Australian veterinarians who work with horses: attitudes to work and career.

This research paper explores the attitudes of Australian veterinarians who work with horses towards their work and career. The study finds that, despite several challenges, most of these professionals are satisfied with their careers and would choose the same path again.

Methods

• The researchers used questionnaires as their primary data collection tool.
• These questionnaires were sent out to 866 veterinarians identified as working with horses.
• A high response rate of 87% was achieved.
• The data collected was processed and analyzed using the SAS System for Windows and Excel spreadsheets.

Results

• Most of the respondents cited their love for horses and the equine industries as key motivations for their career choice.
• Several also mentioned the reward of working outdoors, satisfactory client relationships, and the satisfaction derived from achieving successful outcomes as attractions of the career.
• However, a number of disadvantages were listed, including difficult clients, inadequate facilities provided by clients, clients who could not control their horses or do not care for them.
• The physical demands of the job, risk of injury, time demands, low financial returns, and difficulties collecting payment were also listed as drawbacks.
• Some responses highlighted fears relating to litigation, unethical behavior, and the challenges of recruiting and retaining competent horse veterinarians.
• The survey also revealed concerns among mixed practice veterinarians about the affordability of modern equipment and maintaining their competency with horses.
• Despite these challenges, a significant 75% of respondents reported their careers lived up to their expectations and they would choose to be veterinarians again. This percentage increased to 70% among those specifically in equine veterinary practice.
• There was a high level of satisfaction with the veterinary course, with 93% of respondents expressing that they were glad they had taken it, though some had misgivings.
• The level of job-related stress reported seemed to decrease with age, with older veterinarians reporting less stress and more career satisfaction than their younger colleagues.

Conclusions

• The researchers conclude that despite the challenges, the career of a horse vet has more advantages than disadvantages for most practitioners.
• Additionally, the study indicates that career satisfaction in this field is generally high, and that practitioners tend to appreciate their training.
• It also suggests that with experience (which comes with age), practitioners tend to become less stressed and more content with their career.