Veterinarians

Veterinarians diagnose, treat and prevent animal diseases, ailments and injuries.

  • The Job
  • The Facts
  • Related Courses

What the job involves

  • Treating animals medically and surgically, and administering and prescribing drugs, analgesics, and general and local anaesthetics
  • Determining the presence and nature of abnormal conditions by physical examination, laboratory testing and through diagnostic imaging techniques including radiography and ultrasound
  • Performing surgery, dressing wounds and setting broken bones
  • Rendering obstetric services to animals
  • Participating in programs designed to prevent the occurrence and spread of animal diseases
  • Inoculating animals against, and testing for, infectious diseases and notifying authorities of outbreaks of infectious animal diseases
  • Performing autopsies to determine cause of death
  • Advising clients on health, nutrition and feeding, hygiene, breeding and care of animals
  • May provide professional services to commercial firms producing biological and pharmaceutical products
  • May specialise in the treatment of a particular animal group or in a particular specialty area such as cardiology, chiropractic, dermatology or critical care

Key values of workers in Veterinarians

  • Independence

    Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

  • Recognition

    Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

  • Relationships

    Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

  • Working Conditions

    Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

  • Support

    Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

Top skills required for workers in Veterinarians

  • Active Listening

    Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

  • Active Learning

    Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

  • Speaking

    Talking to others to convey information effectively.

  • Science

    Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

  • Critical Thinking

    Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.