Other aspects of veterinary practice which are enjoyable and fulfilling are being able to investigate cases and make a diagnosis as opposed to treatment trial approaches.
Veterinarians in private practice serve a variety of animals. This is especially true in companion animal practice because of the increased popularity of pet birds, small mammals, and fish. Today, a veterinarian may be treating llamas, catfish, or ostriches as well as cats, dogs, horses, cows, hogs, sheep, and goats. Veterinarians usually treat companion and food animals in hospitals and clinics. Those in large animal practice also work out of well-equipped trucks or cars, and may drive considerable distances to farms and ranches. They may work outdoors in all kinds of weather. The chief risk for veterinarians is injury by animals; however, modern tranquilizers and technology have made it much easier for veterinarians to work on all types of animals. Dr. Cloninger was almost killed by an ostrich when it kicked her in the chest four years ago. Most veterinarians work 50 or more hours a week although those in private practice may work nights and weekends, the increased number of emergency clinics has reduced the amount of time private practitioners must be on call. Large animal practitioners tend to work more irregular hours than do those in small animal practice, industry, or government. Veterinarians who are just starting a practice tend to work longer hours. Private clinical practitioners who own their own practices determine the nature of their practice and set their working hours. Because they are self-employed, most private clinical practitioners choose to work beyond normal retirement age. Another disadvantage is the long amounts of schooling it takes to become a veterinarian. .
Veterinarians go to college for at least seven years. The first three or four years are preparatory work, which can be done at any college.
