Veterinarians diagnose and treat sickness, disease and injury in all types of animals.

Veterinarians may perform the following tasks:

• examine sick animals and perform tests to diagnose illnesses
• examine tissues, blood, urine and other samples from sick animals to identify the cause of disease
• treat animals by using drugs, surgical procedures and nursing care
• vaccinate animals to prevent disease
• give advice to owners and breeders on animal health and the best way to care for a pet
• euthanase animals to end pain and suffering or to prevent the spread of disease
• advise owners on the best way to feed and/or breed their pets
• notify authorities of outbreaks of animal diseases
• attend animal shows to monitor and/or advise on the condition of the animals

Veterinarians usually work long and irregular hours, especially those in private practice who may be called upon to treat sick animals at any hour of the day or night.

To become a veterinarian, you need to complete a Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree. Entry usually requires you to have completed Year 12 and the recommended subjects are English, Maths, Chemistry, Physics and Biology.