Veterinarians – the animal doctors who look after the healthcare needs of pets, livestock and zoo animals – fall under the spotlight of this week’s career memes.
Veterinarians diagnose illnesses by conducting tests, scans and physical exams of animals, and they also perform surgical procedures.
Many vets work in private clinics treating pets, while other vets will travel out to zoos or farms to examine and treat the animals.
Some vets specialise in food and safety inspection, while others may carry out research on human and animal health.
To work as a vet in the Republic of Ireland, veterinarians must have a degree in veterinary medicine, which is registered by the Veterinary Council of Ireland. By law, veterinarians in Ireland must register with the council before carrying out any type of veterinary work in the country.
In the Republic of Ireland, newly qualified veterinary surgeons earn an annual salary of about €35,000. More senior veterinary surgeons usually earn €50,000-€60,000, although this can increase up to €110,000, according to gradireland.com.
