If you have love for animals and pets then a glorious career in veterinary science is just awaiting you. Many people keep domestic pets for protection and companionship and there is an increase in demand for veterinary professionals caring them.

If you have love for animals and pets then a glorious career in veterinary science is just awaiting you. Many people keep domestic pets for protection and companionship and there is an increase in demand for veterinary professionals caring them. It is purely a medical profession involving health care and disease control of animals, genetics, breeding and nutrition as well as other scientific handlings. In India, medical care for animals and birds have gained wide application with the spread of education.

A Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (B.V. Sc.& A.H) course is conducted by various institutions.  Entrance is through a written test. Eligibility qualifications for this entrance test is 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English subjects. Veterinary Council of  India (VCI) conducts an All India Common Entrance Examination (AICEE) for admission to15% of seats in each veterinary college for B.V. Sc.& A.H. This course is also conducted by some agricultural colleges spread all over country. Through their entrance test, one can get admission in these institutions.

The course is of 4 and half years duration with 6 months compulsory practical internship. Here, students are given an idea of veterinary anatomy, surgery and radiology, pathology, medicine and public health, parasitology, animal production, nutrition, pharmacology and toxicology.

Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) also conducts an All India Entrance Examination for filling of 15% of the total seats in state agricultural universities and 100% seats in National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal. The test consists one paper of Physics, Chemistry and Biology carrying 180 questions; 60 questions in each subjects.

Veterinary professionals work in agriculture sector of rural areas, government animal husbandry departments, poultry farms, dairy farms, private and governmental veterinary hospitals as well as clinics. Veterinary technicians and surgeons are also in demand.

Veterinary Technician

A veterinary technician is an important member of the veterinary health care team. These professionals have to be educated in the care and handling of animals, the basic principles of treating animals and the routine laboratory and clinical procedures. All  Veterinary technicians work under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. A veterinary technicians can assist in performing a wide variety of tasks with a veterinary doctor but he can not diagnose, prescribe and perform surgery.

Veterinary Surgeon

VS diagnose and treat animals, medically and surgically, to prevent disease, cure sickness and injury, and improve their state of health. He prescribes medicines. Most veterinary surgeons work in general practice, dealing with both farm livestock and domestic pets.

Army and Border Security Force (BSF) also employ veterinary doctors for the care and treatment of their horses, mules, camels and dogs of regiments.

Post graduate can opt for teaching as well as Research & Development or work as development personnel in drug, diagnostic and vaccine sectors.

These professionals can also work in pharmaceutical companies and in the field of primary production of milk, meat, egg and other products. Starting salary is good with the scale being in the range of Rs.8,000/- to Rs.13,500/- for a veterinary doctor. A vete doctor can setup its own private practice too. Finally, it is a growing segment of medical profession. A bright future is in your way of life.