Why Become a Veterinarian in the Philippines

Veterinary Medicine is probably one of the most underrated professions in the Philippines.

Let’s look at the numbers

According to the latest data available from the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), as of 2021, there are approximately 23,000 licensed veterinarians in the Philippines.

The majority of licensed veterinarians in the Philippines are male, with only around 15% of licensed veterinarians being female. The largest number of licensed veterinarians are located in the National Capital Region (NCR), which includes Metro Manila, with over 4,000 licensed veterinarians. Other regions with a significant number of licensed veterinarians include Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and Central Visayas.

23,000 might seem like a large number, considering that it can fill up the Mall of Asia Arena. But it’s not even 1/4 of the licensed human doctors we have in the country (approximately 178,000).

And since 2010, there has been a significant increase in pet ownership in Filipino households. You probably know a home where there are more dogs living in it that humans. With this, it’s not hard to come to the conclusion that veterinarians are in demand nowadays.

How do you become a veterinarian in the Philippines?

To become a veterinarian in the Philippines, one must complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program in an accredited school. The program usually takes five years to complete, and includes both classroom instruction and practical training. After graduation, aspiring veterinarians must pass the Veterinary Licensure Examination administered by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) to obtain their license.

Some of the most esteemed schools to obtain a DVM are the following:

• Central Luzon State University
• University of the Philippines Los Baños
• Benguet State University 
• Visayas State University
• De La Salle Araneta University

Opportunities in Veterinary Medicine

Veterinarians in the Philippines work in a variety of settings, including private veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, government agencies, and research institutions. Some also work in the agricultural sector, providing health care and disease prevention services to livestock and poultry.

In addition to providing medical care to animals, veterinarians in the Philippines are also involved in public health and food safety initiatives. They work to prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases, which are illnesses that can be transmitted from animals to humans. They also monitor food products of animal origin to ensure their safety and quality.

If you must have an idea how much a veterinarian earns in some of these fields in Manila (the rate can go lower in other regions of the country), take a look at the table below:

Setting	Estimated Monthly Income	Additional Benefits
Private Clinics	Starts at PHP 35,000 for freshly licensed, PHP 40,000 and above for experienced For interns working as vet assistants, it starts at PHP 20,000	Housing, commissions, bonuses, leaves and food allowance
Animal Hospital	Starts at PHP 25,000 for freshly licensed, PHP 40,000 and above for experienced	Housing, commissions, bonuses, leaves and food allowance
City Vet	Around PHP 40,000 and above	Benefits such as HMO, leaves, etc.
Livestock and Poultry	Around PHP 35,000 to PHP 40,000	Corporate benefits such as HMO, leaves, etc.
Academic and Research	Around PHP 50,000 to PHP 60,000	Benefits such as HMO, leaves, etc.

Non-monetary benefits of becoming a veterinarian

Becoming a veterinarian can be a rewarding career that offers a variety of non-monetary benefits, including:

1. Helping animals: One of the most significant non-monetary benefits of becoming a veterinarian is the opportunity to help animals. Veterinarians play a crucial role in promoting animal health and welfare, and helping animals recover from injuries or illnesses.
2. Making a difference: Veterinarians have the opportunity to make a positive impact on their community by improving animal health and welfare. They can also contribute to public health by preventing and controlling zoonotic diseases.
3. Intellectual stimulation: Veterinary medicine is a complex and ever-evolving field that requires continuous learning and skill development. As such, veterinarians have the opportunity to engage in intellectually stimulating work that challenges them to think critically and creatively.
4. Variety in work: Veterinarians have a wide range of career options and can work in different settings, including private practice, research, academia, public health, and more. This diversity of work can provide variety and challenge in one’s career.
5. Interpersonal relationships: Veterinarians have the opportunity to build strong relationships with both their animal patients and their human clients. This can be a source of satisfaction and fulfillment, as veterinarians are able to provide compassionate care and support to both animals and their owners.

Overall, while becoming a veterinarian may not always offer the highest financial rewards, it can provide a variety of non-monetary benefits that can make the career fulfilling and rewarding.

_{*Written with ChatGPT}