In this article, you will find the most interesting facts about veterinarians. Pet owners typically deal with veterinarians because their pets get sick and need medication. A veterinarian’s job can be performed in a clinic or at home, depending on the condition and severity of the animal’s illness. Below, find facts about veterinarians that may interest you.
Interesting Facts About Veterinarians
- Louis XV’s Contribution: Louis XV opened the first school for livestock care in France. Under the leadership of Peter the Great, veterinary science began to develop in Russia.
- Veterinary Training: Veterinary training includes studies in many disciplines: basic knowledge of chemistry, pharmacy, biology, animal husbandry, and details about various animals.
- International Day: Another interesting fact about veterinarians is that their international professional day is on April 28th. This day recognizes specialists in this field, showing that their work is valued and that they are respected and important figures.
- Job Demand: Veterinary professionals will always be in demand in the professional market.
- Infectious Diseases: A survey of Canadian veterinarians showed that about forty percent of workers had been treated for at least one infectious disease at work. The most common “professional” disease is ringworm.
- Working with Pets: Approximately seventy-seven percent of veterinarians work with dogs, cats, and other domestic animals, including rabbits, parrots, and hamsters.
- Early Experience: To better understand and choose a specialty, it may be necessary to work as a veterinarian in the first year of university.
- Long Shifts: A veterinarian’s shift can last a day or more, and sometimes they have to work evenings and holidays.
- Risk of Injury: Animals often bite, scratch, and tear at the vet’s hands, making their hands particularly vulnerable. If a vet injures their hand or finger, they may be temporarily unable to work.
- Zoonotic Diseases: Various diseases can be transmitted from animals to humans, such as shingles or rabies.
- Initial Experience: After graduating from university, a veterinarian must work for two years as a paramedic in a veterinary clinic before they can be certified in a veterinary department.
- Animal Husbandry Consultants: Another interesting fact about veterinarians is that there are also animal husbandry consultants. A consultant (expert) in animal husbandry must have a scientific degree or title, as well as thorough knowledge of animal feeds.
- Career Growth: According to survey results, there are few opportunities for career growth for veterinarians.
- Gender Equality: Survey data show that the profession of a veterinarian is equally suitable for both men and women.
- Ethical Challenges: If it is difficult for you to harm animals, a career as a veterinarian may not be suitable. Even a regular veterinarian may not only treat but also euthanize animals.
- Life-saving Opportunities: Many vets have the opportunity to save lives and restore the health of animals, and financial benefits gradually become secondary.
- Early Career Income: In the beginning, when vets do not yet have the qualifications for independent work, the income is usually small. Statistics show that after education and internships, no more than sixty-five percent of vets continue to work in the field.
- Diverse Workplaces: The profession of a veterinarian not only provides jobs in veterinary clinics but also ensures work in laboratories that specialize in researching rare diseases and developing vaccines.