For the sake of animals

Job Prospects:
Dr S Dhingra, a veterinary surgeon who has specialised in treating felines and canines, says that until sometime ago, possessing an ordinary degree in veterinary science and animal husbandry was sufficient to get a job.

However, with the spiralling competition, most prospective employers prefer postgraduates who have specialised in some discipline. Some job openings are:Government Jobs:
Jobs are available with the Central Government and state-run veterinary hospitals and dispensaries in both urban and rural areas. The vet’s job here would essentially be confined to treating domestic animals and and pets. These animals are usually cows and buffaloes, including the stray ones, sheep, goats, dogs, cats. Farm owners in rural areas require vets who can treat domestic animals and ensure their good health.

Most incumbents prefer employment with state-run hospitals. Candidates can also find employment with the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR), Ministry of Environment, Central Zoo Authority of India and other government institutes.

Private Practice:
One of the most glamorous and lucrative job openings in this field, many candidates who acquire a degree in veterinary science, opt for this. Most vets working in urban areas take up this job opening. The job profile here, however, is restricted to treating cats and dogs. Many others, take up part-time assignments with government veterinary hospitals.

It should be remembered that most vets get into private practice only after gaining some experience. Kapuria says that according to the regulations, a fresh veterinary science and animal husbandry graduate, can start his own practice. However, in his opinion, such an incumbent should, for at least a year, practise with an established vet surgeon. This way he can learn the practical aspects of how to handle animals well, manage them properly and convince his client about the pet’s health.

Poultry Farms:
The job profile here is to look after and maintain the health of poultry birds, develop better strains with high egg productivity, prevent poultry diseases and vaccinate the poultry stock.

Dhingra says that since work at a poultry farm is extremely strenuous because the nature of the work demands it. Job openings are available with both government-owned and private poultry farms.

Dairy Sector:
The diary sector absorbs a large number of veterinary specialists. Their job includes ensuring increased milk production and looking after the health and breeding of dairy cattle. There are government-owned breeding farms in states where scientific cattle breeding schemes have been initiated to bring forth better progeny. Carrying out artificial insemination is also one of the job profiles.

Army:
The army has openings for vets in the Army Remount Veterinary Corps (ARMC). Apart from this, openings in paramilitary forces like the Border Security Force and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police are good job options.

Pharmaceutical Companies:
In pharmaceutical companies, vets are employed in the research and development wing to produce vaccines and develop animal feeds and fertilisers. Incumbents can also take up assignments as product managers, where they will not merely stop with developing products but will also introduce sales strategies and evaluate new products. In this case, the incumbent needs to acquire an MBA for this marketing aspect of his job.

Academics:
In academics, an incumbent with a postgraduate or doctoral degree can take up research-based activities or opt for teaching.

Wildlife and Environment:
The services of vets are required when wild animals have to be bred in captivity, particularly endangered species. This is a job that is receiving more importance as the health of these animals is becoming crucial for their survival.

Apart from these job opportunities, employment can also be found with stud farms, livestock farms, sheep farms, piggeries and fisheries. Incumbents can also tap zoos for employment. The insurance sector also throws up a few opportunities. When valuable animals have to be insured, a vet is required to ensure that the animals in good health.

Emoluments:
Emoluments differ based on whether the job is in the government or private sector. The former has fixed scales and a fresher may get around Rs 7,000 per month. As the incumbent grows in the profession and gains experience, he earns more. In the latter, if the incumbent builds an established private practice, he or she can easily make a five-figure salary per month. Salaries in a private poultry farm can range from Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000. For a job in a stud farm, the salary can easily run into lakhs because the maintenance of horses is an expensive business.

Education Requirements:
An interested incumbent wanting to make a career in this discipline needs to have a bachelor’s degree in the same. To seek admission for the degree course, the student has to take physics, chemistry and biology at the class XII level.

Selection to veterinary college or university, or agricultural university offering this subject, is made on the basis of merit or through a written test held by the concerned institution.

After seeking entry, the student goes through four-and-a-half years of academic study and an internship period of six months. During the internship, the student learns how to independently handle animals, diagnose ailments and suggests recuperative measures. This internship goes a long way in helping a student who intends to start his own private practice. After completing the degree course, the student is awarded a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) degree. Candidates desirous of taking up research go on to do their masters too.