Anonymous wrote:I work in the equine industry, my kid is a competitive equestrian, she loves science and animals. I’ve actively discouraged her from pursuing veterinary medicine. I know a lot of vets, many (if not most) of them say they wouldn’t do it all over again, if given the chance. I’m encouraging my kid to pursue chemistry/ pharmacy, biological research or human healthcare instead.

I imagine horse vets have to deal with neglect less often than vets who work with cheaper pets. Have her shadow a horse vet.

When we run out of vets I’m blaming all of you.

I work in the equine industry, my kid is a competitive equestrian, she loves science and animals. I’ve actively discouraged her from pursuing veterinary medicine. I know a lot of vets, many (if not most) of them say they wouldn’t do it all over again, if given the chance. I’m encouraging my kid to pursue chemistry/ pharmacy, biological research or human healthcare instead.

Being a vet is extremely mentally taxing. My cousin has been one for 20 years and it takes a lot out of her. She loves animals, which is the entire problem. Because they are legally property and you have to deal with the owners. The ones who want everything done for a pet past the point of cruelty because they are selfish and can't let it go, and the ones who mistreat the pet and won't do what it needs or are cheap, and the ones who want to do the right things but can't afford it. There's no EMTALA in veterinary medicine.

I’ve always wondered how much of an urban/suburban residential vets jobs is putting dogs down.

Check out job satisfaction surveys of vets. They make their living sticking sharp things into small bodies -- often with the result of (intentionally) ending the life of the small body.

It's a tough gig. I'd want a kid to work for a long while -- more than a year at least -- as a vet assistant before investing in vet school.