Vetenerarians

If you have passion for animals and would like to take care of them, then studying veterinary science will suit your temperament. It is ideal for persons who are sensitive to the needs of animals. Vetenerarians or vets are doctors who treat animals and practice veterinary medicine. Students who study veterinary medicine for four and half years become vets. They are given the training to handle domesticated animals, pets, birds, water animals, wild animals and the animals which are held in captivity in zoos. Vets perform surgeries for needy animals. Vaccinations are given to animals to prevent diseases from spreading. Vets give advice to pet owners and farm owners regarding the maintenance of the animals.

Veterinary doctors work in a similar line as that of a human doctor. The only difference is the patient! Wildlife conservation, poultry management, and health care are the other areas a vet has to work.

Students must have passed the 10+2 stream from a recognized board or university with biology, physics, and chemistry as main subjects. The Veterinary Council of India conducts AICEE (All India Common Entrance Examination) for giving admission to Bachelor of Animal Husbandry and Bachelor of Veterinary Science. A good score in the entrance exam is mandatory to procure admission in a reputed government college.

For studying PG courses, the student must have completed a Bachelor's degree in Veterinary science and also should appear for the entrance exam conducted at the All India level by ICAR (Indian Council for Agricultural Research). Depending on the score in the entrance exam, admission is given in one of the government or private colleges.

Students who want to specialize in any of the disciplines after completing Post graduation can take up livestock extension, animal biotechnology, dairy science, animal genetics, animal anatomy, fodder and feed technology, and animal husbandry. There are several sub-branches in veterinary science and the student can take up a course as per their choice.

In the Undergraduate program, subjects like Introduction to Animal Science, Animal Physiology, Animal Anatomy, Animal Biotechnology, Animal reproduction, Animal Therapeutics, Animal health, Concepts of Biology, Introduction to Microbiology, Scientific Statistics, Animal Behaviour, and Welfare are taught. Practical classes are held to impart practical knowledge to the students. At the end of the course, students have to complete an internship of six months to one year in a hospital.

There has always been a continuous demand for good vets. There are multiple openings in government and private veterinary hospitals, farms rearing hen, rabbit, sheep, and other poultry animals, and also in animal husbandry clinics. Several dairy research institutes also employ veterinary doctors to take care of their livestock. India is one of the largest dairy products producers in the world.

Veterinary doctors can work in wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, and zoos as public health officers. Police and defense services also use animals like camels, horses, and dogs, which are taken care of by veterinary doctors.

Nowadays several people opt for a pet animal to rear them in their houses. Hence the need for vets has increased in recent times.

If you are interested in research, there are lot many public and private research institutes in India and abroad. Veterinary doctors can pursue research and contribute to the existing knowledge and methodologies involved in animal care. One thing you need to remember is that you should have the compassionate feeling for animals to become a success vet.