The veterinary profession: missions, skills and prospects

French people look after around 75 million pets. To this astonishing statistic must be added the number of wild animals, whether found in natural reserves or in the rest of the country. All these living creatures, like their owners, need regular care and monitoring. It's in this context that the métier de vérinaire applies the fundamental principles of classical medicine, but also skills and specialties specific to the animal world, which we'll look at in detail in this métier sheet. From the training required to practice to the average rations of veterinary job offers, find out everything there is to know about this career.

The role and responsibilities of a veterinarian

The theoretical approach to veterinary médecineis not the same as traditional medicine (see fiche métier médecin généraliste). Animals function and act differently from humans, and these behaviors must be taken into account by the veterinarian when auscultating or operating. For all these reasons, here is a non-exhaustive list of the tasks he has to perform on a daily basis. Note that these tasks vary according to the professional's specialization, which we'll look at in a second section.

Care for pets and domestic animals

Diagnosis and treatment of diseases: identify pathologies and propose suitable treatments for dogs, cats, and new companion animals (NAC).
Vaccination and prevention: administer vaccines needed to prevent contagious or serious diseases.
Surgeries and procedures: perform operations ranging from stérilization to more complex procedures, such as orthopedic surgery.
Conseils aux propriétaires: accompany maîtres in their choice of diet, education and care of their animals.
Palliative care and euthanasia: providing support in end-of-life situations for animals.

Intervention with farm animals

Sanitary surveillance of herds: carry out regular checks to detect and prevent contagious diseases.
Animal reproduction consultancy: supervise artificial inséminations and matings to optimize the productivity of breeding.
Treatment of collective pathologies: intervene in the event of epidemics or health problems affecting a large number of animals.
Management of health standards: ensure that farms comply with animal welfare and food safety regulations.
Training and advice for livestock farmers: to make them aware of best practices for maintaining animal health and improving profitability.

Rôle in public health and zoonosis prevention

Prévention of communicable diseases: identifying and limiting the spread of zoonoses, such as rabies, brucellosis or leptospirosis.
Contrôle of food products of animal origin: to guarantee the sanitary quality of meat, milk or eggs intended for human consumption.
Surveillance épidémiologique: participate à in national or international campaigns against épidémies.
Collaboration with health authorities: work with public institutions to implement animal and public health policies.
Animal health research: contribute to the advancement of knowledge for the development of new treatments or vaccines.

The different fields of intervention of a veterinary surgeon

Small animal clinic

In this field, vétérinary focus on the health of pets, such as dogs, cats or new pets (reptiles, birds or rodents) for whom they provide all the essential functions à their maintenance in good health.

Rural veterinary and farm animals

These professionals look after the health of farm animals (cattle, sheep, goats, pigs or poultry). They carry out regular health checks to prevent disease, intervene in animal reproduction problems and help livestock farmers comply with current health standards. Their mission goes beyond care: they play a key role in helping farmers optimize productivity and animal welfare in a sustainable environment.

Specialized veterinary expertise in exotic and zoo animals

Some experienced veterinarians specialize in the care of exotic animals or captive species, such as those in zoos or natural reserves. This field demands in-depth expertise and knowledge of the specific needs of each species. They take charge of animals that are often rare or endangered, ensuring their medical care, well-being and, in some cases, reproduction. They also work in conjunction with conservation and reintroduction programs in the wild.

Research, teaching and the veterinary pharmaceutical industry

Many vets leave clinical practice to devote themselves to research, teaching or the pharmaceutical industry. In research, they develop treatments and vaccines to improve animal health or prevent zoonoses. In teaching, they train future professionals, passing on both theoretical and practical knowledge. Finally, in the pharmaceutical industry, they participate in the design, manufacture and marketing of veterinary products, while ensuring their compliance with health and environmental standards.

The skills and qualities required to be a veterinary surgeon

Medical and technical skills

Knowledge of animal biology and anatomy: master the specific features of each species, from internal organs to reproductive systems.
Advanced diagnostic techniques: know how to use modern tools, such as medical imaging (X-rays, radiographs), laboratory analyses and specific tests.
Surgical skills: perform surgical procedures ranging from routine operations to complex procedures.
Drug and treatment management: prescribe and administer appropriate treatments, with knowledge of drug interactions.
Implementation of sanitary protocols: follow standards of disinfection and infection prevention, whether in the clinic or in the field.

Relational and pedagogical qualities

Empathy towards animals and their owners: understanding the emotional needs of both parties and establishing a relationship of trust.
Ability to explain complex concepts: popularize diagnoses, treatments or recommendations so that owners understand and follow prescribed care.
Patience and active listening: taking the time to listen to owners' concerns and answering their questions, even in difficult situations.
Diplomacy in difficult moments: know how to manage sensitive discussions, such as those concerning euthanasia or choices of coûteux treatments.
Teamwork: collaborate with veterinary assistants, breeders or other animal health professionals.

Ability to manage emergency situations

Reacute;activité and composure: intervene rapidly in critical cases, such as accidents or serious illness, without losing one's composure.
Rapid decision-making: assess priorities and act confidently, even in the absence of complete information.
Problem-solving: finding appropriate solutions to imprecise or complex situations.
Stress management : dealing with frequent emergencies, often in a demanding environment.

Physical and mental stamina: working long hours, sometimes in difficult conditions, while remaining efficient and focused.Training to become a veterinarian

The vétérinary curriculum in France

The veterinary curriculum generally begins with a scientific baccalaureate or equivalent. Candidates must then go through a special preparatory class called Classe Préparatoire Biologie, Chimie, Physique et Sciences de la Terre (BCPST), which lasts two years. This track prepares students to enter one of the four French national veterinary schools (ENV): Maisons-Alfort, Lyon, Toulouse and Nantes.

Since the reform of the études vérinaires, it is also possible to access these colleges via parallel admissions for holders of certain university diplomas (bachelor's or master's degrees in biology, medicine, etc.).). This diversification offers greater flexibility to students wishing to join the veterinary curriculum.

The program in école vétérinaire lasts five years:

The first two years are devoted to basic sciences, such as anatomy, physiology, animal biology and microbiology. These theoretical lessons are accompanied by practical laboratory work.
The third and fourth years focus on clinical subjects such as surgery, internal medicine and diagnostic techniques (medical imaging, biological analyses). Students begin working on actual cases in a university clinic.
The fifth year, known as the "d'approfondissement" year, is a professional internship in which the student chooses a field of study (companion animals, animal husbandry, public health, research, etc.).

Possible career paths after graduation

Once graduated, a vet can either practice directly or continue his or her studies to further specialize. These specializations, which can be accessed through further training or residencies, provide expertise in a specific field. Common options include:

Veacute surgery: focusing on advanced techniques to treat fractures, heart disease or other pathologies requiring no intervention.
La médecine des animaux exotiques ou sauvages : pour prendre en charge des espèces non conventionnelles.
Veterinary public health : focused on zoonosis prevention and food safety.
Lépidémiology and research: involving in-depth work on animal diseases and their impact on society.
La médecine équine: dedicated to horses, particularly in the field of equestrian sports.

&Reacute;volutions récentes et perspectives de la formation

With the changing needs of animal and public health, veterinary training increasingly incorporates new technologies, such as advanced imaging, artificial intelligence for diagnosis, and courses on environmental issues and animal welfare. These additions reflect the growing importance of veterinary science in global issues such as climate change and zoonosis management.

Veacute;térinary training, while rigorous and lengthy, therefore offers a solid and diversified foundation for practicing a multifaceted profession.

To find out more, browse our fiche études vétérinaire.

Working conditions and career prospects

The métier of vétérinaireis as demanding as it is exciting. Working conditions vary considerably depending on the field of intervention, the place of practice and the type of structure in which the veterinary surgeon works. At the same time, career prospects are diversified and offer numerous opportunities for development and specialization.

Working hours and pace

The nature of vérinary work dictates working hours. As with traditional medicine, health problems can arise at any time of the day or night, and emergencies cannot be postponed. What's more, consultations and surgical procedures can require long working days, sometimes leading to night shifts and on-call duty. In rural areas, veterinary surgeons may have to work on farms, adding to their mobility constraints.

On the other hand, in certain environments such as the pharmaceutical industry, research or public administration, schedules are more regular. This variation in schedules enables vets to choose a working environment that matches their personal preferences and work/life balance.

Rémunération and recognition

The rémunération of a vétérinairevaries according to place of practice, specialization and experience. Young graduates generally start out on modest salaries, especially in rural or liberal professions. However, with experience and specialization, incomes can rise significantly, particularly in large clinics, the pharmaceutical industry or management positions.

Recognition of the profession has also evolved over the years, with a growing awareness of the importance of veterinary medicine to health;rinaires in public health, food safety and the preservation of biodiversity (to find out more, browse our fiche salaire vétérinaire).

Thus, although the vétérinarycareer can be demanding in terms of working conditions, it offers varied and rewarding career prospects. Contact with animals and their caretakers is extremely rewarding, while the variety of assignments allows you to thrive in a fast-changing world.