A Typical Day in the Life of a Veterinarian

We all have heard of veterinarians. Most of us have probably even know at least one veterinarian personally, whether that be your pet's vet, a family member, or a friend. But, have you ever wondered what a veterinarian's daily routine is, from the moment they walk into work to when they leave at the end of the day?

Let's briefly walk through a veterinarian's work schedule. When the day starts, the vets generally start by tending to any animals that have been in the emergency clinic overnight or were brought in in the morning. These animals are tended to accordingly through whatever means necessary, whether it be surgery or any other needed measure. Surgeries are usually done early in the day, to allow the animals to stabilize as the day progresses while the veterinarian keeps an eye on them. Some common surgeries veterinarians carry out are tumor removals, sprays, neuters, and tooth extractions.

Although they are animal doctors, veterinarians actually spend a large portion of their time on the job interacting with people. They must regularly consult with their staff, technicians, and other veterinarians about ongoing cases and procedures in order to guarantee the animals receive the best possible treatment. In addition, veterinarians are also responsible for communicating with pet owners. They must obtain pertinent information about the animals they are dealing with from their owners to effectively carry out their duties. They also inform owners of their pets' diagnosis and prognosis, which can often be a difficult job.

During the afternoons, veterinarians keep trucking on with more appointments. Sick animals are examined and dealt with on a one-on-one basis. If any animal appears to be in critical condition and unable to return home, the veterinarian refers them to the emergency clinic. As the day nears an end, the veterinarian tends to the final animals, touches base with the staff, makes any necessary final calls, and carries out any other important duties of the day. Veterinarians often leave work thinking about the cases they dealt with during the day, and return to work the next day to continue their important work.