasks
- Advising on preventing the occurrence and spread of diseases among animals
- Giving advice to animal owners on care and treatment and answering questions as needed
- Inspecting animals to determine the cause of disease or injury
- Performing autopsies on deceased animals
- Performing surgery or other medical procedures on animals
- Prescribing medications for animals diseases and administering these medications as needed
- Setting animals broken bones or otherwise attending to injuries
Skills required
- Active listening
- Keen judgment and decision-making capabilities
- Speaking and other interpersonal communication
- Thorough knowledge of animal science
- Use of logic, reasoning, and critical thinking
Working conditions
Veterinarians typically work in medical settings designed specifically for animals. Depending on the size of the animals they treat, these may be small clinics for household pets like dogs and cats, or larger facilities for farm animals like cows and horses. Veterinarians also often perform house calls, especially for larger animals.Professional associations / Industry information
Australian Veterinary AssociationVeterinary Board of Tasmania
Veterinary Board of the Northern Territory
Veterinary Practitioners Board of New South Wales
Veterinary Surgeons Board (QLD)
Veterinary Surgeons Board of South Australia
Veterinary Surgeons Board of WA
Related jobs and job titles
- Animal Attendant
- Horse Trainer
- Life Scientist
- Veterinary Nurse
- Veterinary Surgeon
