To work as a vet in the Republic of Ireland, you must have a degree in Veterinary Medicine, which is registered by the Veterinary Council of Ireland. The UCD Veterinary Medicine degree is the only veterinary course in Ireland and is highly competitive. Many students chose to study in Europe with some courses requiring you to have practical experience of animal handling.

Clinical rotations in the final year of study take place mainly in the UCD Veterinary Hospital and can involve early mornings and some late-night work. 

Opportunities for graduates are excellent, with extremely high levels of employment. It can be a tough career so work experience and conversations with working vets can help inform those considering veterinary medicine on whether the reality of the career is suitable for them.

You can work in a mixed, small animal, farm animal or equine practice. You may also obtain further specialist clinical qualifications. While most graduates work in clinical practice, increasing numbers pursue research in public service or private sector research. This reflects the important role of the veterinarian in animal health control and consumer protection. At present, there is almost complete employment for veterinary graduates.

Employment opportunities for veterinarians are numerous - they include private or corporate clinical practice, teaching and research, wildlife conservation, regulatory medicine, public health, and military service.

If you are working with large animals you need to be physically fit, have stamina to stand for long periods, have good manual dexterity and be prepared to work unsocial hours.