small animal veterinarian

Work setting

• Private practice
• Veterinary clinic

Tasks

• Diagnose diseases or abnormal conditions in individual animals, herds and flocks through physical examinations or laboratory tests
• Treat sick or injured animals by prescribing medication, setting bones, dressing wounds or performing surgery
• Vaccinate animals to prevent and treat diseases
• Advise clients on feeding, housing, behaviour, breeding, hygiene and general care of animals
• Enforce government regulations in disease control and food production including animal or animal-based food inspection
• Perform routine, emergency and post-mortem examinations
• Provide a range of veterinary services including obstetrics, dentistry and euthanasia
• Supervise animal health technologists and animal care workers

Supervision

• 1 to 2 people

Certificates, licences, memberships, and courses

• Canadian Veterinary Medical Association Certification
• Licensure by provincial or territorial authorities

Work conditions and physical capabilities

• Attention to detail
• Fast-paced environment
• Combination of sitting, standing, walking
• Work under pressure

Personal suitability

• Accurate
• Dependability
• Efficient interpersonal skills
• Excellent oral communication
• Excellent written communication
• Flexibility
• Initiative
• Judgement
• Reliability
• Team player
• Values and ethics
• Resourcefulness

Screening questions

• Are you available for shift or on-call work?
• Do you have the above-indicated required certifications?

Health benefits

• Dental plan
• Health care plan
• Paramedical services coverage
• Vision care benefits

Financial benefits

• Group insurance benefits

Other benefits

• Free parking available
• Learning / training paid by employer
• Paid time off (volunteering or personal days)
• Parking available
• Travel insurance
• Variable or compressed work week