Job File: Veterinarian

The French look after around 75 million domestic animals. To this astonishing statistic, we must add the number of wild animals, whether found in nature reserves or elsewhere in the country. All these living creatures, like their owners, need care and regular monitoring. In this context, the veterinary profession applies the fundamental principles of conventional medicine, but also skills and specificities particular to the animal world, which we'll look at in detail in this job description. From the training required to work as a veterinarian to the average salaries on offer, find out everything there is to know about this career.

The role and responsibilities of a veterinarian

The theoretical approach of veterinary medicine is not the same as that of traditional medicine (see general practitioner job description). Animals function and react differently from human beings, 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 or she has to perform on a daily basis. It should be noted that these tasks vary according to the professional's specialization, which we'll look at next.

Care of pets and domestic animals

• Disease diagnosis and treatment: identify pathologies and suggest appropriate treatments for dogs, cats and new pets.
• Vaccination and prevention: administer vaccines to prevent contagious or serious diseases.
• Surgeries and procedures: performing operations ranging from sterilization to more complex procedures such as orthopedic surgery.
• Owner advice: helping owners choose the right diet, education and care for their pets.
• Palliative care and euthanasia: providing support in delicate end-of-life situations.

Working with livestock and farm animals

• Herd health monitoring: carry out regular checks to detect and prevent contagious diseases.
• Animal reproduction advice: supervise artificial insemination and mating to optimize farm productivity.
• Treatment of collective pathologies: intervene in the event of epidemics or health problems affecting large numbers of animals.
• Managing health standards: ensuring that farms comply with animal welfare and food safety regulations.
• Training and advising farmers: raising awareness of best practices for maintaining animal health and improving profitability.

Role in public health and zoonosis prevention

• Prevention of transmissible diseases: identify and limit the spread of zoonoses such as rabies, brucellosis and leptospirosis.
• Control of food products of animal origin: guarantee the sanitary quality of meat, milk and eggs intended for human consumption.
• Epidemiological surveillance: taking part in national or international campaigns to combat epidemics.
• Collaboration with health authorities: working with public institutions to implement animal and public health policies.
• Animal health research: contributing to the advancement of knowledge to develop new treatments or vaccines.

The different areas of veterinary practice

Small animal clinic

In this field, veterinarians focus on the health of companion animals, such as dogs, cats or new pets (reptiles, birds or rodents), for whom they provide all the functions essential to keeping them in good health (see above).

Rural vets and farm animals

These professionals oversee the health of farm animals (cattle, sheep, goats, pigs or poultry). They carry out regular health checks to prevent epidemics, intervene in animal reproduction issues and help breeders comply with current health standards. Their mission goes beyond care: they play a key role in supporting farmers to optimize productivity and animal welfare within a sustainable framework.

Veterinarians specializing in exotic or zoo animals

Some experienced vets specialize in the care of exotic animals or species living in captivity, such as those in zoos or nature reserves. This field requires in-depth expertise and knowledge of the specific needs of each species. They look after animals that are often rare or endangered, ensuring their medical care, well-being and, in some cases, reproduction. They also work closely with conservation and reintroduction programs.

Research, teaching and the veterinary pharmaceutical industry

Many veterinarians 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 theoretical and practical knowledge. Finally, in the pharmaceutical industry, they are involved in the design, manufacture and marketing of veterinary products, while ensuring their compliance with health and environmental standards.

Skills and qualities required to be a veterinarian

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, ultrasound), laboratory analyses and specific tests.
• Surgical skills: perform surgical interventions ranging from routine operations to complex procedures.
• Medication and treatment management: prescribe and administer appropriate treatments, with knowledge of drug interactions.
• Implementation of sanitary protocols: follow disinfection and infection prevention standards, whether in the clinic or on the farm.

Interpersonal and teaching skills

• 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 the prescribed care.
• Patience and active listening: take the time to listen to owners' concerns and answer their questions, even in difficult situations.
• Diplomacy in delicate moments: knowing how to handle sensitive discussions, such as those concerning euthanasia or costly treatment options.
• Teamwork: collaborate with veterinary assistants, breeders or other animal health professionals.

Ability to manage emergency situations

• Reactivity and composure: intervene rapidly in critical situations, such as accidents or serious illness, without losing composure.
• Rapid decision-making: assess priorities and act with confidence, even in the absence of complete information.
• Problem solving: find appropriate solutions in unforeseen or complex situations.
• Stress management: cope 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

Veterinary studies in France

The veterinary curriculum generally begins after the scientific baccalauréat or equivalent. Candidates must then go through a specific preparatory class called Classe Préparatoire Biologie, Chimie, Physique et Sciences de la Terre (BCPST), which lasts two years. This prepares students for a highly selective entrance examination to one of the four French national veterinary schools (ENV) located in : Maisons-Alfort, Lyon, Toulouse and Nantes.

Since the reform of veterinary studies, it has also been possible to enter these schools 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 veterinary schoolprogram 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 to work on real cases in university clinics.
• The fifth year, known as the "in-depth" year, is a professional internship in which the student chooses an area of specialization (companion animals, animal husbandry, public health, research, etc.).

Possible specializations after graduation

After graduating, a veterinarian can go straight into practice, or continue his or her studies to specialize further. These specializations, accessible through further training or residencies, enable the acquisition of expertise in a specific field. Common options include :

• Veterinary surgery: focusing on advanced techniques for treating fractures, heart disease or other pathologies requiring intervention.
• Exotic or wild animal medicine: to care for unconventional species.
• Veterinary public health: focused on zoonosis prevention and food safety.
• Epidemiology and research: involving in-depth work on animal diseases and their impact on society.
• Equine medicine: dedicated to horses, particularly in the field of equestrian sports.

Recent developments and training prospects

With the changing needs of animal and public health, veterinary training is increasingly integrating 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 veterinarians in global issues such as climate change and zoonosis management.

Although rigorous and time-consuming, veterinary training provides a solid and diversified foundation for a multifaceted profession.

To find out more, take a look at our veterinary studies fact sheet.

Working conditions and career prospects

The veterinary profession is as demanding as it is exciting. Working conditions vary considerably, depending on the veterinarian's area of expertise, place of practice and type of organization. At the same time, career prospects are diversified, offering numerous opportunities for development and specialization.

Working hours and rhythm

The nature of a veterinarian's work means that working hours are not always convenient. As with the traditional doctor, health problems can arise at any time of the day or night, and emergencies cannot by definition be postponed. What's more, consultations and surgical procedures can require long working days, sometimes involving night shifts and on-call duty. In rural areas, veterinarians may have to travel to farms, adding to their mobility constraints.

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

Remuneration and recognition

A veterinarian's remuneration varies according to location, specialization and experience. Young graduates generally start out on modest salaries, especially in rural or private practice. 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 growing awareness of the importance of veterinarians in public health, food safety and the preservation of biodiversity (to find out more, browse our veterinary salary sheet).

So, although a career as a vet can be demanding in terms of working conditions, it offers varied and rewarding career prospects. Contact with animals and their owners proves extremely rewarding, while the variety of missions enables you to flourish in a rapidly changing world.