Veterinary Surgeon

A Veterinary Surgeon diagnoses and treats medical conditions in animals. You might work in veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, or shelters. Veterinary Surgeons focus on examining pets and other animals, performing surgeries, and providing medical treatments. You’ll also offer advice on animal health and preventive care to pet owners.

Veterinary Surgeons play a crucial role in maintaining the health and well-being of animals. You’ll need to be skilled and compassionate, with strong problem-solving and communication abilities. You’ll collaborate with pet owners and other veterinary staff to ensure that animals receive the highest standard of care and support throughout their treatment and recovery.

Future demand High
Average yearly income $95,472
Skill level Advanced

How do I become a veterinary surgeon?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
Recommended

Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours)
On Campus
5 years
$56,475 - $57,515
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Veterinarian Veterinary Pathologist Veterinary Scientist
Veterinary Surgeon Wildlife Veterinarian Equine Veterinary Nurse Animal Scientist Animal Health Officer Animal Nutritionist
+ 6 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Veterinarian Veterinary Pathologist Veterinary Scientist Veterinary Surgeon Wildlife Veterinarian Equine Veterinary Nurse Animal Scientist Animal Health Officer Animal Nutritionist + 6 more
ACM40418

Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
12 - 24 months
$0 - $21,546
  • Completed Certificate III (AQF Level 3) or above in an animal science discipline OR
  • Completed Certificate II in Animal Studies or equivalent qualifications OR
  • Evidence of relevant skills, knowledge and employment experience
Additional requirements may apply.
Equine Veterinary Nurse Veterinary Nurse Cattery Attendant
Animal Control Officer Apprentice Animal Trainer Assistant Dog Trainer Animal Shelter Manager Veterinary Emergency Nurse Wildlife Rehabilitator Animal Welfare Officer Veterinary Technician Veterinarian Veterinary Surgeon
+ 10 more
  • Completed Certificate III (AQF Level 3) or above in an animal science discipline OR
  • Completed Certificate II in Animal Studies or equivalent qualifications OR
  • Evidence of relevant skills, knowledge and employment experience
Additional requirements may apply.
Equine Veterinary Nurse Veterinary Nurse Cattery Attendant Animal Control Officer Apprentice Animal Trainer Assistant Dog Trainer Animal Shelter Manager Veterinary Emergency Nurse Wildlife Rehabilitator Animal Welfare Officer Veterinary Technician Veterinarian Veterinary Surgeon + 10 more
ACM30122

Certificate III in Animal Care Services
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
9 - 21 months
$0 - $12,978
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Attendant Kennel Attendant Kennel Hand
Equine Veterinary Nurse Cattery Attendant Animal Control Officer Apprentice Animal Trainer Assistant Dog Trainer Sheep Shearer Wool Worker Animal Shelter Manager Animal Management Officer Animal Trainer Veterinary Emergency Nurse Animal Welfare Officer Animal Health Officer Animal Technician Veterinary Surgeon
+ 15 more

Bachelor of Science (Animal Biology)
On Campus
3 years
$27,540
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Scientist Wildlife Biologist Wildlife Rehabilitator
Zoologist Sheep Shearer Veterinary Scientist Veterinarian Veterinary Surgeon
+ 5 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Scientist Wildlife Biologist Wildlife Rehabilitator Zoologist Sheep Shearer Veterinary Scientist Veterinarian Veterinary Surgeon + 5 more

Bachelor of Science (Animal Science)
Blended, On Campus
3 years
$0 - $88,800
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Nutritionist Animal Welfare Officer Animal Scientist
Animal Health Officer Veterinary Technician Sheep Shearer Wool Worker Animal Shelter Manager Animal Management Officer Veterinarian Veterinary Surgeon
+ 8 more

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
On Campus
3 - 4 years
$35,400 - $277,089
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Veterinarian Veterinary Pathologist Wildlife Veterinarian
Veterinary Scientist Veterinary Surgeon
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Veterinarian Veterinary Pathologist Wildlife Veterinarian Veterinary Scientist Veterinary Surgeon + 2 more

Bachelor of Veterinary Technology
Blended, On Campus
3 years
$17,760 - $32,160
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Technician Veterinary Technician Veterinary Technologist
Equine Veterinary Nurse Veterinary Nurse Animal Shelter Manager Animal Management Officer Animal Trainer Animal Behaviourist Veterinary Emergency Nurse Veterinarian Veterinary Surgeon
+ 9 more

Bachelor of Science (Animal Behaviour)
On Campus
3 years
$25,455 - $32,100
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Behaviourist Animal Welfare Officer Wildlife Officer
Zoo Keeper Animal Control Officer Animal Shelter Manager Animal Management Officer Apprentice Animal Trainer Assistant Dog Trainer Animal Trainer Veterinary Surgeon
+ 8 more

Bachelor of Animal Science
Blended, On Campus
3 - 4 years
$23,208 - $30,512
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Welfare Officer Livestock Manager Animal Nutritionist
Animal Scientist Animal Management Officer Livestock Transporter Sheep Shearer Animal Trainer Animal Behaviourist Wildlife Rehabilitator Animal Health Officer Wildlife Officer Animal Technician Zoologist Veterinary Technologist Veterinary Surgeon
+ 13 more

Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing
On Campus
3 years
$93,900
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Shelter Attendant Equine Veterinary Nurse Veterinary Nurse
Animal Scientist Animal Health Officer Veterinary Technologist Veterinary Surgeon
+ 4 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Shelter Attendant Equine Veterinary Nurse Veterinary Nurse Animal Scientist Animal Health Officer Veterinary Technologist Veterinary Surgeon + 4 more
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

Related occupations

Equine Veterinary Nurse

An Equine Veterinary Nurse specialises in horse care, assisting with surgeries, monitoring health conditions, and handling horses during treatment.

Avg yearly income $72,800
Skill level Advanced

Veterinary Nurse

A Veterinary Nurse assists veterinarians in treating animals, monitors their care, performs tests, administers medications, and communicates with pet owners.

Avg yearly income $65,000
Skill level Advanced

Veterinary Emergency Nurse

A Veterinary Emergency Nurse supports the treatment of animals in critical situations, assisting with surgeries and monitoring their recovery.

Avg yearly income $60,320
Skill level Advanced

Veterinarian

A Veterinarian diagnoses and treats animals, specialising in areas like pets or wildlife, while ensuring excellent animal care and communication.

Avg yearly income $101,400
Skill level Advanced

Animal Scientist

An Animal Scientist studies animal biology and behaviour to enhance health, productivity, and welfare through research and collaboration.

Avg yearly income $72,800
Skill level Advanced

Animal Health Officer

An Animal Health Officer ensures animal well-being by monitoring health, preventing diseases, and advising on best care practices in compliance with regulations.

Avg yearly income $79,300
Skill level Advanced

Animal Nutritionist

An Animal Nutritionist designs dietary plans for animals by assessing nutritional needs, formulating diets, and recommending supplements to promote health.

Avg yearly income $76,596
Skill level Advanced

Veterinary Technician

A Veterinary Technician assists veterinarians in animal care, administering treatments, preparing for surgery, and educating pet owners.

Avg yearly income $57,200
Skill level Advanced

Veterinary Technologist

A Veterinary Technologist provides advanced medical support for animals, conducting tests, assisting in surgeries, and educating pet owners.

Avg yearly income $67,600
Skill level Advanced

Veterinary Scientist

A Veterinary Scientist researches animal health and diseases, developing vaccines and treatments while advancing veterinary medicine and public health.

Avg yearly income $83,200
Skill level Advanced

Wildlife Veterinarian

A Wildlife Veterinarian provides medical care for wild animals, working with conservation teams to diagnose, treat, and protect wildlife in various environments.

Avg yearly income $117,000
Skill level Advanced

Veterinary Pathologist

A Veterinary Pathologist studies animal diseases, diagnoses illnesses through lab analysis, and collaborates with vets to improve treatments and advance research.

Avg yearly income $95,212
Skill level Advanced

Further reading

How to start a career in Veterinary Nursing

7th September 2021)

Most popular animal welfare and veterinary courses

12th April 2022)

What do social workers do?

11th December 2019)

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