Becoming a veterinarian is more than just caring for animals. While no one likes to think of the downsides, you need to consider some things if you’re serious about working with animals.
If you want to become a veterinarian, like those experts from TP Vet Services, here are some of the things you should know before diving into this profession:
Becoming A Vet Takes As Much Time As Becoming A Human Doctor
In general, you’ll have to finish four years of undergraduate studies. Then, you need to pass the prerequisites and tests in order to get into a veterinary school, which will take you another four years to finish.
As a general practitioner, you don’t have to do an internship or residency. However, if you want to specialize in a field, you’ll have to intern for a year, as well as do three years of residency after graduating.
And, even if you only plan on specializing in household pets, your training will include all fields of veterinary medicine. This means you’ll see small animals, like cats and dogs, farm animals like goats, cows, and sheep, and exotic animals, such as reptiles and birds.
Most people think that vets play with kittens and pups all day long at their work, making it inferior to human medicine. However, vets also need to be well-versed in surgery, dentistry, X-rays, and internal medicine. In human medicine, a practitioner can specialize in only one of those things.
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It’s Emotionally Difficult
Every vet hates one procedure — euthanizing. It’s a difficult time for the owners. However, it’s harder for the vet to do the procedure.
Whether they’re treating a kid’s cat with deteriorating health or a dog of someone who has no one else in their life, vets try to present every care option available. But, when euthanasia is the only option, being a vet becomes the most awful job in the world. And, you’ll hear loud cries not only from the owners, but you’ll see vets and their associates crying with them. After all, most vets are in this practice because of their fondness for animals.
Talking To People Is Still Your Job
Becoming a vet seems like a great option to pursue a career in medicine without interacting with humans. But, that’s far from the truth. In fact, you’ll spend more time communicating with the pet owners than playing with their pets.
It actually makes sense. The pet is your patient, but the owner will be your client. Any information about medical history and treatments, among others, has to be communicated to the pet owner. No cat or dog can tell you if their vaccinations are up to date or what probably caused their upset stomach. And, to be able to treat your patient, you need to get the client’s agreement at all times.
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You Need To Be Patient And Creative
Some pets will come at you with wagging tails. Others will scratch you the moment you try to examine them. You won’t have a problem restraining a scared, cup-size feline, but you’ll have to be really careful when examining a 100-pound aggressive dog.
Animals can be unpredictable and difficult to handle. However, most of the time, it’s just because they’re scared. Pets tend to be scared when they’re in a new environment, with those weird, spooky equipment and new people touching them where it hurts or poking something on their skin.
With that said, you need to be patient and creative on how to minimize their fear, making them feel comfortable and helping you provide the best possible care without suffering from scratches or bites.
The Issue Of Money
Veterinary is definitely not a degree you should choose if you’re looking to earn good money. If you don’t own a vet clinic, you’ll have to settle with little pay, but with more working hours. And, there are shift rotations wherein you’re on-call in the middle of the night, or need to work during holidays and weekends.
In addition, clients don’t help at all. Vets often hear these words:
- “You simply checked my pet, why is it too expensive?”
- “If you really loved animals, you should do it for free.”
Conclusion
As you can see, you have to consider a number of factors before deciding to become a vet. If you truly have the drive and passion for animals, then a vet can be the right choice for you. Just prepare yourself for the various uncertainties, physical challenges, and emotional burdens that come with the job.
