How to hire a skilled veterinarian for your clinic

Veterinarians play a key role in helping people take good care of their pets, so hiring the right person for your vet clinic is essential in maintaining client trust and providing animals with the right care.

However, hiring a veterinarian is more challenging than it seems. You need to assess their hard and soft skills and consider their past experience for providing the best possible care for animals. 

In this article, we'll cover some of the most important skills you should look for in a veterinarian and how to assess them with the help of skills tests.

What is a veterinarian?

A veterinarian, often referred to as a vet, is an animal doctor, or a highly trained medical professional specializing in the health and well-being of animals. They work with animals and their owners to diagnose pets’ illnesses and treat injuries, develop treatment plans, and prescribe medications. 

Vets are also responsible for providing preventive care to keep animals healthy. For this, they provide pet owners with guidance on nutrition, vaccinations, regular check-ups, exercise, and overall wellness. 

They help prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases, i.e. diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans, through monitoring, raising awareness, and performing effective disease control measures.

To practice in the US, a vet must have a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited veterinary school. After that, they also need to pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) so that they can apply for a veterinary license from the state where they intend to practice.

What hard skills do veterinarians need?

To be successful, vets need excellent knowledge of veterinary medicine, top diagnostic and surgical skills, and more. 

Veterinary medical knowledge

Beyond general knowledge of veterinary medicine, veterinarians should also have detailed knowledge of various animal diseases, including their etiology, progression, and impact on different species. They work with a variety of animals and must be competent in treating and caring for diverse species.

Whether it's small mammals or reptiles, the veterinarian should be versatile and able to address a wide range of illnesses or traumatic injuries. They should also be up to date with the latest research in veterinary medicine to provide comprehensive and individualized care to animals in line with best practices. 

Diagnostic skills

Veterinarians should have excellent diagnostics skills and should be proficient in using advanced imaging techniques such as X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs. These machines enhance the veterinarian's ability to diagnose complex conditions accurately and prescribe better care.

They should be able to perform and interpret biopsies and endoscopic procedures that help in diagnosing gastrointestinal and respiratory issues. The knowledge of genetic testing will also help veterinarians to identify hereditary conditions and provide tailored treatment plans.

Surgical skills

Apart from routine procedures such as neutering, veterinarians might also need to handle complex treatments and surgeries to save an animal's life. Proficiency in surgical and orthopedic procedures such as treatment of bone fractures, joint repairs, and ligament reconstructions is therefore essential for veterinarians.

Expertise in soft tissue procedures such as organ surgeries or tumor removals is also crucial. 

Look for candidates who can conduct surgeries with minimal trauma and discomfort to the animal.

Pharmacology knowledge

While expertise in surgery speaks volumes about the candidates' skills, they should also have deep knowledge of anesthetic drugs, their dosages, and how to administer them to ensure safe induction and maintenance of anesthesia during surgical procedures.

Nobody wants to see their pets in pain. An ideal veterinarian understands the nuances of pain management and how to use analgesics and alternative methods to relieve your pet's pain. A certification in pain management in the candidate's resume gives them an advantage. 

A veterinarian should also be familiar with all pharmacological treatment options available to treat animals for all kinds of diseases, including chronic conditions and infectious diseases. 

Emergency and critical care management

Emergencies can arise anytime with a pet. Illnesses and injuries from accidents need to be addressed immediately to ensure proper care and effective treatment. Vets also need to assess bites from other animals to prevent infection or substantial damage.

Veterinarians must also know how to perform CPR on animals and also be familiar with advanced life support techniques to help animals in emergency situations like heat strokes, wildfires, or drowning.

What soft skills do veterinarians need?

Veterinarians need to have the right soft skills to provide excellent care. They need to be empathic to owners and animals, communicate effectively, and also be expert problem solvers to accurately address an animal’s medical needs.

Communication

Veterinarians are responsible for taking care of an animal's health, and while a pet might not be able to understand anything, their owners do. Therefore, a veterinarian must be able to convey diagnoses and educate the owners about their pet's health, treatment options, and preventive care.

Active listening and clear communication foster a relationship based on trust between animal owners and veterinarians and empower owners to make informed decisions.

Problem-solving

A veterinarian must be able to think on their feet as they are often presented with unexpected challenges. They must be able to diagnose medical issues quickly and find solutions to complex cases, especially when faced with unique or rare medical conditions.

Teamwork

Look for candidates who understand the importance of collaborating with colleagues and other healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat animals efficiently. They should also be experienced in delegating tasks among the team to optimize efficiency.

Vets often work in a team and must be professional enough to ensure that each team member is working at their best and is following a well-coordinated and collaborative care approach.

Time management

Time management is an essential skill for a veterinarian. They must have an optimized workflow to ensure every animal is taken care of in a timely manner and they are seeing a reasonable number of patients each day. 

Animals also need to take medicines and undergo treatments regularly, and it's the responsibility of the veterinarian to communicate dosages and schedules to the owner.

Client relationship building

A veterinarian should be skilled in maintaining good relationships with their clients as they work together quite often. They take care of sick animals, prescribe medications, and, if needed, perform surgery. Hence, they should earn the owners' trust and maintain positive rapports with them. 

Look for candidates who can effectively manage client expectations, especially in challenging or uncertain situations.

How to test veterinarian skills

Veterinarians are responsible for the health and well-being of hundreds of pets and, hence, you must make a hiring decision after a careful consideration and assessment.

While vets in the US are required to obtain certain degrees and certifications before they can start practicing, it's always helpful to conduct a screening of your own to gauge whether the vet has the right skills to work in your clinic. 

TestGorilla offers pre-employment skills tests that enable you to evaluate every candidate based on pre-set criteria. You can use our ready-made tests or create your own customized assessments to hire the best vet. You can also add qualifying questions to screen out candidates who don’t have the necessary degrees.

Here are some of the tests that you might consider when hiring a veterinarian:

• Communication: Vets should have excellent communication skills to explain animals’ illness, medication schedule, and provide instructions to their owners.

• Time management: Excellent time management is not only necessary for medication management but it also ensures they can see as many animals in a day as possible.

• Critical thinking: Vets are often faced with unexpected challenges and must have the ability to adapt to different animal behaviors and illnesses – and owners’ expectations, too.

• Attention to detail: Not every ailment is visible right away. Vets must have a keen eye for detail to understand and diagnose animals efficiently.

• Leadership & people management: This test evaluates the candidate's ability to lead others within a team and work together to provide the best animal care.

Veterinarian interview questions: What questions to ask vets at the interview

Once you assess applicants’ skills and qualifications, it’s time to invite the best veterinarians to an interview. 

Here are some interview questions you could ask: 

1. What is your approach to preventative care for animals?

2. Explain how you would manage a situation where a treatment plan conflicts with a pet owner's beliefs or financial constraints.

3. How do you ensure the safety and comfort of the animals under your care?

4. How do you approach end-of-life discussions and decisions with pet owners?

5. Tell us about your experience with different types of animals, such as exotic or large animals.

6. How do you manage your time and prioritize tasks in a busy clinic?

7. What is your experience with veterinary software and record-keeping?

8. How would you handle a situation where a pet’s condition unexpectedly worsens under your care?

9. How do you balance the emotional aspects of veterinary care with the practical need to maintain a business?

10. What strategies do you use to manage stress and avoid burnout? 

11. If you suspect animal abuse, how would you handle the situation?

12. Imagine a pet has an allergic reaction to a vaccine you administered. What steps do you take?

13. How would you deal with a misdiagnosis that led to the worsening of a pet’s health?

14. Imagine a situation where you need to perform a procedure you are less familiar with. What would you do?

15. If a pet owner is dissatisfied with your service, how would you address their concerns?

Where to find a veterinarian for hire

When looking for a vet, you might either hire a full-time employee or work with someone on call.

Both have their pros and cons, and which arrangement suits you best depends on whether you own a pet shop, have a veterinary clinic, have a cattle farm, or hire vets to work for your organization. Let's have a look at where you can find vets:

Online job platforms

Online job portals such as Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor are excellent for finding qualified and experienced vets. You can post your job requirements and connect with veterinary groups and associations to expand your reach.

University career centers

University career centers are an ideal source for finding young graduates actively seeking opportunities. You could create an internship program or hire full-time vets.

Recruitment agencies

You can work with recruitment agencies specializing in finding veterinarians to get instant access to their networks of qualified candidates. You can also connect with state and local veterinary associations, such as the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), to streamline your veterinary hiring process.

Specialized job boards and social media platforms

Consider exploring niche websites dedicated to pet care and veterinary advice. You can also join veterinary-related groups or channels on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram and connect with potential candidates.

Veterinarian job description template

Job title: Veterinarian

Location: [Clinic name], [city, state]

Job Type: Full-time/part-time

[Your clinic's name] is a full-service veterinary clinic devoted to providing excellent care to the pets in our city – and excellent service to their owners.

Our clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art technology; we offer a wide range of veterinary services, from preventive care to advanced surgical procedures.

We are seeking a skilled veterinarian to join our dynamic team. You will work alongside a skilled team of veterinary professionals, including veterinary technicians, assistants, and support staff.

Key responsibilities:

• Conduct examinations, diagnose illnesses, and develop treatment plans for animals

• Perform surgical procedures and provide dental care 

• Offer preventive care and vaccinations

• Communicate effectively with pet owners about their pets’ health, treatment plans, and care

• Maintain up-to-date patient records

• Collaborate with the veterinary team to ensure the highest quality of care

• Handle emergency cases efficiently and compassionately

Qualifications:

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited university.

• Valid state veterinary license

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills and a high level of empathy

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

• Proficiency in general veterinary surgery and dentistry

Remuneration and benefits:

[Provide a salary range and describe the benefits you offer]

How much does a veterinarian cost?

Veterinarians’ salaries fall within a wide range, depending on their level of education, expertise, certifications, number of years spent in the profession, the field they practice, additional skills, and more.

According to Salary.com, a veterinarian in the United States earns approximately $106,000 per year on average, with the median range falling between $83,365 and $134,689.

Hire the best veterinarian without bias

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, there are more than 120,000 vets in the United States. Some of them have their own clinical practice, while others work for public or private entities. So, finding the most suitable veterinarian for your vet clinic can be a daunting task. 

TestGorilla is here to streamline your veterinary recruitment process and help find the best person for your clinic. We have a vast test library from which you can hand-pick tests based on your requirements, add custom questions, and quickly shortlist applicants who have the skills you need.

Sounds easy, right? Start your free trial today and find the right veterinarian for your clinic.