What does a vet actually do all day?

I’ve always wanted to be a veterinarian – but I’ve got to admit, I could have never anticipated what was waiting for me. When I’m consulting with pet families, I often meet many young people who also dream of becoming a veterinarian. I love it, I love the job, I love the animals and their families. But just what is it that is awaiting these future veterinarians? Do you know what a day in the life of your veterinarian looks like? 

Morning Rounds

First step into the hospital is straight into morning rounds with the overnight team. I’m greeted by patients I have been treating from the day before, as well as new patients who have needed the hospital overnight. 

Who needs surgery? 

Who gets to go home? 

What time can we call and update their worried families? 

The hospital patients can range to spinal injuries who are unable to walk, through to superficial lacerations eager to get home. The variety is endless. This is the surprise waiting in the morning, and decisions need to be made. 

Consultations – the sick and the well

Consulting with pet parents and their furry family is the bulk of our day. We see it all – epileptic patients, itchy skin, vomiting and behavioural disorders, of course amongst general check-ups and vaccinations. In that consultation time, we are dedicated to you and your pet. 

In the course of my day, it’s not an exaggeration to say that I will step out of one room, after providing support and comfort to a family after they have just said goodbye to their best friend, and into another to congratulate a family who are welcoming their newest furry member, and discuss vaccinations and flea treatment.

In between the consultations, an emergency requiring your full and immediate attention could arrive at any minute. The emotions can be intense and require a dramatic shift from one room, to the next. It’s a bit of a rollercoaster! 

Surgery

Yup, in the middle of the day, we reserve our time especially for patients who need procedures and surgeries. Your veterinarian will perform all manners of surgery, from routine desexing procedures through to fracture repairs and lump removals. In addition to surgeries, we also perform x-rays, ultrasound, endoscopy and CT scans. 

Home Time

And at the end of the day, it’s time to go home and spend time with the ones we love. Personally, I hug my children tight, they tell me that “mummy wasn’t home because she was giving medicine to the animals”. I squeeze them tighter. And then, once they’re off to bed, it’s time for reading, lectures, courses and workshops, all to improve so that tomorrow we might better be able to help you and your pet.

This is a very typical day in the life of a veterinarian at the VetLand Veterinary Hospital. We work as a team to make it all possible, and available at your fingertips. Did you know your veterinarian was capable of all of this? Do you want to learn more about what a day is like for our veterinary nurses? Comment, or send us an email!

Dr. Vicky Wade

Veterinarian