Loving animals and hoping to do something for welfare is one thing. But becoming a veterinarian is a big decision. A veterinarian needs to follow a variety of federal and state guidelines to manage many diseases in animals. Not only that, they need to follow guidelines that prevent the passage of the same conditions to humans.  

If you have compassion towards animals, it is a great start. But you need to get formal training to take care of animals. Having said that, there is another thing that you need to be aware of﹘whether you are comfortable around small animals or large animals.  

Yes, you heard it right! Both types of vets have different sets of work environments and job descriptions. In this post, we’ll walk you through differences between the two to help you decide what will be better for you.  

Small or Large Animal Vet- Decoding the Key Differences 

Most of us often think of every vet being surrounded by small animals. Isn’t it? That’s true but in the case of a small animal vet. They treat pets and companion animals like cats, dogs, and rabbits. Contrary to that, a large animal vet is a licensed professional who attends the needs of bigger animals like cattle, sheep, or horses.  

Another difference is that small vets usually work in a clinic or an animal hospital to perform their duties like check-ups, administering vaccines, or treating wounds or broken bones. However, since there are a number of large animals, the large animals’ vet usually comes under three specializations: livestock, equine, and zoo.  

So, the roles and responsibilities vary accordingly. Ideally, it could be anything around full-body examinations, vaccinations, and assisting during complicated births, and surgeries. So, you must be prepared for long work hours and traveling around. This is why experts advise practicing professionals to opt for disability insurance for veterinarians to protect themselves on and off job throughout their tenure.  

Small Animal or Large Animal Vet- What Are You Suited For? 

If you have passion for cats, dogs, or rabbits and wish to be tied for work at a single location, being a small animal vet is something you must consider. Also, you must be open to communicating with humans to excel in your practice. 

However, if you are up for challenges and are strong enough to restrain large animals, you can try your luck as a large animal vet. But make sure to be aware of all the health and safety risks involved.  

If you have a keen interest in a type of large animal, this role will give you an opportunity to learn more about them down the line.  

Wrapping up 

Being a veterinarian is quite a difficult job. You must understand all the pros and cons associated with this career to ensure you don’t make a wrong decision when serving the animals or treating them for their health issues. 

It goes without saying that life is a sensitive thing. It is not about the size of the animal alone, instead you need to consider the feelings of the owner in consideration when treating the animals. Only then will it be a rewarding experience.