Description

Veterinarians diagnose and treat animal injuries, diseases and disorders, and advise on preventative action. They may work in practices, specialising according to their location in either a rural or urban area, or in the public sector or associated industries such as pharmaceuticals, food production or drug regulation.

Tasks

• Examines animals, diagnoses condition and prescribes and administers appropriate drugs, dressings, etc., and arranges or undertakes any necessary x-ray or other tests
• Inoculates animals against communicable diseases
• Administers local or general anaesthetics and performs surgery
• Investigates outbreaks of animal diseases and advises owners on feeding, breeding and general care
• Euthanases old, sick, terminally ill and unwanted animals
• Performs tasks relating to food safety policy, regulation of veterinary drugs, quality control of veterinary products
• Performs ante-mortem inspection of animals destined for the food chain, and animal post-mortem examinations
• Carries out expert witness work and undertakes teaching of veterinary students
• Maintains records, raises and forwards reports and certificates in compliance with current legislation.

Educational Requirements

Entrants will require a university degree in veterinary science and registration as a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). Pre-entry experience in a veterinary practice may be required for entry to a university veterinary school.