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

Sep 25, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Wildlife veterinarians play a critical role in maintaining and preserving biodiversity, as they are responsible for providing medical treatment, conducting research, and educating the public about wildlife conservation. Their work helps to protect and improve the health of wild animals and the habitats in which they live. By diagnosing and treating animal diseases, wildlife veterinarians work to ensure a healthy population of wild species.

By performing research, they can understand the effects of environmental changes on animals and develop ways to protect them. Lastly, by educating the public about wildlife conservation, they can help to create an understanding of the importance of protecting these species and their habitats. the actions of wildlife veterinarians have a direct impact on the health of our planet's wildlife and the ecosystems in which they exist.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. It is necessary to earn a bachelor's degree in order to become a wildlife veterinarian. A major in a related field, such as zoology, biology, animal science or veterinary science is recommended.
Take Veterinary Science Courses. During the bachelor's program, it is important to take courses that focus on veterinary science. These courses should cover topics such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology and animal husbandry.
Obtain a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Degree. After completing the bachelor's degree, the next step is to obtain a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, which is typically a four-year program. The curriculum includes classroom instruction, laboratory work and clinical rotations.
Participate in an Externship. In order to gain experience in the field, it is recommended to participate in an externship in wildlife medicine. These are typically offered by universities or wildlife centers and provide an opportunity to work with wildlife species and gain hands-on experience.
Obtain Certification. After completing the DVM program and the externship, it is necessary to obtain certification from the American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM). This certification is necessary in order to practice as a wildlife veterinarian in the United States.
Maintain Certification. Once certified, it is important to maintain the certification by completing continuing education credits and taking part in professional development activities every two years.

Becoming a wildlife veterinarian requires a high level of commitment, education and experience. An individual must complete a four-year undergraduate degree followed by a four-year degree in veterinary medicine from an accredited university. After graduating, they must then pass a state licensing exam to be eligible to practice veterinary medicine.

they must gain experience in the field of wildlife conservation, working with wild animals and understanding their diseases, habits, and habitats. Once all these requirements are met, the individual may become a certified wildlife veterinarian and provide care for a wide variety of species. With the right dedication and hard work, a wildlife veterinarian can make a positive impact on the planet by helping endangered species and protecting our environment.

You may want to check Receptionist, Veterinary Parasitologist, and Research Veterinarian for alternative.

Job Description

Diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries in wildlife
Perform research to find solutions to animal health issues
Provide preventative care, such as vaccinations, to wild animals
Monitor the behavior and habitat of animals in the wild
Educate the public on animal conservation and welfare
Perform field work to capture, track, and relocate wildlife
Collect samples for laboratory analysis
Administer anesthesia and sedatives for procedures
Assist with necropsies and post mortem examinations
Work with other veterinary professionals and animal care staff to ensure optimal animal care

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of wild animal anatomy and physiology
Knowledge of animal behavior
Ability to diagnose, treat and monitor wild animals
Ability to administer anesthetics and perform surgery
Ability to capture and restrain wild animals
Ability to take radiographs and interpret lab tests
Knowledge of wildlife diseases, including zoonotic diseases
Knowledge of nutrition, husbandry and wildlife management
Knowledge of applicable laws and regulations
Ability to work with wildlife rehabilitation organizations
Knowledge of and experience with wildlife field research techniques
Excellent communication, problem-solving, and people skills
Ability to collaborate effectively with other professionals
Ability to work safely in potentially hazardous environments

A Wildlife Veterinarian must have a wide range of skills, including a thorough knowledge of animal anatomy, physiology, and pathology. They must also be able to accurately diagnose and treat diseases and injuries in wild animals. In order to be successful, they must also possess excellent communication and problem solving skills, be resourceful and have the ability to work independently.

These skills are essential for the Veterinarian to accurately assess the medical condition of wild animals and provide the best care possible. Furthermore, they must also be knowledgeable in animal husbandry and be able to identify, prevent, and treat zoonotic diseases, which are diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Finally, having an understanding of animal behavior is critical in order to properly handle and treat wild animals.

All of these skills combined enable Wildlife Veterinarians to effectively protect and conserve wildlife by providing quality medical care for wild animals.

Large Animal Veterinarian, Veterinary Ethologist, and Veterinary Nutritionist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with wildlife?
How do you approach treating a previously unstudied species?
How do you prioritize tasks related to wildlife health and welfare?
What techniques do you use when diagnosing and treating wildlife?
What strategies do you use to reduce stress and fear in wildlife patients?
How do you ensure safety when working with wild animals?
How would you handle an emergency situation involving a wild animal?
How do you stay up to date on the latest wildlife health practices?
What challenges have you faced while working with wildlife?
What strategies do you use to collaborate with wildlife professionals such as biologists and conservationists?

Common Tools in Industry

Stethoscope. Used to listen to an animal's heartbeat and breathing. (eg: Veterinarians use a stethoscope to monitor an animal's vital signs during an exam. )
Surgical Scissors. Used to cut fur or other materials. (eg: Veterinarians use surgical scissors to shave an animal's fur prior to surgery. )
Syringe. Used to inject medicines or fluids into an animal's body. (eg: Veterinarians use a syringe to administer antibiotics or other medicines to a sick animal. )
Specimen Collection Kit. Used to collect samples of blood, urine, feces, or other substances for laboratory analysis. (eg: Veterinarians use a specimen collection kit to take samples for testing to diagnose a disease or illness. )
Anesthesia Machine. Used to administer anesthesia to an animal during surgery. (eg: Veterinarians use an anesthesia machine to keep an animal sedated and pain free during surgery. )
Endoscope. Used to examine the internal body of an animal. (eg: Veterinarians use an endoscope to look inside an animal's stomach or lungs for signs of illness. )
Ultrasound Machine. Used to create images of an animal's internal organs. (eg: Veterinarians use an ultrasound machine to diagnose pregnancy or other health problems in animals. )
X-ray Machine. Used to produce images of an animal's bones and soft tissue. (eg: Veterinarians use an X-ray machine to diagnose bone fractures, tumors, or other abnormalities in animals. )

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association of Wildlife Veterinarians
International Association for Fish and Wildlife Veterinarians
American Veterinary Medical Association
Wildlife Disease Association
Global Alliance for Rabies Control
Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians
National Animal Interest Alliance
Wildlife Conservation Society
International Union for Conservation of Nature
World Wildlife Fund

We also have Veterinary Acupuncturist, Veterinary Epidemiologist, and Lab Technician jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Wildlife Medicine. The branch of veterinary medicine focusing on the treatment and prevention of diseases in wild animals.
Zoonotic Diseases. Diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans, including rabies, Lyme disease, and West Nile virus.
Parasitology. The study of parasites, including their biology, physiology, and ecology.
Endocrinology. The study of hormones and the endocrine system in animals.
Herpetology. The study of reptiles and amphibians.
Ornithology. The study of birds.
Mammalogy. The study of mammals.
Pathology. The study of the causes and effects of diseases in animals.
Reproductive Physiology. The study of reproductive processes in animals.
Epidemiology. The study of the distribution and determinants of disease in a population.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are needed to become a Wildlife Veterinarian?

To become a Wildlife Veterinarian, a person must have a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited veterinary school and be licensed to practice veterinary medicine.

What type of animals does a Wildlife Veterinarian typically treat?

Wildlife Veterinarians typically treat animals found in the wild such as birds, reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals.

What types of duties might a Wildlife Veterinarian be responsible for?

Wildlife Veterinarians are responsible for providing medical care to wild animals, conducting research, and educating the public about wildlife. They may also be responsible for developing conservation plans and managing populations of threatened or endangered species.

What skills are important for a Wildlife Veterinarian to have?

Skills important for a Wildlife Veterinarian to have include excellent communication, problem solving, and critical thinking skills, as well as an understanding of animal behavior and an ability to work in potentially dangerous situations.

What is the average salary of a Wildlife Veterinarian?

The average salary of a Wildlife Veterinarian is around $90,000 per year.

Web Resources

Wildlife Veterinary Medicine and Conservation Certificate vet.purdue.edu
Wildlife Veterinary Medicine | College of Forest Resources ... www.cfr.msstate.edu
Wildlife Medicine Program | Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine vet.tufts.edu