What does a veterinary surgeon do?

The role of a veterinary surgeon is incredibly diverse. It involves meeting the animal’s owner to discuss the symptoms and treatment needed. There are three logical key steps in the treatment of animals. Prevention comes first. The vet advises animal owners on how to prevent diseases. This can be done as part of a regular health check. Diagnosing comes when the animal is already displaying an injury or symptoms of a disease. At this stage, the veterinary surgeon will use different techniques and tools to understand where the symptoms come from and make a diagnosis. Treatment comes next. This can involve little more than a simple prescription, but it can also mean surgery. For this, the vet needs to have the appropriate expertise in surgery. It is not always the case, but there can be a nuance of difference between the role of the vet and the veterinary surgeon, as a surgeon is able to conduct surgery on animals, which is not necessarily within the scope of a vet.

Veterinary surgeon skills and qualifications

Veterinary surgeons spend a lot of time with animals and their owners. A special love of animals makes this profession a true passion. Successful veterinary surgeon candidates have the following skills and qualifications to be able to fulfil their duties in the role:

• A veterinary degree – this takes about 5 to 6 years and must be a course approved by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
• Passion for animals and their welfare
• Medical knowledge and skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Patience, calmness and emotional intelligence
• Knowledge of biology and science
• Ability to work well with their hands

Veterinary surgeon experience requirements

Those interested in becoming a veterinary surgeon need to love animals, but not only that. As well as gaining the appropriate qualifications, it is recommended to get some experience of working in a veterinary practice, which could be by volunteering. This can be complemented by other experiences relating to animals. For example, volunteering with the PDSA or the RSPCA is a plus. It gives the candidate the ability to learn how to handle a variety of animals, from small domestic pets to larger livestock.

Veterinary surgeon education and training requirements

To practise as a veterinary surgeon, a degree in veterinary science or medicine is required. So is a registration as a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). Currently, there are eight institutions in the UK that offer the qualification. The field is highly competitive. This puts more weight on the importance of experience. The entry requirements are different from one institution to another. Commitment to the profession and academic grades are very important in the application process. Biology at A-level is an essential requirement for all of the courses. So is one or two out of chemistry, physics and maths. Those who qualify then have to complete the degree course of five to six years, depending on the school.
Veterinary surgeons should continue to learn and do courses throughout their careers to ensure they are up to date with the latest techniques and medicines. This approach enables them to give the best service to the animals and their owners.

Veterinary surgeon salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a veterinary surgeon is £48,229 per year. This salary will vary depending on the specialisation, the years of experience and, as for many jobs, the location.

Job description samples for similar positions

Check our similar job description samples below for related roles. You can also use our Indeed article on how to write a job description here to help you create the best job description possible.

• • Veterinarian
  • Veterinary Technician
  • Veterinary Nurse

Veterinary surgeon job description FAQs

Should a veterinary surgeon be specialised?

Veterinary surgeons can specialise in dozens of disciplines. These can range from anaesthesia to cardiology and neurology. Their specialisation can also relate to the type of animals treated, for example wildlife and zoo medicine or small animal surgery. Having a team member who is specialised is always a plus.

What makes a good veterinary surgeon?

When conducting an interview for a veterinary surgeon, employers should ask candidates about the knowledge they have gained in their previous experience. Some veterinary surgeons have more of a knack for surgery or for diagnosis. This is important information to collect to ensure that you have a well-rounded team, in which individuals complement each other.

What questions should be asked to a candidate for a veterinary surgeon position?

To get an understanding of the candidate’s capabilities and identify whether they would be a good fit for your organisation, employers can ask some of the following questions. What did a typical day at your previous practice look like? What career progression are you interested in? Are you looking to specialise in the coming years and, if so, in what?