What is this Job all about?
Veterinary medicine focuses on the control and treatment of diseases in animals. Veterinarians, commonly known as Vets, not only treat and perform surgeries on animals but also work to prevent disease spread through vaccinations and medications. In animal husbandry, Vets contribute to breed improvement via selective breeding and artificial insemination.
Modern challenges, such as Mad Cow Disease, H5N1 Avian Flu, and H1N1 Swine Flu, have led to significant research efforts aimed at controlling diseases transmitted from animals to humans. Vets are also involved in developing antidotes for snake bites, rabies, and other conditions.
Can you go for it?
A deep love and compassion for animals are crucial in this field. The scope of work is broad, allowing Vets to specialize in areas that interest them. Some focus on domestic pets like dogs, cats, and birds, while others may specialize in livestock such as cattle, pigs, goats, and sheep. There are also opportunities to work with zoo animals, game park animals, or sporting animals like horses, camels, and dogs.
Working with large animals requires physical strength and stamina, as they can be unpredictable, especially when ill. A good understanding of animal behavior and quick reflexes are essential. Some Vets engage in research to improve animal health (e.g., Haffkine Institute – www.haffkineinstitute.org), while others choose teaching roles.
Is there a future in this field?
Veterinary medicine offers substantial opportunities. The demand for pet care is growing, and governments are increasingly focused on improving livestock quality to boost meat and poultry production. Enhanced livestock leads to better meat production and various by-products.
Where to begin?
To start a career as a Vet, you should complete your 12th standard with Science subjects, including Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
In Goa
Currently, Goa does not have a Veterinary College, but one is expected to open in Valpoi in the 2024-25 academic year. Meanwhile, the Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services in Panjim has arranged for Goan students to secure seats in Veterinary Colleges across the country. Contact the Animal Husbandry Department in Panjim for more information.
Outside Goa
Bachelor’s Degree in Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (Maharashtra & Karnataka)
Maharashtra:
• Bombay Veterinary Science College, Parel, Mumbai
• College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Udgir, Latur District
• College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Parbhani
• Krantisinh Nana Patil College of Veterinary Science, Shirval, Satara
• Nagpur Veterinary College, Seminary Hills, Nagpur
• Post Graduate Institute of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Akola
• P.G. Institute, Punjabrao Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola
Karnataka:
• University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore
• Gandhi Krishi Vignan Kendra, Bellary Road, Bengaluru
• Veterinary College, Hebbal, Bangalore
Diploma Program
The Animal Husbandry Diploma Program (AHDP) is available at the Swami Laltanand School of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences in Dausa, Rajasthan. This 5½-year program includes 4 years of theory and practical training, followed by a hands-on training phase.
Selection
Admission is based on entrance examinations conducted by universities. The All India Common Entrance Examination (AICEE), conducted by the Veterinary Council of India, fills 15% of seats in each Veterinary College. This exam is typically held in May.
For the Master’s program (M.V.Sc.), a 2-year course, an All India Entrance Examination by the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) is required. Specializations include medicine, surgery, anatomy, bacteriology, and more.
For research and teaching careers, a Post-Graduate Degree in Veterinary Science is necessary, with a Ph.D. preferred.
Employment Avenues
Veterinarians have various career options, including private practice, teaching, government roles, defense services, hospitals, and animal farms. Vets can also engage in research with government or pharmaceutical industries, focusing on drug development, including antibiotics and vaccines. Opportunities are also available in agri-business, marketing, pet food manufacturing, and management related to animal feed, products, milk, and meat processing.
Salaries
Starting salaries for Vets range from ₹20,000 to ₹75,000 per month. Private practitioners may earn more, potentially between ₹500 and ₹2,000 per case, depending on the type of medical treatment required.
Don’t settle for just a degree or diploma — enhance your CV by completing online learning programs with certification in areas relevant to your chosen career. This will significantly improve your employment prospects compared to holding only a basic qualification. Additionally, consider boosting your confidence by enrolling in public speaking courses, such as those offered by Toastmasters International.
For government job opportunities, please check: www.employment-newspaper.com
page updated: August 2024