There is no doubt that following the path for a career in veterinary medicine requires great commitment.

Consider the following:

• There are 28 accredited Colleges of Veterinary Medicine in the United States.
• Entrance into a veterinarian medicine program requires a minimum of two years of undergraduate coursework, but many hold a bachelor’s degree.
• Of all those who apply to a veterinary college, only an average of 42% are accepted.
• About 2,900 students graduate from a veterinary medicine program each year.
• The veterinary medicine program consists of an additional four years of training.
• The average total education debt is $151,000.
• After completing the program, a licensing examination must be passed.
• To maintain the veterinary license, a veterinarian must complete continuing education classes throughout their career.
• A veterinarian who wants to specialize in an area must take additional educational coursework, complete a residency program and pass a certification exam.

Typical veterinarians:

• Practice in a highly stressful field
• Work long hours that include nights, weekends and holidays.

So Why Do They Do It?

It isn’t surprising that veterinarians really like animals, but the way they like animals goes much further than just having their own as a pet. They want to make a difference in the lives of both the animals and their owners.

Intangible Benefits

Animals

Veterinarians have a sense of obligation and love that goes along with their profession. Taking care of something that cannot articulate what they want or need requires a special set of skills. All it takes to show concern to the animal is:

• Kindness
• Thoughtfulness
• A caring touch
• Gentle voice
• Compassion

When an animal is taken care of and the hurt is gone, an intangible benefit is found through the love and gratitude of both the animal and owner.

Owners

Walking an owner through the course of action for a pet’s treatment requires them to put great faith in your skills as a veterinarian. Seeing a beloved pet rebound after an illness will be shown by their thankfulness to you and to your practice. When animals arrive too late for help and your only recourse is to make them as comfortable as possible, it is equally as important to soothe and comfort their distraught owner. The compassion that you show will be remembered. For instance:

• Listen closely
• Evaluate their explanation
• Try to understand their position
• Enlighten them to understand your position
• Show compassion
• Show empathy
• Appreciate their help

No matter the size or the illness of the patient, having an understanding of feelings will serve you well in your profession. Being the family doctor to a client’s beloved animal, and helping them through illness or possible death, will endear you to both the patient and their owner. Understanding the human side and their animal counterpart will place you in a special spot in their hearts. This is a priceless intangible benefit not always found in a job.

Connect with your Covetrus representative at 855.724.3461 to learn more about what we can offer your practice!