Veterinary surgeon

Veterinary surgeon job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

Veterinary surgeons are required to practice medicine on animals on a daily basis. This could be anything from giving injections, to delivering young or performing complex surgeries. Other responsibilities include:

• diagnosing illnesses in a variety of different animals
• proscribing the appropriate treatment
• dealing with uncooperative animals and owners
• facing a number of ethical considerations
• knowing the laws surrounding animals and their welfare.

You may be frequently required to work overtime and weekend slots. For a fully qualified veterinary surgeon salaries are typically quite generous, but you are likely to earn more working with small or companion animals than you are working with large animals or livestock.

Typical employers of veterinary surgeons

• veterinary practices and surgeries
• zoos
• animal charities such as the RSPCA
• government agencies
• Royal Army Veterinary Corps (RAVC)

Some vets may also work freelance, as a partner in a practice or as a consultant. Unfortunately, permanent positions are not common, and it may be easier to find jobs on a “locum tenens” (temporary) basis at first. There are plenty of opportunities to work overseas, with veterinary volunteers in high demand.

Qualifications and training required

In order to practice in the UK, you need to be registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). In order to do this you will need to have graduated with a degree from an RCVS approved veterinary college. If this is not the case then you will have to take the RCVS Statutory Membership Exam. Applications usually close in February. Further qualifications and specialist skills can be useful.

Key skills for Veterinary surgeons

• a love of animals
• empathy
• rational objectivity
• thorough, methodical approach
• communication skills