Veterinarian Job Description

What is the job description of a Veterinarian? What are the duties and responsibilities of a Veterinarian? What does a Veterinarian do?

Job description of a Veterinarian

A Veterinarian, also known as a Veterinary Doctor, is a medical professional who protects the health and well-being of animals. They diagnose and control animal diseases and treat sick and injured animals. They also advise owners on proper care of their pets and livestock.

This Veterinarian job description example includes the list of most important Veterinarian duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Veterinarian profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Veterinarian Duties and Responsibilities

Veterinarian job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • Assessing and examining patients, and diagnosing their medical issues.
  • Conducting laboratory tests on specimens to diagnose medical conditions.
  • Performing diagnostic imaging and ultrasound tests.
  • Performing surgery, dressing and treating wounds, and prescribing medication.
  • Promoting preventative care by advocating and administering routine vaccinations, and by educating clients on positive diet and lifestyle choices for pets.
  • Improving patients’ dental health by performing checkups, and cleaning and extracting teeth.
  • Euthanizing patients.
  • Ensuring compliance with veterinary ethics and relevant statutes, policies and procedures.
  • Maintaining patients’ medical records.

Veterinarian Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Veterinarian job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.
  • Appropriate licence.
  • Strong affinity for animals.
  • Outstanding organizational skills.
  • Undeterred by being scratched, bitten or exposed to infectious diseases, and resilient to noise.
  • Available to work extended hours.
  • Ability to make prudent decisions regarding welfare and well-being of animals.
  • Outstanding communication skills.
  • Excellent people skills.

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Veterinarian starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Veterinarian job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of a Veterinarian may also reference it in preparation for the interview.