Veterinary surgeon : Job description

Veterinary surgeons work to safeguard the health and welfare of animals. Vets working in general practice are responsible for the medical and surgical treatment of animals. They work with a range of animals, including domestic animals, zoo animals and farm animals. They also work to prevent disease in animals and the spread of disease. There are veterinary practices which specialise in small animals, food producing animals, equine work and there are also mixed practices. The area that a practice specialises in may depend on whether they are located in a rural or urban area.

The job of a vet is to combine their knowledge of animal physiology, nutrition and medicine with practical skills to diagnose illnesses, prescribe medicines and perform surgery. Vets also use their knowledge to manage anaesthesia during procedures and radiography.

As well as working in veterinary surgeries, vets are also employed in other sectors. These include education and research, government agencies animal charities (such as the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA)  and the The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) ) and pharmaceutical companies.

Typical work activities

Vets either work from a surgery or by visiting animals in their living environments, such as a farm or stables. Some vets carry out home visits.

Typical work activities include:

• handling, examining and treating all species of animals, including domestic animals, farm livestock and horses;
• meeting and consulting with the owners of various animals;
• carrying out tests such as x-rays, blood samples and ultrasound scans;
• giving advice to farmers on issues such as nutrition, breeding and herd health;
• routinely visiting farms to check the health of livestock; 
• immunising animals against different types of disease;
• euthanising old and terminally ill animals;
• performing surgery, including managing anaesthesia;
• working on out-of-hours emergency cases when on call;
• providing suitable paperwork for animals travelling abroad, as well as inserting identification microchips into animals;
• maintaining up-to-date records;
• liaising with and referring to other professionals within the industry;
• inspecting certain animal products to check that they are safe for human consumption.

Vets who work as practice partners have the additional responsibility of managing practice finances, promoting the surgery to potential clients and recruiting and managing vets and other relevant staff.

Vets working for government agencies may research diseases, test and manage infection outbreaks, investigate food safety issues and complete paperwork for pet passports.