As veterinary professionals, we all have different career aspirations which drive us to seek out our specialties, location preferences, and work environments. While some may favour metropolitan settings or work within bustling animal hospitals, others enjoy the pace of rural life. But why would working in a rural area be beneficial to veterinarians?
A greater sense of community
Working as a veterinary professional in a rural area can give you a closer connection with your community. In rural areas, people are more likely to know each other and develop close bonds. In turn, you may find that the patients and animals you care for become very much a part of your personal and professional life. Such ties can lead to greater career fulfilment.
Greater diversity in cases
Vets working in rural areas are often exposed to a wider variety of cases and species than those working in suburban or urban environments. Rural pets, livestock, and wildlife face unique challenges that the urban animal population does not. Rural veterinarians are better equipped to deal with a broader range of diseases and health conditions in a wide range of animals.
More Opportunities to Learn and Grow
Working in rural areas, veterinarians are often faced with unique challenges that may not be encountered in urban or suburban areas. This fosters resourcefulness and the ability to come up with innovative solutions to solve problems. Rural vets are often exposed to emergency cases as well as general practice work. The opportunities to learn and grow both professionally and personally are abundant in rural veterinary life.
Competitive Salaries and Recruitment Packages
Veterinary practices may offer recruitment packages and more competitive salaries to attract qualified veterinarians to work there. Rural areas also provide ample opportunities for younger veterinary professionals to step up into management positions or ownership.
Lower Cost of Living
The cost of living tends to be lower than in city areas. This can also make it easier to embark on business ownership opportunities or invest in continuing education or make other investment and/or lifestyle choices.
Making a difference to the community
Country vets make a valuable difference to the community. Regional areas tend to be underserved and require quality veterinary care. Rural veterinary work provides an opportunity to serve the community, save animals’ lives while seeing the impact of such contributions.
Final thoughts
Working as a veterinarian in a rural area has many benefits from building strong relationships with clients and animals to expanding your skills and knowledge. While it may not be for everyone, those who choose this career path find it rewarding in many ways.
If you are re-evaluating your career and lifestyle, take some time to consider working in a rural area. Time for a tree change perhaps?