Learn about the key skills, qualifications, and career path for a Small Animal Veterinarian
Learn about the key skills, qualifications, and career path for a Small Animal Veterinarian
Practice Interviews Online - Identify your strengths and weakness in a realistic Small Animal Veterinarian mock interview, under 10 minutes
Practice Now »To become a small animal veterinarian in the UK, you will need to attend one of the universities approved by the RCVS (Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons) that offer veterinary degrees. These universities include Bristol, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, London (the Royal Veterinary College), Nottingham, and Surrey.
A small animal veterinarian is a veterinarian who specializes in treating companion animals such as cats, dogs, hamsters, birds, and rabbits. They diagnose and treat any health issues or injuries in these animals, which may involve performing surgeries, dressing wounds, giving vaccinations, or testing for diseases.
A typical day for a small animal veterinarian in the UK involves a mix of routine appointments, such as vaccinations and neutering, as well as urgent cases that come in as emergencies. The workload can vary depending on the day, but the veterinarian will be responsible for providing medical care to a variety of small animals.
The shortest veterinary degree in the UK is typically a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVMS) program, which takes around 5 years to complete. However, if you are looking for a quicker option to start a vet career, you may consider becoming a vet assistant, which can be completed in as little as 9 months.