Career as Veterinarian

Career in veterinaryAnimal breeders and technicians: Help breed, raise and market a animals such as cattle, sheep, horses and poultry for livestock, pets such as canaries, dogs and cats, and other exotic animals such as ostriches, alligators - even minks! In general, technicians are concerned with the propagation, feeding, housing, health, production and marketing of animals.The diversity of employment available for qualified animal breeders and technicians makes this career extremely flexible. Animal caretakers: This job ranges from day-to-day normal activities for a healthy animal to caring for sick, injured or aging animals. Daily animal routine usually involves feeding and providing drinking water, making sure their enclosure is clean, safe and appropriately warm, and if needed, stocked with materials to keep the animal active and engaged. Caretakers may be responsible for creating enrichment materials so that the animal is challenged by new objects.They may exercise or train animals.They may assist veterinarians or other trained medical staff in working with animals that require treatment. Animal caretakers also maintain written records for each animal. These records include weight, eating habits, behaviour, medicines or treatment given. Animal shelter employees : They work in non-profit organisations. Their duties are similar to those performed in animal control agencies which are run by government entities. But animal shelters and animal control agencies differ in their purpose and philosophy. Animal shelters, also called humane shelters, are dedicated to protection of animals and promotion of animal welfare. Animal control agencies exist to ensure that the safety and welfare of people and property are not compromised by animals. Some organisations maintain shelter facilities or take animals to shelters for care and adoption. However, sick and injured wild animals are usually cared for by wildlife refuges and wildlife rehabilitation centres - not animal shelters.The position of humane investigator requires certification. Animal Trainers (AT): ATs teach animals to obey commands so the animals can be counted on to perform tasks in given situations.The animals can be trained for up to several hundred commands, to compete in shows or races, to perform tricks to entertain audiences, to protect property, or to act as guides for the disabled. ATs may work with several types of animals or specialise with one type. As for training, racehorse trainers must be licensed by the state in which they work. Aquaculturists: Also known as fish farmers, fish culturists or mariculturists, they raise fish, shellfish or
other aquatic life under controlled conditions for profit and/ or human consumption. Certifications are required for promotion or raises in such jobs. Aquarists: Work for aquariums, oceanariums and marine research institutes.They are responsible for the maintenance of aquatic exhibits. Among other duties, they feed the fish, check water quality, collect and transport new specimens. Diving certification is required. Equestrian management workers: Such jobs include a variety of positions, including farriers, horse breeders, horse trainers, judges, jockeys, stable managers, racetrack managers, equine insurance adjusters, breed association managers, race association managers, and related business, sales and marketing positions. Naturalists : The primary role of a naturalist is to educate the public about the environment and maintain the natural environment on land specifically dedicated to wilderness populations.Their primary responsibilities are preserving, restoring, maintaining, and protecting a natural habitat. Naturalists may work in a variety of environments, including private nature centres, local, state and national parks and forests, wildlife museums and independent non-profit conservation and restoration associations. Some of the many job titles a naturalist might hold are wildlife manager, fish and game warden, wildlife biologist and environmental interpreter. Park rangers: They enforce laws and regulations in national and state parks.They help care for and maintain parks as well as guide and ensure safety of park visitors. Pet groomers: They comb, cut, trim and shape fur of all types of dogs and cats.They also trim the animal’s nails and bathe it. In the process, they check for flea or tick infestation and any visible health problems. Groomers are also called upon to tend to more exotic pets these days, such as ferrets, birds and reptiles. New developments in animal grooming include highperformance clippers and cutting tools and more humane restraining devices. Current trends in specialised services include perfuming, powdering, styling and even massage, aromatherapy and tattooing for pets. In the US, to start your own grooming salon, a license is needed from the city or town in which the person plans to practice. Veterinary technicians: Provide support and assistance to veterinarians.They work in a variety of environments, including zoos, animal hospitals, clinics, private practices and laboratories.Work may involve large or small animals or both. Although most veterinary technicians work with domestic animals, some professional settings may require treating exotic or endangered species. Other careers: Pet sitters, veterinarians, zoo and aquarium curators/ directors and zoologists.

WORKING CONDITIONS

People who love animals get satisfaction from working with them. However, some of the work may be unpleasant, physically and emotionally demanding, and sometimes dangerous. Animal care and service workers who witness abused animals or who assist in euthanising unwanted, aged, or hopelessly injured animals may experience emotional distress. Besides keeping irregular hours, people in this field may have to work outdoors in all kinds of weather.

TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS

Most workers are trained on the job; however, employers prefer to hire people who have some experience with animals. Formal training is not necessary for entry-level positions. Most animal care jobs require a Bachelor’s degree and additional skills. For example, a marine mammal trainer usually needs a Bachelor’s degree in biology, marine biology, animal science, psychology, zoology, or a related field, plus strong swimming skills and SCUBA certification. Various colleges in India offer training in veterinary science.The eligibility criterion is 50 per cent of the aggregate marks in English, physics, chemistry and biology.

LIST OF INSTITUTES (INDICATIVE):

College of Veterinary Science, Assam Veterinary College, Bangalore College of Veterinary Science, Kerala Faculty of Veterinary Science,West Bengal Animal & Fish Science University, Kolkata
All in all, animal care is a job where compassionate service is of primary importance; rewards are secondary.