Why become a vet?
Discover the rewards of becoming a veterinary surgeon. You’ll make a real difference to animals’ lives while enjoying job security, intellectual challenge, and strong earning potential in a diverse and exciting profession.
Working as a vet
Working as a veterinary surgeon isn’t just about diagnosing and treating illness and injury in animals. While these are crucial responsibilities, life as a vet covers a range of roles, opportunities and rewards.
Your role as a vet
If you’re considering a career as a veterinary surgeon, you might be surprised at just how many responsibilities you can take on. You’ll need scientific knowledge, practical skills and genuine compassion to help you work in the many roles covered by modern veterinary medicine:
- Medical experts – performing surgeries, interpreting diagnostic tests and prescribing treatments
- Public health guardians – protecting both animal and human health through disease prevention
- Scientific researchers – advancing veterinary knowledge and developing new treatments
- Business professionals – running your own practice or working in commercial settings
- Educators and communicators – helping pet owners understand animal care and welfare, or teaching student vet
This blend makes the profession both challenging and deeply rewarding, no matter which career path you choose.
Your daily duties
Your day-to-day work as a vet will vary, but common activities include:
- Clinical care - examining animals, making diagnoses and planning treatments
- Surgery - performing routine procedures, like spaying and neutering, to complex surgeries
- Diagnostics - interpreting X-rays, blood tests and other results to determine treatment plans
- Client consultation - clearly communicating preventive care and treatment options to owners
- Record keeping - maintaining detailed medical records for all patients
- Team collaboration - working with veterinary nurses and support staff to deliver the best care
- Professional development - continuing your learning through training, conferences and staying up-to-date with advances
Career opportunities in veterinary medicine
You’ll find that one of the most exciting aspects of veterinary medicine is the incredible diversity it offers. Once you’ve qualified, your career can take you in countless directions:
Small animal practice
Work with cats, dogs, rabbits and exotic pets in various settings:
- General practice treating common health issues and providing routine care
- Specialist areas like dermatology, cardiology or oncology
- Emergency and critical care for urgent situations
- Animal behaviour and welfare consultation
Large animal and farm work
Support agricultural businesses and rural communities by:
- Caring for horses, cattle, sheep, and pigs
- Supporting food production
- Specialising in equine sports medicine and reproduction
- Managing herd health and preventing disease
Government and public health
Help protect animal and human health on a national scale through roles with:
- The Food Standards Agency, ensuring food safety
- The Animal and Plant Health Agency
- The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
- Disease surveillance and control programmes
Research and academia
Advance the science of vet medicine by:
- Teaching and research in universities
- Working with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies
- Advancing veterinary science and animal welfare through research
Charity and welfare work
Make veterinary care accessible to all animals by:
- Working with charities such as Blue Cross and the PDSA
- Supporting international development and wildlife conservation projects
- Assisting in disaster relief and emergency response
- Supporting communities with limited veterinary care access