Are you curious about how to become a veterinary doctor? Do you have a passion for working with animals and a desire to make a difference in their lives?
If so, this guide is for you. In this article, we will discuss the qualifications, exams, and education required to become a veterinary doctor in India, as well as the salary and career opportunities available.
By the end of this guide, you will have a clear understanding of what it takes to become a veterinary doctor and how to pursue this rewarding career.
Let’s dive right into the ultimate guide without any delay!
Who is a Veterinary Doctor
A veterinary doctor, also known as a veterinarian or animal doctor, is a medical professional who specializes in the health and care of animals.
They are in charge of the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide range of diseases and injuries in animals, from household pets to livestock and wildlife.
A veterinary doctor’s role includes not only medical treatment of animals but also educating pet owners on proper care, diet, and exercise to keep their pets healthy.
A career in veterinary medicine can be rewarding for those who love animals and want to help them.
What does a Veterinarian do: Roles and Responsibilities
They are trained to determine what is wrong with an animal’s health, treat it, and prevent it from becoming ill or injured. Pets, farm animals, and exotic species are all included. Roles and responsibilities included:
- Performing medical examinations on animals and diagnosing illnesses or injuries
- Creating treatment plans and prescribing medications
- Carrying out surgical and other medical procedures of animals.
- Preventative measures such as vaccinations and parasite control
- Providing nutritional, behavioral, and general care advice to pet owners
- Conducting research and working with other veterinarians to improve animal health and well-being
- Ensuring compliance with local and national animal welfare and public health regulations.
Types of Veterinary Doctor
There are many different kinds of veterinarians, and each one focuses on a different part of animal care. The following are some of the most common types of veterinarians:
- Small Animal Veterinarians: These veterinarians treat domestic pets like dogs, cats, and rabbits.
- Large Animal Veterinarians: These veterinarians treat livestock like cows, horses, and sheep.
- Exotic Animal Veterinarians: Exotic animal veterinarians take care of animals like birds, reptiles, and mammals that don’t live in the wild.
- Wildlife veterinarians: These veterinarians specialize in the treatment and care of wild animals, such as those found in rehabilitation centers, zoos, and sanctuaries.
- Research veterinarians: These veterinarians work in research facilities and help develop new treatments and medicines for animals.
- Public Health Veterinarians: These veterinarians take care of animals like birds, reptiles, and mammals that don’t live in the wild.
To work effectively in their field, each type of veterinary doctor requires specialized knowledge and training.
Skills Required to Become a Veterinarian (Animal doctor)
To be a successful veterinarian, you need more than just a veterinary medicine degree. You must also have a variety of skills. These abilities can be obtained through training, experience, and personal characteristics, among other things. Some of the necessary skills for becoming a veterinarian include:
- Empathy and compassion for animals and their owners
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Precision and attention to detail are required.
- Analytical and problem-solving abilities are required.
- Physical endurance, balance, and coordination
- Ability to work under pressure and deal with stressful situations
- Continuous learning and adaptability to new technologies and field advancements
Eligibility
A candidate must have completed their 10+2 education with physics, chemistry, biology, and English as their main subjects in order to become a veterinarian. The minimum age requirement is 17 years old, and the maximum age limit varies by institution or country. Some colleges and universities may require students to pass entrance exams such as the NEET, AIPVT, or other national or state-level exams. It is always a good idea to check the specific eligibility requirements of the institution or country where you want to work as a veterinarian.
Also Checkout: How to Become a Doctor in India: A Complete Guide
How to Become a Veterinary Doctor in India? A Step-by-Step Guide
Becoming a veterinarian involves a combination of education, training, and practical experience. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you become a veterinary doctor in India:
Step 1: Educational Qualification
To become a veterinarian in India, a candidate must have completed their 10+2 education from a recognized board with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English as their main subjects.
Step 2: Age requirements
The youngest person who can become a veterinarian is 17, and the oldest person who can become a veterinarian varies by institution or country.
Step 3: Entrance Exams
In India, students who want to be veterinarians must pass the NEET exam, which is administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
Step 4: Bachelor’s Degree
A candidate must pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (B.V.Sc & AH) or other related courses from a recognized institution after completing 10+2 education and passing the NEET exam (at a government or private college).
Step 5: Internship
Following completion of a bachelor’s degree, a candidate may be required to complete a mandatory internship or residency program in any medical colleges, hospitals, clinics, etc. to gain hands-on experience and practical knowledge in the field.
Step 6: Registration
A person who wants to work as a veterinary doctor in India must register with the Veterinary Council of India (VCI) after finishing an internship or residency program.
Top Colleges/Institutes in India for Veterinary Doctor
If you want to become a veterinary doctor in India, then it’s very important to choose the right college or institute that offers quality education, training, and opportunities. Here is a list of some of the top colleges and institutes in India for veterinary studies.
- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly
- College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy
- Madras Veterinary College, Chennai
- NTR College of Veterinary Science, Gannavaram
- Bombay Veterinary College, Mumbai
- College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anand
- College of Veterinary Science, Guwahati
- College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Jabalpur
- College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Udaipur
- BHU, Varanasi
- College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Bikaner
- West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Kolkata
- Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana
Career Opportunities for Veterinary Doctor
In India, you can pursue a variety of careers as a veterinary doctor. Here are some popular career options to consider:
Clinical Practice:
Many veterinary doctors work in private or public veterinary hospitals and clinics, treating animals.
Research:
Veterinary doctors can also work in research and development institutes, where they conduct animal health, genetics, and breeding research.
Medical colleges/institutes:
You can also work in academia as a teacher or researcher at universities and colleges.
Government Jobs:
There are a variety of government jobs for veterinary doctors available in areas such as animal husbandry, dairy, and wildlife conservation.
Entrepreneurship:
You can also open your own veterinary hospital or clinic, or you can specialize in a field such as pet grooming, animal nutrition, or animal behavior.
Veterinary Doctor Salary
In addition to the satisfaction of helping animals, it is also a financially rewarding career. However, the salary of a veterinary doctor in India and abroad depends on their experience and expertise.
Veterinary doctor salary in India
| Experience Level | Salary Range (per annum) |
| Entry-Level | Rs. 2,00,000 – Rs. 4,00,000 |
| Mid-Level | Rs. 4,00,000 – Rs. 8,00,000 |
| Experienced-Level | Rs. 8,00,000 – Rs. 15,00,000 or more |
Veterinary doctor salary Abroad
| Country | Salary Range |
| United States | USD 70,000 – 150,000 per year |
| United Kingdom | GBP 28,000 – 45,000 per year |
| Canada | CAD 70,000 – 120,000 per year |
| Australia | AUD 65,000 – 120,000 per year |
Pros and Cons
Here are some pros and cons of becoming a veterinary doctor:
Pros:
- Chance to help animals.
- High paying profile
- Opportunity for private practice
- A high demand for veterinarians, leading to good job security and career growth opportunities.
Cons:
- Physically demanding profile
- Emotionally challenging
- The emotional toll of caring for sick or injured animals and losing them.
- Long hours on your feet and animal bites or scratches.
- Work-life balance issues, especially if you work weekends or on call.
Summary
I’ve covered everything you need to know about becoming a veterinary doctor in India in this comprehensive guide, from the roles and responsibilities of a veterinarian to the eligibility criteria and the best colleges and institutes.
I have also listed the salary expectations for veterinary doctors in India and around the world.
This guide is for you if you are a student who has just finished the 12th grade or someone who wants to switch to a career in veterinary science.
If you have any questions or comments about how to become a veterinary doctor, please leave them in the section below.
FAQs
Is being a veterinarian a good career in India?
Yes, being a veterinarian can be a good career in India, as there is a growing demand for veterinary services due to the increasing pet population and the growth of the livestock industry.
Is NEET required for veterinary?
Yes, NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is required for admission to most veterinary colleges in India.
Minimum marks in NEET for veterinary?
The minimum marks required in NEET for admission to veterinary colleges may vary depending on the institution and category of the candidate.
Is MBBS required to become a veterinary doctor?
No, MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) is not required to become a veterinary doctor. A candidate needs to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (B.V.Sc & AH) or other related courses.
Is a veterinary course hard to study?
Becoming a veterinary doctor requires dedication, hard work, and a strong academic background in science. The course is challenging, but with proper guidance and hard work, it is possible to excel in this field.
Can a girl become a veterinary doctor?
Yes, both boys and girls can become veterinary doctors. There is no gender bias in this profession.
What is the average salary of a veterinary doctor in India?
The average salary of a veterinary doctor in India may vary depending on the experience, location, and type of job. However, it can range from INR 3-6 lakhs per annum.
What is the salary of a veterinary assistant?
The salary of a veterinary assistant may vary depending on the location and experience. However, it can range from INR 1-3 lakhs per annum.
What is the salary of a veterinary doctor in Canada?
The average salary of a veterinary doctor in Canada is approximately CAD 75,000-120,000 per annum.
How many years to be a veterinarian?
It takes a minimum of five years to become a veterinarian in India. This includes completing a Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (B.V.Sc & AH) or other related courses, followed by an internship or residency program.
About the Author: Sanjay Hota
