CENW Live - Veterinarian - Swannack Veterinary Services

A veterinarian is a medical professional dedicated to the care of animals. They diagnose, treat, and research medical conditions and diseases of pets, livestock, and other animals. The job description for a veterinarian typically includes the following duties and responsibilities:
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Diagnosis and Treatment:
- Perform examinations to diagnose illnesses and injuries.
- Prescribe medications, perform surgeries, administer vaccines, and recommend dietary and activity regimens.
Preventive Care:
- Provide routine check-ups to maintain the health of animals.
- Advise animal owners on proper care, including diet, exercise, and hygiene.
Emergency Care:
- Be prepared to handle emergency situations, providing critical care as needed.
Surgery:
- Perform surgical procedures as necessary, which can range from neutering and spaying to more complex surgeries involving internal organs or bone fractures.
Dental Care:
- Provide dental examinations and treatments to prevent or address dental disease.
Euthanasia:
- When necessary, humanely euthanize animals in situations where recovery is not possible and suffering is imminent.
Education and Communication:
- Educate clients on the health needs of their animals, preventive health measures, and the care of sick or injured pets.
- Communicate effectively with pet owners regarding diagnosis, treatment, and care.
Public Health:
- Monitor and report on the health of animals and potential risks to human health, including zoonotic diseases.
Record Keeping:
- Maintain accurate medical records for all patient visits, treatments, surgeries, and communications.
Continuing Education:
- Stay updated on the latest veterinary practices, medicines, and techniques through continuing education.
Skills and Qualifications:
- Education: A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) degree from an accredited college of veterinary medicine.
- Licensing: Must be licensed to practice in the jurisdiction where they work, which typically requires passing a national examination and, in some cases, a state examination.
- Skills: Strong diagnostic and surgical skills, compassion, communication skills, ability to make decisions in stressful situations, and physical stamina.
- Experience: While new graduates can enter the field, experience through internships or prior work can be advantageous.
Veterinarians may work in various settings, including private clinics, animal hospitals, research facilities, zoos, and educational institutions. They might also specialize in a particular area of veterinary medicine, such as surgery, dermatology, internal medicine, exotic animal care, or emergency care.
Career Explore NW is an award-winning community tool designed by KSPS PBS, Spokane, Washington’s public television station, to guide people--through job spotlight videos and job/industry data information--toward a job or career as well as help regional employers create a talent pipeline. Under each industry cluster you will find a collection of videos that highlight different types of jobs that are available in the Spokane and North Idaho region. You will also find other great information around what schooling is needed and average salaries. CENW is an initiative of KSPS PBS, Spokane, Washington’s public television station.
Watch more CareerExplore NW videos at • CareerExplore NW