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Veterinarians (3114)

Job titles

Nature of work

Veterinarians prevent, diagnose and treat diseases and disorders in animals and advise clients on the feeding, hygiene, housing and general care of animals. Veterinarians work in private practice or may be employed by animal clinics and laboratories, government or industry.

Fields of interest

  • Managing, organizing, administrating
  • Working for yourself
  • Working in nature and with animals
  • Working outdoors or with the environment

Main duties

  • Veterinarians perform some or all of the following duties:
  • - Diagnose diseases or abnormal conditions in animals through physical examinations or laboratory tests
  • - Treat sick or injured animals by prescribing medication, setting bones, dressing wounds or performing surgery
  • - Perform routine, emergency and post-mortem examinations
  • - Inoculate animals to prevent diseases
  • - Provide obstetrical and dental services
  • - Advise clients on feeding, housing, breeding, hygiene and general care of animals
  • - Provide euthanasia services
  • - May supervise animal health technologists and animal care workers
  • - May be responsible for overall operation of animal hospital, clinic or mobile service to farms
  • - May conduct veterinary research
  • - May enforce government regulations in disease control and food production including animal or animal-based food inspection.

Main characteristics of the occupation

These headings are provided for the following occupation(s) :

Veterinarians (3114)

Employment requirements

  • * Two to four years of pre-veterinary university studies or, in Quebec, completion of a college program in health science andA four-year university degree in veterinary medicine andCompletion of national certification examinations are required.
  • * Provincial licensing is required.
  • * Entry into research positions may require post-graduate study.

Skill type

  • Health occupations

Skill level

  • Professional

More information

  • * The duties of veterinarians performing research may be similar to those of some biologists.

Job titles - Classified elsewhere

Professional associations