How to become a Veterinarian

Veterinarians are trained medical professionals who are involved in animal health care and veterinary medicine. They diagnose and treat medical conditions, diseases, deformities, and injuries of animals including house pets, livestock, wildlife as well as laboratory animals and those in zoos. They tend to the healthcare and wellbeing needs of the animal by providing treatments as well as prescribing preventative measures. In their efforts to serve the animals, veterinarians also promote public health by addressing animal-borne diseases that can be transmitted to humans.

Not only that, but they also help the owners to take care of their animal companions by educating them on proper care of their pets and livestock, as well as help them foster healthier relationships with their animals. They can opt to specialize in a particular species or group of animals. They can choose to focus either on small animal medicine that serves house pets or large animal medicine that tend to livestock or wildlife.

• Examine the animal to detect symptoms and determine the nature of the injury/ disease
• Perform physical examinations and diagnostic tests such as X-ray, urinalysis, parasitology, ultrasound, haematology
• Provide a diagnosis for the animal’s condition and outline the treatment plan for the same
• Communicate medical information about the animal to its owners in an easy to understand the manner
• Educate the owners of the animal on the recommended diet and lifestyle choices for the animal as well as post-treatment care if any
• Perform treatment procedures such as surgery, dressing wounds, fixing fractures
• Prescribe appropriate medications for the animals for managing pain and aiding recovery
• Administer vaccinations to the animals and provide preventative care
• Performing euthanization procedures when necessary
• Maintaining medical records for each client

Veterinarians must be patient and compassionate individuals who are committed to working for the wellbeing of animals. In order to accurately gather information about the animal’s condition, a veterinarian must possess sharp observation skills to perceive non-verbal cues. Extensive theoretical and practical knowledge about veterinary medicine and science is crucial for veterinarians. They should be well versed with the information and techniques required to diagnose and treat animals, as well as preventative healthcare measures. They should possess strong communication abilities in order to elicit critical information about the animal’s medical history, lifestyle, and diet.

They must have the analytical skills to synthesize medical information and make meaningful interpretations for diagnosing and treatment planning. In order to function efficiently, a vet must have time management and organization skills. Manual dexterity is also required for them to be able to skilfully perform treatment procedures and handle medical instruments for the same. They should be methodical and solution-oriented individuals who are committed to practicing the highest standard of medicine.

Minimum Monthly Salary: Entry-level veterinarians in India may earn a minimum monthly salary of around INR 20,000 to INR 40,000. These are typically individuals who have recently completed their veterinary education and are starting their careers in private practice or working for animal welfare organizations.

Maximum Monthly Salary: Experienced and specialized veterinarians, such as those with advanced degrees, certifications, or several years of practice, may earn anywhere from INR 50,000 to INR 1,50,000 or more per month. Veterinarians with successful private practices or those working in prestigious animal hospitals or research institutions can command higher salaries.

Annual Salary: The annual salary may range from INR 2,40,000 to INR 4,80,000 for entry-level or junior veterinarians. As veterinarians gain more experience and expertise in their chosen field of practice, their annual income can increase from approximately INR 6,00,000 to INR 18,00,000 or higher.

Highest Paying Jobs and Scope: Veterinarians specializing in certain areas, such as exotic animal medicine, equine veterinary medicine, or veterinary surgery, tend to have higher earning potential due to the specialized nature of their work and the relatively lower number of experts in these fields. Veterinarians working in government agencies, research institutions, or with large-scale livestock operations may also have better salary prospects.

1. To gain admission into the Bachelor’s Course in Veterinary Science all the candidates have to take this Veterinary Sciences Entrance Exams:
2. AAU VET (Assam Agricultural University Veterinary)
3. RPVT (Rajasthan Pre Veterinary Test)
4. MHT CET (Maharashtra Common Entrance Test)
5. UP Veterinary Entrance Exam
6. KCET (Karnataka Common Entrance Test)
7. AIPVT (All India Pre-Veterinary Test)
8. WBJEE (West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination)
9. JCECE (Jharkhand Combined Entrance Competitive Examination)

• Hospitals
• Government Projects
• Research Companies
• Pharmaceuticals
• Universities
• Animal Food companies
•  Animal welfare societies
• Zoos and wild life societies
• Sanctuaries
• Media and Print
• Veterinary Clinics
• Veterinary Training
• Dairy research institutes
• Animals farms: Dairy, fish, piggery, poultry farms