Veterinarian Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

A Veterinarian, or Vet diagnoses and treats sick or injured animals. Their duties include examining and checking the health status of animals, diagnosing various animal illnesses and administering treatment. 

 

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Veterinarian duties and responsibilities

Veterinarians help keep animals in good health and ensure humans don’t contract diseases from sick animals. Their main duties and responsibilities include:

  • Examining and observing animals to diagnose health problems and assess their health
  • Performing laboratory tests on samples and specimens 
  • Dressing and treating wounds, performing surgery and prescribing medication 
  • Testing for diseases and administering vaccinations 
  • Performing ultrasound and diagnostic imaging tests
  • Advising animal owners on preventive healthcare, general care and nutrition
  • Spaying and neutering dogs and cats
  • Maintaining medical records of animals

 

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Veterinarian Job Description Examples:

 

Example 1

Multi-Vet hospital seeking designated OOH's emergency Vet. Salaries up to £55k. Flexibility on shift patterns, 7 on 14 off possible Exciting opportunity to join a designated OOH's service alongside two other experienced and talented emergency veterinary surgeons. There is a certain amount of flexibility in terms of the shift patterns with 7 on/14 off perhaps the likeliest outcome but other requests can be considered. Key Duties To work as part of emergency clinic providing OOH's and emergency care and services to member practices', their clients and patients overnight, weekends and bank holidays. Nightly duties include providing patient triage, assessment and emergency consultations. Diagnostic services including x-ray, ultrasound, endoscopy, lab and clinical pathology. Providing patients with hospitalisation and intensive care. Must be adept in terms of medical & surgical treatment while also offering high standards of communication through client updates with clinical status, progress and developments. Package and Benefits Salary dependent on experience, likely range of £45-£55k Key Skills, Qualifications and Client Requirements Must be RCVS registered 3 years experience minimum What Happens Next? If you are interested in finding out more about this role please click the 'Apply' button. On submission of the job application form, an email alert is sent to the specialist consultant handling this role to register your interest. All dialogue with us is in the strictest of confidence, without any obligation and we will NOT send your details to the relevant practice without your consent. Alternatively, to find out more about this role or any other roles that maybe relevant, you can email us at or call our Veterinary team on 01423 813453 Not the right job for you? Click here for more Veterinary Jobs

Example 2

Prospect Health are looking to recruit a locum Vet for a large multi branch client based in West Yorkshire. Small Animal 3- 5 days a week available - Monday - Friday Weekends optional Consults and routine surgery 3 month booking initially Day Rate £380 per day Length of Booking 3 months Initially Days Required 3- 5 Days - Monday to Friday Key Skills, Qualifications and Client Requirements Candidates need to be eligible to work in the UK Registered with the RCVS Payment made via Umbrella company What Happens Next? If you are interested in finding out more about this role please click the 'Apply' button. On submission of the job application form, an email alert is sent to the specialist consultant handling this role to register your interest. All dialogue with us is in the strictest of confidence, without any obligation and we will NOT send your details to the relevant practice without your consent. Alternatively, to find out more about this role or any other roles that maybe relevant, you can email us at or call our Veterinary team on 01423 608195 Not the right job for you? Click here for more Vet Locum Jobs

Example 3

Prospect Health are looking for a Locum Vet to work weekends. Weekends Available throughout 2021 Available to book now Acting as second vet working alongside the permanent vet Saturdays 8:30am - 5pm, Sundays 10:30am-3:30pm. No sole charge, no OOHs Day Rate DOE Length of Booking All of 2021 Days Required Saturdays 8:30am - 5pm, Sundays 10:30am-3:30pm On Call Requirements? No Accommodation Provided? Allowance Available Key Skills, Qualifications and Client Requirements RCVS Registered Vet Eligible to work in the UK What Happens Next? If you are interested in finding out more about this role, please click the 'Apply' button. On submission of the job application form, an email alert is sent to the specialist consultant handling this role to register your interest. All dialogue with us is in the strictest of confidence, without any obligation and we will NOT send your details to the relevant practice without your consent. Alternatively, to find out more about this role or any other roles that maybe relevant, you can email us at or call our Veterinary team on 01423 608195. Not the right job for you? Click here for more Vet Locum Jobs

Example 4

Our lovely practice in the Fareham area is in need of a new vet to join our existing 6 vet team. We would ideally like an individual with some experience but personality, attitude and a passion for veterinary work that matches our own are ultimately the most important criteria. The new team member will benefit from working alongside a very experienced team within a truly progressive atmosphere. Regular team meetings in which we address any issues within the practice and discuss any topics that could improve the already high level of service we provide, mean that Everybody has a voice here which is something we are incredibly passionate about. The role consists of a 4.5 day working week and only 1 in 5 weekends. There are some OOH's involved but only until 10pm on a weekday and until 6pm on weekends, usually very quiet! The Thursday and Friday after the duty weekend are days off so that you get a long weekend and chance to recharge. Salary is dependent on the individual and their experience/skill set. A £1500 CPD allowance is on offer; we can also support a certificate and have done previously. Plenty of other perks in place too such as pension, health insurance, free membership to local health club and most if not all professional memberships paid for. If the above sounds good, we would love to hear from you! Package and Benefits £40,000-£55,000 Key Skills, Qualifications and Client Requirements Must be RCVS registered Two years experience minimum What Happens Next To find out more about this role please click the 'Apply' button and fill out your information. A confirmation of your application will be sent to the consultant looking after this role who will get in contact with you at an appropriate time to share further details. All communication will be in the strictest of confidence, without obligation and we will NOT send your details to anyone unless you give us your express permission. Alternatively, If you wish to chat to use personally about this position or any other suitable positions, please email us at or call our Vet Team on 01423 813453. Not the right job for you? Click here for more Veterinary Jobs

Example 5

Independently owned practice seeking experienced Vet, in Bournemouth. 4-day working week, No OOH's. Salary 40-60k, uncapped CPD allowance. This independently owned practice is in need of an additional vet to join to their experienced and highly skilled team. The practice in question is very forward-thinking and there is plenty of scope for development and progression within their structure so an ambitious vet could really flourish in this environment. A 4-day working week is on offer with no OOH's requirement and no Sunday cover. Vets are expected to work every other Saturday on an alternating half-day/full-day rota. A very competitive salary will be on offer, we are happy to discuss potential specifics prior to arranging an interview based on your salary expectations if needed. 5 weeks holiday + bank holidays, uncapped CPD allowance, pro memberships covered. Package and Benefits £40,000-£60,000 5 weeks holiday + bank holidays Uncapped CPD allowance Key Skills, Qualifications and Client Requirements RCVS registered Two years experience minimum What Happens Next? If you are interested in finding out more about this role please click the 'Apply' button. On submission of the job application form, an email alert is sent to the specialist consultant handling this role to register your interest. All dialogue with us is in the strictest of confidence, without any obligation and we will NOT send your details to the relevant practice without your consent. Alternatively, to find out more about this role or any other roles that maybe relevant, you can email us at or call our Veterinary team on 01423 813453 Not the right job for you? Click here for more Veterinary Jobs

What does a Veterinarian do?

A Veterinarian is a Medical Doctor who works with animals in a wide range of settings. Most Vets specialise in working with large animals, small animals or with a variety of animals in wildlife parks or zoos. While some Veterinarians work in settings in laboratories, classrooms and zoos, most Veterinarians work in hospitals and private clinics.

 

Veterinarian skills and qualifications 

A successful Veterinarian candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications to perform their duties effectively, these include:

  • Passion for animal care
  • Working knowledge of medical diagnostic equipment and anaesthesia procedures
  • Ability to conduct health checks, vaccinations and dental, orthopaedic and ophthalmic surgery on animals
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
  • Strong interpersonal skills 
  • Ability to work under pressure 
  • Attention to detail

 

Veterinarian experience requirements 

Veterinarians must have several years of experience working as a in a Vet, Veterinary Tech or Vet Assistant. They must also have experience in all aspects of veterinary practices and procedures. Some employers prefer candidates who  have volunteered or worked in animal boarding centres. Other employers may require Vets to have experience in the behavioural aspects of pet training. 

 

Veterinarian education and training requirements

Vets in the UK must have a degree in veterinary medicine and be a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). They must also be licensed to practice in the field. Some employers prefer candidates who have certification in a speciality field, such as internal surgery or medicine. This will require candidates to have completed either a residency or additional education. Residency programmes involve several years working at a specified location where Vets receive supervised training in their chosen speciality. 

 

Veterinarian salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary of Veterinarian in the UK is £48,356 per year. Actual salary varies depending on the employer, location, experience, specialism, job duties and responsibilities. 

 

Job description samples for related positions

If a Veterinarian is not quite what you’re looking for, here are other job description samples that may fit your needs:

 

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Veterinary job description FAQs

 

What qualities make a good Veterinarian?

A good Veterinarian treats animals and their  owners with respect and kindness and are sensitive to their feelings. They know how to build a good Doctor-client relationship. They also create a bond by showing that they genuinely care for their client’s pets. They are also patient, since animals are sometimes anxious or have high levels of energy. Veterinarians must know how to stay professional and patient under these circumstances.

 

How can you make your Veterinarian job description stand out?

To make your Veterinarian job description stand out,  write a catchy headline and include the exact job title. Mention the specific skills, experiences and academic qualifications candidates must have before applying for the role. Highlight the specific duties and responsibilities. If your company specialises in a particular animal, such as large or small mammals, make sure to mention it in the description. You should also describe the work environment and your company’s culture. You can also include information about the salary, employment benefits and bonuses. 

 

Do Veterinarians have different responsibilities in different industries?

The duties of Veterinarians depend on the functions of their employer. For example, Vets in clinics and animal welfare centres treat sick and injured animals and neuter or spay cats and dogs. Veterinarians in academic institutions may focus on conducting research and teaching. In government agencies, Vets may create safety standards for the livestock industry and regulate the veterinary profession.

 

What are the different types of Veterinarians?

There are several types of Veterinarians. These include Companion-Animal Veterinarians who diagnose and treat abnormal conditions or diseases in animals (most often dogs and cats), Veterinary Practitioners who specialise in a particular species of animals, Food Animal Veterinarians who focus on the inspection and testing of animal products and livestock or Research Veterinarians who contribute to human and animal health by conducting research to treat or prevent diseases in humans.

Job Description Examples

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