general veterinarian

General veterinarians are professionals with a comprehensive scientific education. They have the authority to carry out, in an independent, ethical and personally responsible capacity, all aspects of veterinary medicine, in the interest of the health and welfare of animals and public health in accordance with national and international legislation. The generalist veterinarian can work with any species, however they may choose to work with a single species or types such as equine, companion or production animals.

Alternative Labels

all-purpose veterinary

companion animal veterinarian

comprehensive vet

equine veterinarian

family vet

food production animal veterinarian

general vet

general veterinarian

general veterinarians

veterinary surgeon

Regulatory Aspect

This occupation is covered by the Directive 2005/36/EC (and its amendments) on the recognition of professional qualifications. Further information on free movement of professionals. To see if and how this occupation is regulated in EU Member States, EEA countries or Switzerland please consult the Regulated Professions Database of the Commission. Regulated Professions Database:

http://ec.europa.eu/growth/single-market/services/free-movement-professionals/qualifications-recognition_en

Skills & Competences

Essential Skills and Competences

advise on animal welfare advise on livestock disease control apply animal hygiene practices apply safe work practices in a veterinary setting apply veterinary epidemiology assess animal behaviour assess animal nutrition certify the performance of veterinary procedures collect samples from animals conduct veterinary consultation control animal movement develop an animal handling strategy evaluate information in the field of veterinary nursing handle veterinary emergencies implant microchips in animals inspect animal welfare management issue certificates for animal products maintain veterinary clinical records manage animal biosecurity manage animal welfare manage the use of vaccines monitor the welfare of animals perform euthanasia on animals perform gross post mortem examination on animals perform laboratory testing on samples of animals perform surgical procedures on animals perform veterinary diagnosis practise veterinary professional codes of conduct prescribe animal medications prescribe physical therapy to animals provide anaesthetics to animals provide animal training provide first aid to animals provide sedation to animals provide veterinary information to the public safely interact with animals supervise animal handling for veterinary activities treat pain for veterinary patients

Essential Knowledge

anatomy of animals animal behaviour animal food products animal production science animal welfare animal welfare legislation biosecurity related to animals conduct ante-mortem veterinary health inspection environmental enrichment for animals fundamental veterinary sciences physiology of animals safe work practices in a veterinary setting signs of animal illness veterinary clinical sciences zoonotic diseases

Optional Skills and Competences

administer appointments apply numeracy skills calculate rates per hours check the health of livestock collaborate with animal related professionals cope with challenging circumstances in the veterinary sector deal with challenging people follow work schedule implement veterinary clinical governance interview animal owners on animals' conditions maintain administrative records in the veterinary office maintain relationship with customers maintain relationships with animal welfare establishments make decisions regarding the animal's welfare manage a small-to-medium business manage personal professional development plan schedule provide mentorship supervise nursing staff take advantage of learning opportunities in veterinary science understand the animal's situation

Concept URI

Concept Uri

http://data.europa.eu/esco/occupation/eb6efbb9-9216-4e86-bc3b-de2223cd4667

Status

released

Occupations