The Role of Veterinarians in Society

Sixty-eight percent of households in the United States own a pet. A survey conducted last year estimated that number is over 85 million families. Not only do animals offer companionship to many people, but they also have important roles in our daily lives. Many people need service pets for their health care needs and in addition, they can have important jobs in the military and police fields, agriculture and numerous other fields. Veterinarians are doctors who treat ill and injured animals and they give advice on how to care for animals. One of the great benefits of being a veterinarian is having the chance to promote health and welfare to various types of animal species. Some topics that will be covered are the history and background of this career, requirements to obtain this career, job position and the reflection and outlook of this career. (Facts + Statistics: Pet Statistics.” III, www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-pet-statistics).

In 1852, the first veterinary school was established in the United States, it was the Veterinary School of Philadelphia. In 1761, the first veterinary school was founded in Lyon, France by Claude Bourgelat and the profession of veterinary medicine officially began. The need for veterinarians began during a plague that hit the French cattle population.

The first veterinarians of the United States were probably amateurs who took care of the animals of their own farms. This country was agrarian society from the time pilgrims arrive. They farmed including planting and harvesting crops as well as caring for animals and using the products they provide. Major historical events during this timeline have been dramatic starting with the American Revolution in 1775, the first war in the United States. At that time horses were an essential means of transportation for the next one-hundred and fifty years until the invention of the automobile produced in the late 1890s and steadily used around the 1920s era. The job market that follows this timeline is generally the same as the economy. The charge for veterinary care is based on current economic events.

The most notable vet today is Dr. Pol, who has a reality television show on the National Geographic channel called, “The Incredible Dr. Pol.” His get down and dirty, take charge personality treating large farm animals is very interesting and has captivated a huge clientele and audience. His show lets you take a peek into what it takes to be a vet, not for the faint of heart. Its hard work in all types of weather conditions, and his willingness to treat animals in any emergency situation proved him very successful in his career. He treats everything from chickens to reindeer. (A Quick History of Veterinary Medicine.” CANIDAE®, www.canidae.com/blog/2014/11/a-quick-history-of-veterinary-medicine/).

Becoming a veterinarian is not easy. It requires years of studying and countless hours of learning to be successful in this career. Veterinarians should take a variety of classes in math and science. After high school, you must have a bachelor’s degree to be to admitted into veterinary college preferably with a major that emphasizes sciences and mathematics. Vet school applicants then must take a standardized test called the graduate record examination to be accepted into the veterinary program after graduating veterinary medical school you then go to practice medicine or complete a one-year internship in a vet college.

All veterinarians in the United States must be licensed. To become licensed veterinarians first must pass a national board examination. Then must pass a competency test. Some local colleges that offer this education are Auburn University College of Veterinary and The College of Veterinary Medicine, located in Tuskegee, Alabama. It takes about seven to nine years to complete school to become a vet. To be a successful veterinarian you must have great compassion for animals and their human owners. You need to be calm in emergencies and be good at solving problems when needed. Veterinarians must also be good with working with others. People who are seeking a different career with animals may consider being a vet technician or assistant. They may become an animal breeder or trainer. They may also work at zoos. (Allman 15).

Veterinarians perform many tasks as medical doctors during the day. They do check-ups, treat diseases, prepare injuries and perform operations. Veterinarians also give animals vaccines.

This job position could fit into a company or organization or it could be a private practice. Veterinarians have a wide range of salaries. In the US, veterinarians earn about $100,00 per year. The normal working hours for this job position is about eight to seven hours a day. However, some work in vet clinics and hospitals laboratories, classrooms, outdoors on farms and ranches, requiring unpredictable hours. (Allman 20).

If you’re a veterinarian that owns your own practice you are the boss but if you work in a vet hospital then you must report to the administrators.

Being a veterinarian can sometimes be challenging. Vets will manage frightened animals and deal with handling stressed pet owners. But there are some perks in being a vet. You can get two-four weeks of paid vacation, paid for sick leave, counting education pay and there are many other great benefits included. The job market in San Diego for veterinarians depends on your specialties it’s very high demand because it’s a big population There are many veterinarians positions in the workforce.

Veterinarians have not really been affected by the economic hardships due to the information the number of pets per household has steadily increased every year. Therefore, increasing the demand and need for more veterinarians to care for the increase in the pet population. There are many local businesses that offer positions in this career like the veterinary medical center in Daphne, Alabama. This career benefits the society in many ways they help keep the animals around us healthy.

In Conclusion, if you want to become a veterinarian be prepared for a lot of investment in educational expenses. This career suits me because I have a love of animals and I want them to feel good in every way possible, knowing that one day I could save someone’s best friend. Although this takes years of education and hard work if this is your passion then being a veterinarian would be the right choice for you.