A vet (or a veterinarian) is someone who gives animals’ medical treatment. They are doctors for animals. There are many different types of veterinarians. Some work with small animals, large farm animals, or wild animals. Veterinarians learn to treat all animals, but sometimes work with a specific type. Other veterinarians specialize in a particular type of medicine like veterinary dermatologists, which works with animals with skin problems. Some veterinarians do research on animal or human diseases.
To become a vet in North America, you must go to college for at least 2 or 3 years, and take several required classes including many science classes. You then apply to veterinary school. If you are accepted, you are in veterinary school for 4 years, and then graduate with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree. You have to pass a test (called the NAVLE or North American Veterinary Licensing Exam) before you can practice as a veterinarian.
Did
you know…?
·
13 percent of all vets are self-employed.
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Almost 79,600 people work in this occupation.
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Almost
80% of practicing vets are females.
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Another
hard part of the job is comforting a family whose pet is sick or dying.
·
Dealing
with scared, dangerous, or aggressive animals is often part of the job. Vets
have to be careful not to get kicked, scratched, or bitten.
·
Dogs
are the most popular animal to show up on their vet exam table as 46.3 million
households in the United States own a dog!
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Most
veterinarians work in private clinics caring for family pets or pets from a
shelter that are waiting for homes.
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Most vets are on-call around the clock
because emergencies can occur at any time. Schedules may include evenings,
weekends, and holidays.
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Sick or frightened animals may bite, kick, or
otherwise injure those who are treating them.
·
Some
veterinarians specialize in a certain area. An equine vet takes care of horses. Food animal vets take care of
livestock, such as cattle
or sheep.
Sometimes these vets work to make sure these animals don’t get diseases that
might make humans sick.
·
The
term veterinarian comes from the Latin world veterinae which means
‘working animals’.
·
There
are other ways to get involved with animals than being a vet. Vet techs usually
need a two-year-certificate. You could also work as an animal trainer or simply
volunteer.
·
Vets
earn between $60,000 and $150,000 a year.
·
Vets
must take an oath when they graduate from medical school promising they will
use their knowledge for the benefit and protection of animal health and
welfare. Additionally, they solemnly swear to relieve animal suffering, advance
medical knowledge, promote public health, and practice their profession with
dignity, while abiding by veterinary medical ethics.
·
Zoos
need veterinarians to take care of a wide variety of animals.
“Good veterinarians talk to animals. Great
veterinarians hear them talk back.”
(Anonymous) [i]
[i] Sources used:
·
“Fun Facts about Veterinarians” by
DentalPlanet
·
“How to become a Veterinarian “by Easy Science for Kids
·
“Veterinarian” by KidzSerch.com
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