Trying to pursue the right avenue for my career. What is the typical daily routine of a veterinarian, and how does it vary depending on the type of practice or specialty?

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I work 6 days a week usually from 7:30 am to about 6:30 pm give or take (some days are longer than others). The days are long and tiring but are rewarding at the same time. Typically, my day begins with checking my schedule and reviewing the medical records of the patients I will see that day. I will then begin seeing patients, which can include performing routine check-ups, diagnosing illnesses or injuries, administering vaccines or medication, performing surgery, and providing advice to pet owners. I may also conduct laboratory tests or imaging studies, and interpret the results. I also oversee my staff as well.

It really depends on where you work, and what kind of work you do........emergency clinic shifts are often 12 hours long, but there are some general day practices where the day runs just 8 or 9 hours long. Generally speaking small animal day practice (i.e. not emergency) is about 45 hours a week. Emergency clinics are usually longer shifts but shorter weeks - they might do 3x12 hours per week. If you work in a location that requires on call (out of hours) work, your week might or might not be longer, because some nights and weekends you'll be called in, and others you won't.

There will always be some bosses who expect vets to work 50-60 hours a week, but they shouldn't, and I'd recommend you shouldn't work for them.

It depends where you work, a lot of clinics are flexible and some will let you bring your dog to work with you and you can take them for a walk on your break 😊

At my hospital, the vets are scheduled to be there from 8:30am-5pm, and one day of the week from 11am-8pm. They each also work one Saturday from 8:30am-5pm. They almost never leave at their exact time- there's usually, at minimum, an hour or two left of paperwork and calling clients that needs to be done.

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