Veterinarian: More Than Just a Career—A Passion That Began in Childhood

“Everything is decided before the age of six,” says American psychologist Fitzhugh Dodson. To become a veterinarian, it’s before the age of ten! This is confirmed by a survey* conducted by the British Veterinary Association (BVA) among British veterinary practitioners. A love for animals is the main motivation for three-quarters of those who have chosen this career path.   For nearly half of the practising veterinarians currently working in the United Kingdom, the decision was made as early as elementary school. Even before middle school, 46% of them had already decided to become veterinarians. The younger the practitioners who participated in the survey, the more evident this early calling becomes. Among those under 35, 53% had decided on their career before the age of ten. Even more notably, 28% made their choice before the age of eight. Three-quarters of the veterinarians surveyed (76%) stated that their decision was primarily motivated by a desire to care for animals. Next comes an interest in science—and more specifically in veterinary medicine and clinical practice—which was cited by 51% of veterinary practitioners. One-third of respondents (32%) also highlight the variety and appeal of the tasks involved in such a career, both on a day-to-day basis and in the long term. So, was it a youthful whim or a well-thought-out choice? In any case, for the majority of British veterinarians surveyed (58%), their professional experience has perfectly matched the expectations they had as children. And Gudrun Ravetz, president of the BVA, concludes: “Veterinary medicine is the result of an early ambition and calling for many veterinarians, and goes on to become a stimulating and rewarding career.” This survey is part of the upcoming World Veterinary Day, which will take place on Saturday, April 29.   * https://www.bva.co.uk/news-campaigns-and-policy/newsroom/news-releases/many-vets-to-choose-the-profession-before-starting-secondary-school/