Lots of kids dream of growing up to become vets who work with dogs and cats. However, running a veterinary practice is much more complex than petting fuzzy kitties and floppy-eared dogs all day long (although, yes, I do that a lot too!). If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to own a veterinary practice, these primary skills are a must.
Excellent communication.
Great vets know how to talk to pet parents so they can understand exactly what an animal needs. They also have to clearly explain different diagnoses and outline various treatment options, especially when it comes to cost and home care instructions.
Dedication
Studying veterinary medicine is a serious undertaking that demands a ton of time and energy, but after you graduate, the real work begins. Being part of a veterinary practice means long hours, early mornings, late nights, work on weekends, and extra time spent following up with patients to see how they’re doing after illness, treatment, or procedures.
Innate love of animals.
If you love dogs but can’t handle cats, don’t become a vet! In addition to being dexterous scientists, vets at an animal hospital or pet clinic should be endlessly passionate about all animals. Big dogs, small dogs, puffy cats, grumpy cats, chatty birds, slithery snakes—neighborhood vets should love them all.
Business savvy.
Owning any medical practice demands excellent business skills, from understanding the finance side to making strong hiring decisions. Veterinarians are trained medical scientists, but they also have to know how to balance the books and hire the right people—or trust a great business manager who can.
Great time management.
Vets have to juggle busy schedules that include packed appointments, diagnosing, surgeries, and more. Those who excel are able to handle a variety of tasks and activities, be fully present in the moment to engage patients and make good diagnoses, and not keep the next appointment waiting.
Book smarts.
Vets not only have to study animal anatomy, illness, and behavior, they have to be able to call the majority of that knowledge to mind on a daily basis without stopping to consult a book every five minutes. Practice makes perfect, but an excellent memory is essential.
Compassion.
Humans are incredibly attached to their canine and feline companions, and when their animals aren’t feeling well, people can become emotional. Vets need to be sensitive to every patient’s needs, plus deliver care to their owners.
If you want to know what really makes a great vet, just look at my wife, Dr. Julaine Hunter. She’s the best vet I know, and I’m proud to work with her every day at LazyPaw Animal Hospitals!