How to Be Small Animal Veterinarian - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Aug 20, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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When it comes to medical care for small animals, having a qualified small animal veterinarian is essential. A small animal veterinarian is trained to diagnose, treat, and manage the health of animals such as cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents, and other small mammals. They can provide services including examinations and vaccinations, surgical procedures, diagnostics, and more.

Without this specialized care, small animals can be at greater risk for illnesses and other health issues. proper treatment and prevention of diseases can extend the life of the animal and help prevent further complications. By investing in a small animal veterinarian, pet owners are taking a proactive step to ensure their pets remain healthy and happy.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelors Degree. Most small animal veterinarians have earned a bachelors degree in a science-related field such as biology, chemistry, or zoology. A college or university with a pre-veterinary program may be the best option.
Take the GRE. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required for admission into most veterinary schools. Most institutions also require applicants to take the Veterinary College Admissions Test (VCAT).
Complete a Veterinary Program. Veterinary programs typically take four years to complete and are available at 28 colleges in the United States and two in Canada. The program includes classroom instruction, lab sessions, and clinical rotations.
Obtain Licensure. All states and provinces require veterinarians to be licensed. Requirements vary by location, but typically include passing the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE) and completing a minimum number of clinical hours.
Consider Specialization. Specialization in small animal veterinary medicine requires additional training and experience. Small animal veterinarians may specialize in areas such as oncology, dermatology, neurology, or surgery.
Complete Continuing Education. Most states require veterinarians to complete continuing education courses to maintain their license. These courses may be taken online, in person, or at conferences.

Veterinarians who specialize in small animal care must possess a wide range of knowledge and skills in order to provide the best care for their patients. They must be well-versed in many areas of medicine, including anatomy, physiology, nutrition, pharmacology, and clinical pathology. they must be proficient in the use of diagnostic equipment, such as x-rays and ultrasound machines, and be able to make accurate diagnoses quickly and efficiently.

Furthermore, veterinarians must be able to communicate effectively with both clients and colleagues, as well as be able to develop effective treatment plans for their patients. Finally, small animal veterinarians must stay abreast of the latest advances in veterinary medicine in order to provide the highest quality care possible. Through a combination of education, experience, and continuing education, small animal veterinarians can ensure that they remain skilled and efficient in providing the best care for their patients.

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Job Description

Examine animals to diagnose their health problems
Treat and dress wounds
Perform surgery on animals
Prescribe medication
Provide advice on animal care and nutrition
Vaccinate animals against diseases
Test for and treat parasites
Euthanize animals when necessary
Provide emergency care for animals in distress
Educate pet owners about animal care and health

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of anatomy and physiology of small animals
Knowledge of pharmacology and therapeutics
Ability to diagnose and treat common diseases in small animals
Ability to perform basic surgical procedures
Knowledge of proper nutrition for small animals
Ability to provide preventive care
Ability to maintain accurate medical records
Excellent communication skills
Good customer service skills
Strong ethical values and commitment to animal welfare

The most important skill for a small animal veterinarian is the ability to diagnose and treat a variety of medical conditions. This requires an extensive knowledge of animal anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathology. In order to make accurate and timely diagnoses, a veterinarian must be able to quickly interpret lab results, imaging studies, and other diagnostic tests.

a veterinarian must have excellent communication skills to effectively discuss treatment plans with the pet owners. Without these skills, a small animal veterinarian runs the risk of misdiagnosing or overlooking certain medical issues, resulting in unnecessary pain and suffering for the animal. Furthermore, the veterinarians ability to build relationships with pet owners and provide compassionate care is essential for a successful practice.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with small animals?
How do you handle difficult situations with pet owners?
What techniques do you use to diagnose and treat small animals?
Are you comfortable dealing with exotic pets such as reptiles, birds, and rodents?
What methods do you use to keep up with developments in small animal care?
How do you prioritize your tasks throughout the day?
What challenges have you faced while working with small animals?
Describe a time when you successfully handled a difficult or emotional situation with a pet owner.
What have you done to prevent, diagnose, and treat common small animal diseases?
How do you ensure that all animals are treated humanely and ethically?

Common Tools in Industry

Stethoscope. Used to listen to an animals internal organs and respiratory system (eg: listening to a dogs heart rate).
Ophthalmoscope. Used to examine the eyes of an animal (eg: checking a cats retina).
Surgical Instruments. Used to perform various surgical procedures on animals (eg: excising a tumor from a rabbit).
Digital Radiography. Used to take X-ray images of an animal's body (eg: a radiograph of a hamster's leg).
Ultrasound Machine. Used to create images of an animal's internal organs (eg: an ultrasound of a guinea pig's abdomen).
Endoscopy. Used to examine the digestive system of an animal (eg: an endoscopic examination of a ferret's stomach).
Blood Testing Equipment. Used to test the blood of an animal for various medical conditions (eg: testing for anemia in a rat).
Vaccines. Used to protect animals from disease (eg: vaccinating a puppy against parvovirus).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)
Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV)
American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP)
American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP)
American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM)
American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP)
American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM)
Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV)
Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians (AEMV)
Association of Small Animal Practitioners (ASAP)
World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA)

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Common Important Terms

Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary medicine is the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases of animals.
Exotics. Exotics are animals that are not traditionally kept as pets, such as reptiles, amphibians, and birds.
Zoological Medicine. Zoological medicine is the branch of veterinary medicine that deals specifically with the treatment of wild animals in captivity.
Surgery. Surgery is a medical procedure involving the cutting, removal, or repair of body tissue.
Pathology. Pathology is the study of the causes and effects of diseases and other medical conditions.
Pharmacology. Pharmacology is the study of drugs and their effects on living organisms.
Anesthesiology. Anesthesiology is the study and use of anesthesia to prevent pain during medical procedures.
Radiology. Radiology is the use of X-rays and other imaging technologies to diagnose and treat diseases and injuries.
Nutrition. Nutrition is the study of how food affects health and wellness.
Dentistry. Dentistry is the branch of medicine concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the teeth and mouth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of animals does a Small Animal Veterinarian typically treat?

Small Animal Veterinarians typically treat cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents, ferrets, birds, reptiles, and some small farm animals.

How many years of education do Small Animal Veterinarians need?

Small Animal Veterinarians need to complete 8 years of post-secondary education, including a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree.

What skills do Small Animal Veterinarians need?

Small Animal Veterinarians need excellent communication and decision-making skills, as well as expertise in medical procedures and treatments. They must also be compassionate and understanding when dealing with animals and their owners.

What responsibilities do Small Animal Veterinarians have?

Small Animal Veterinarians are responsible for diagnosing and treating diseases, performing surgery, providing preventative care, vaccinating animals, and prescribing medications. They also provide advice on nutrition and behavior.

What is the average salary of a Small Animal Veterinarian?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for a Small Animal Veterinarian in the US is $95,460.

Web Resources

Small Animal Clinic | School of Veterinary Medicine - Our www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu
Small Animal Hospital » College of Veterinary smallanimal.vethospital.ufl.edu
Small Animal Vet - veterinarianedu.org www.veterinarianedu.org